• By the Advocate Editorial Board
• Originally published June 22, 2010 at 4:48 p.m., updated June 22, 2010 at 4:55 p.m.

Many parts of the country, including some very close to home, have been hit hard by the economic downturn of the past few years.

Once-flourishing-communities have seen businesses boarded up, lots emptied and houses forever on the market.

The world's wealthiest nation hit a bit of a bump in the road.

It's a story very similar to that of baseball's recent history. After decades as America's Pastime, professional scandal and the rising popularity of other sports - especially football - seemed like they were about to put the nail in the coffin for baseball.

Here in Victoria, folks began to talk about how the sport was dying locally, too. Many thought the town had seen its best baseball days pass it by.

Then, a few years ago, a group called "Friends of Baseball" decided they would resurrect the sport in Victoria. Winston Wheeler, Jack Daniel, Anna Daniel and others saw Riverside Stadium refurbished and usable for baseball.

And is it ever usable now. The stadium hosts local high schools, the University of Houston-Victoria, and the Generals of the Texas Collegiate League. A site that was once an afterthought is now the epicenter for baseball in the city.

And it could be creating benefits for both the sport and the livelihood of Victoria's economy.

This summer, like last, has seen the stadium regularly packed for Generals games. Thanks to creative promotions and legitimately talented athletes - many of whom are homegrown - the team seems to be generating a dedicated fan base, and in turn, the potential for long-term profitability.

Four factors have been keys to the team's success in drawing fans.

The first two are all about the game. The Generals bring in athletes from major universities with potential major league talent, so the product is more than legitimate. Secondly, many of the players are from the area. Whether they're former Memorial stars (like Mark Hudson), UHV favorites (like David Baker) or just other young men who call South Texas home, fans are able to feel a sense of familiarity with the team.

The other two have more to do with the overall experience of the game. The creative promotions are enough to bring in even non-traditional baseball fans. Whether they're advertising drink specials, giveaways or any other promotion, the Generals have success getting the crowd involved. The other important factor is, again, Riverside Stadium. It's the city's hub for baseball activity, and it's a comfortable place to take in a game.

The Friends of Baseball, the Generals, UHV and everyone else in this community who made it their goal to revive baseball should be applauded for the work they've done.

The economy might be hurting across the country, and baseball might be hurting just as much. But thanks to important work done by members of this community, both seem to have a bright future in Victoria.

This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate's editorial board.

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