Don DiCarlo

“This market is special. It’s filled with young families who want a good atmosphere to raise their kids. That’s what minor league baseball brings--three hours of interaction with the family. It helps build that family unit.”

NAME: Don DiCarlo

AGE: 50

HOME: Port Hueneme

PROFESSION: Owner, Pacific Suns minor league baseball team.

LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Since leaving Palm Springs for Oxnard a year ago, DiCarlo and his team have concentrated on two key goals: securing a home field and rehabilitating the team’s image. Forced to sit out the 1997 season, the Suns traded in racy promotions for good, old-fashioned community volunteerism with charities and elementary schools. The efforts brought praise from the City Council and promise of a home field at Oxnard College. College officials vote on the deal in early January.

GOALS FOR 1998: DiCarlo hopes to see his team post a winning season on the field and at least break even financially. Long-range plans include a permanent home for his nomadic Suns--beyond the temporary accommodations planned at the college. He dreams of a new 6,000-seat stadium, and isn’t limiting his horizons to Oxnard. DiCarlo is trying to find a developer to finance his project.