August 1 has arrived and still no activity has started on the new Cal State Bakersfield baseball practice facility. The word is that construction is expected to begin at any time, but that's been the case for nearly two months now.

In mid-May, organizers hoped to begin construction by the end of May. But delays, much of it due to having as much work done on a volunteer basis as possible, has delayed things beyond what anyone would hope to see.

But it eventually will get done. CSUB is committed to baseball starting up in the 2008-09 academic year. It's just going at a snail's pace.

Coach Bill Kernen wants to have his first season's games on the on-campus practice facility. At least Sam Lynn Ball Park is available as a possible alternate playing site if the delay continues indefinitely.

College baseball will start in February; the Blaze doesn't start its season until early April, so there are alternatives.