WSET.com - ABC13General Manager Discusses Future of Hillcats

Reporter: Lauren Compton l Videographer: Steven Smith

Lynchburg,VA - Hillcats owners are considering selling the team to the Atlanta Braves, which would then move it to North Carolina.

But Hillcats General Manager Paul Sunwall says no matter what, there will still be baseball in the Hill City.

The sound of a good hit, cheers from the crowd, and the energy of a good game make Pam Davis a regular at City Stadium.

"I love the atmosphere. I love baseball," said Davis.

For more than 30 years, Davis has come to just about every home game. But the games got even more exciting when the Hillcats became affiliated with the Atlanta Braves.

"I picked the Braves years ago, and I have stuck with them through thick and thin, win or lose. They're just my team," said Davis.

Sunwall says the Atlanta Braves want to buy the Hillcats franchise and move it to Wilmington, North Carolina. The Braves have a contract with the Hillcats until 2014.

"If they buy us they could move us a year earlier if they got the stadium ready in time. But we anticipate being status quo here for the next two years," said Sunwall.

The deal all hinges on Wilmington's ability to fund and build a stadium. But Sunwall says there are perks in the deal for the city and the team. The Braves would pay more than $2 million to cover debt team owners owe the city of Lynchburg for stadium upgrades. And the Braves would help find another team to move in.

"The facility will be used, and the fans will still be able to come out here, and see a lot of games. It may be a little bit different caliber, but it will still be good baseball," said Sunwall.

Sunwall says the deal is not a reflection on Lynchburg, attendance or support. He says it's just business.

The Braves want to have ownership of all of their minor league teams, and the Hillcats are the only affiliate they don't own.