The return of the Butler BlueSox in 2020 moved another step forward Monday night.

The City of Butler Parks, Recreation Grounds and Facilities Authority voted 5-1 to proceed with the developmental team's participation in the Tri-State Collegiate league, subject to solicitor's approval of the contract

If finalized, the authority would enter into a contract with Core Athletics, a youth baseball program based in Gibsonia, which will bring management, coaches and players along with it.

Core Athletics would bring back the Iron Bucks, which rented the field for home games last year in the same league, but now under the Butler BlueSox name.

“We played here last year. Our guys really enjoyed it, we'd like to come back,” said Shawn Manning, one of the Core Athletic directors. “If being the Butler BlueSox is how we do it, then that's what we'll do.”

Solicitor Tom Breth raised concerns that he had not seen any contracts dispelling the authority from liability issues.

“You're taking a fee from those players, and you're guaranteeing them something. That's liability,” Breth said.

Breth advised the authority to move forward carefully.

“You're the government. You are spending taxpayer dollars,” Breth said. “I don't know if it's a bad idea or a brilliant idea. I'm not a numbers guy. I'm a legal guy.”

Dean Selfridge, director of Michelle Krill Field at Historic Pullman Park, said he has interest in sponsorships if the BlueSox return.

The team left the city in 2018, but Butler retained rights to the name.

Selfridge said the team would have 18 home games next year, and he estimated about 200 people attending per game.

“I think the revenue definitely outweighs the expenditures,” he said.

Selfridge said even on the low end of 100 people per game, the stadium should make money. He said he is also excited to have Butler's own team back in action.

“We've been planning it for a while now,” Selfridge said. “This is truly now a community team.”

Board member Bob Graham took issue with the costs. He said the team's operating budget has the authority breaking even only.

“I am opposed, because I don't think it's fiscal,” Graham said.

The board also approved to advertise for an administration assistant position.

Selfridge said the board should hire someone quickly, so they can take care of scheduling.

“Now we're to the point where we need something,” he said.

Scheduling and data entry were described as core responsibilities for the position, but no further details about the position were available at Monday's meeting.