Local investor Bryan Bostic confirmed yesterday that he is part of a group studying the possibility of bringing a new professional baseball franchise to Richmond.

Mike Berry, general manager of the Richmond Metropolitan Authority, said Monday he has been in contact with two local groups he recognizes as "serious." Berry chose not to identify either.

Bostic five years ago was involved in the Richmond Ballpark Initiative, a group of local businessmen who introduced the concept of a $58 million stadium and ballpark district in Shockoe Bottom. That vision faded without government support. Because there was no firm, accepted plan for a new stadium to replace The Diamond, the Atlanta Braves announced in January that they will pull their Triple-A affiliate out of Richmond after this season and relocate it to Gwinnett County, Ga.

Bostic, 46, yesterday said he continues to believe a downtown stadium would be in Richmond's long-term best interest. He advised patience for those who want a new club in town next season, saying, "Let's not just grab a team and make it work. This is something we really, really need to think through. There is some serious planning to this."

He suggested that if Richmond wants Triple-A baseball, the area may have to wait for it. "We feel we are a Triple-A city," Bostic said, speaking for his group. "But the opportunities are extremely limited [in Triple-A]."

Richmond has been home to Atlanta's Triple-A club since 1966.

-- John O'Connor