The Long Time Field Anchors Austin’s Growing Sandlot Baseball Community

March 5, 2026

On a recent afternoon at The Long Time, players in denim jerseys warmed up while a local band played under a large oak and families spread blankets on the outfield grass. The venue sits in East Austin, just beyond the city limits, and Sanders built much of its infrastructure from salvaged wood and metal, including a dugout repurposed from a chicken coop.

Sanders started the Texas Playboys in 2006 and opened The Long Time as a permanent field in 2017. What began with roughly a dozen sandlot teams in Austin before 2020 has grown to nearly 30 city squads today, and organizers say hundreds of teams now play informal sandlot games across North America.

The site mixes casual baseball with neighborhood ritual: dogs roam the dugout, hot dogs are grilled on-site, and players and spectators trade high-fives after games. Sanders treats baseball as a stage for social connection, and he gives each season a theme while keeping official standings and leagues out of the picture.

That ethos draws visitors from other cities; teams travel from places like Nashville, St. Louis, and Baltimore, and notable guests have included musician Jack White and politician Beto O'Rourke. Former professional players also show up from time to time, and local Major League talent has participated in games.

Sandlot activity at The Long Time also carries a service component modeled on a formative experience Sanders had with a community team in Newbern, Alabama. Through the Steppin' Up to the Plate initiative, organizers estimate they have raised about $200,000 for local nonprofits, and game days commonly host nonprofit tables and fundraising efforts.

Sustainability has become part of the operation, led by facilities manager Matt Orr, who helped implement on-site sorting, a reusable cup program, and hand-sorting of compostable material. Organizers say the site approaches near-zero waste during a season thanks to those systems and volunteer labor.

Beyond East Austin, sandlot organizers convened more than 70 teams at a Sandlot Revolution Summit in May 2025 at Scholz Garten, where participants discussed inclusion, culture building, and how to balance fun with competitiveness. Howard Carey, a longtime organizer, maintains a public database of sandlot teams and runs a local batting cage where many groups practice.

Sandlot baseball in Austin now includes teams tied to workplaces, breweries, and identity groups, from the Beermakers to the Austin Drag Baseball Club, as well as high-profile rosters like the Moontowers, whose membership has included business and cultural leaders. Organizers say the low barrier to entry and emphasis on enjoyment keep the movement growing and connected.