VIRGINIA BEACH

A major league plan to build an indoor sports complex for amateur athletes took another step forward Tuesday when a city agency agreed to sell the land the facility needs.

The Virginia Beach Development Authority voted to sell seven acres at Dam Neck and Landstown roads to a group comprised of current and former Major League Baseball players. The price was $875,000, plus 7 Cities Development Company LLC has an option to buy another three acres of adjacent land. The deal needs City Council approval, which could happen this summer.

Plans show the facility as a venue where baseball players could train on a regulation-size infield, and batting and pitching tunnels. The proposal also calls for a sports therapy component to help amateurs in different sports improve their agility, and physical rehabilitation.

Councilwoman Rosemary Wilson, who sits on the authority board, said the complex is an extension of the athletic village concept at Princess Anne Commons, a development corridor along Princess Anne Road.

Tim Hummel, a retired major leaguer who played at Old Dominion University, said his group chose the Beach because “this is everybody’s hometown.” Hummel’s partners include current MLB stars and locals B.J. and Justin Upton, Ryan Zimmerman and Michael Cuddyer.