VIRGINIA BEACH

A group of professional baseball players has advanced toward realizing the dream of an indoor sports facility off Dam Neck Road.

The Virginia Beach Planning Commission unanimously voted in favor of 7 Cities Development Co.'s plan for a sports training and therapy center for amateur athletes. Seven Cities is a partnership of current and former Major League Baseball players with local ties, including Michael Cuddyer of the Minnesota Twins; and brothers B.J. Upton of the Tampa Rays and Justin Upton of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Virginia Beach Development Authority last month agreed to sell 7 acres at Dam Neck and Landstown roads for $875,000 to the group and gave it an option to buy an additional 3 acres of adjacent land.

The project is still subject to approval by the City Council.