Visiting teams will be pampered in Roswell

By Karen Boehler
Pecos League writer

ROSWELL — A nondescript building just south of downtown Roswell should be the answer to a problem the Invaders had had the past two years: where to house visiting teams.

For the past two years, the hotels in the alien city were expensive, forcing Pecos League commissioner Andrew Dunn to search for something a little more financially in line with other cities. And what he found could have those visiting not wanting to leave after their time in Roswell.

“I think by far this is going to be the nicest place to stay in the league,” said Las Vegas manager Casey Dill. “It’s a huge upgrade for what Roswell had last year. We didn’t have the greatest experience with the host hotel, and to go from where we were last year to here, I think it’s by far going to be the best situation for visiting teams in the league.”

The visitors will be housed in a facility owner Bernice Juarez is hoping to turn into a hostel, but, because of zoning problems, still isn’t able to be used for that purpose. So, after being contacted by Dunn, the Dexter resident offered the homey facility to the league.

“We’re going to accommodate them way cheaper, and at the same time help them while they help us get the business going,” Juarez said. “They said we could rent it to individual people.”

The plain stucco outside belies what’s inside the building.

Tastefully decorated individual rooms will have double beds where the players will sleep. Full shared baths will accommodate all the players, but most hotel rooms offer that. What sets this building apart are the other amenities.

There’s a full kitchen, a dining room off the main kitchen with several microwaves; an entertainment room with a big-screen TV, a big bookcase and plush couches; a complete laundry facility; and a back yard with a barbecue. Plus, Juarez said she might stop by every so often.

“I even told them, occasionally I’m going to get meals going for them and I’m going to have maybe a barbecue; make them some burritos in the evening or something. We’re going to try to accommodate them the best way we can so they’ll help us out,” she said.

“It’s going to save a lot of money,” Dill said. “She’s offered to cook at times when we’re here, and we’re going to work that out. And having a place to do your laundry. This is going to be better than a lot of places the guys live for the summer. I think we’re going to get a little bit spoiled when we’re here in Roswell. It’s going to be sad to leave. I never thought I’d say that,” he laughed.

Juarez owns the facility with her daughter, and earlier this month they were busy putting the finishing touches on both the inside and outside in preparation for the first team to stay: the Train Robbers.

They’ll be arriving May 14 for opening day and a five-game series against the Invaders, and Dill sounds excited.

“We’re going to be the first ones to ever stay here,” he said. “I guess they’ve had this building now for 10 months and she informed us we would be the first people staying here, so we’re excited. After seeing what’s going on here. The experience for every team coming to Roswell has enhanced greatly, and it’s going to be a great thing for Roswell and for the league.”