After 14 years in business, Fresno World of Baseball is shutting its doors.

Owner Jeff Johnson said March 24 will likely be the last day for the popular indoor batting cage, training center and retail store at 5091 N. Fresno St.

Johnson said that while the decision to close was not easy, he and his wife are relocating to Seattle or the Bay area for health reasons.

"We have had a good run here," Johnson said. "But my wife needs to be in a cooler climate."

Johnson said he had been trying to sell the business since September.

"We had several serious buyers, but the latest one was unable to strike a deal with the new landlord," said Johnson. "So we decided to close it down."

Over the last several weeks, Johnson has been selling the 13 pitching machines. Some of the equipment has gone to San Jose, San Luis Obispo and elsewhere in the Valley.

"It's as much work shutting down a business as it is opening one up," Johnson said.

World of Baseball employs two full-time workers and 10 part-timers. Among Johnson's former employees was Fresno State standout Jordan Ribera, who is now with the Colorado Rockies organization.

"It has been fun to see some of those young players come through here," Johnson said.

Johnson said he is not sure what will happen to the 16,000-square-foot space. The Santa Monica-based owner of the property could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Parents who have taken their children to the batting cages are already lamenting its loss.

"Of course, it is going to be missed," said John Wagnon of Fresno. "When my boys were younger we would be there several times a week."

View Fresno World of Baseball closing in a larger map