If you build it will they come? That turn on the phrase from the baseball fantasy film, “Field of Dreams” is an apt question as we consider the likelihood that another casino will be brought to Natchez.

The “if” has been a big concern of would-be Natchez casino developers for more than a decade.

Since the early 1990s, developers have tried to make the numbers work out so they can make a go of it. So far, no one has been able to get the math right.

Today, two developers are working to open doors to new casinos — the Lane Company at the Roth Hill Road site and the Emerald Star Casino group seeking to put a boat just below the former Ramada Inn Hilltop site.

The City of Natchez is banking heavily on the promises of millions and millions in gaming-generated goodies for the city, or “Cracker Jacks” to keep the baseball analogy in play.

And while these two developers seem much more serious, much more capable than countless others who have sought similar deals in the past, the game isn’t over yet. It’s not even the ninth inning.

Sure, it’s exciting as the momentum has shifted our way and we’re leading the scoring, but we’d all be wise to keep our eyes on the ball.

While we wait for the perfect pitch to knock out of the park, we need to keep working at getting economic base hits by continuing to develop small business growth, fostering additional retail outlets and improving the area’s quality of life.

Working on those fundamentals, building the basics will make our community better, regardless of who comes to town.