Jaycee fields to get big league makeover

By Kim Guffey                                                                                            Sunday, March 6, 2005
Messenger staff writer

This spring, Athens youth baseball players will have the chance to play at Fenway Park, Crowsley Field and Wrigley Field -- and still make it home in time for supper.

The Athens Sandlot Baseball League began renovations Saturday on three baseball fields at Jaycee Fields on West State Street with plans to turn them into replicas of famous ball diamonds.

"The uniqueness of the complex will draw visitors from around the region in weekend tournaments," Sandlot president Bill Fournier said.

The first of a three-phase project, board member Mike Rider said the $250,000 project will include lighting, bleachers, homerun fences and dugouts on the three fields. It will also include the renovation of other fields in the fall, as well as the creation of two new T-ball fields.

Rounding out the roster on the replica fields will be Yankee Stadium's Monument Park, which will be recreated with baseball standouts from Athens County, according to a press release.

Rider said the group has already raised about $52,000 in donations to pay for the project. However, he said the total cost estimate of $250,000 is skewed because it includes the cost of labor, which is all being donated by local contractors. Nearly all of the money raised has been from private donations, Rider said. Major contributors include Diagnostic Hybrids, Inc., Ohio Realty, Hocking Valley Bank, Rider Insurance and the Schwarzel family. The group is also applying for various grants to help foot the bill, Rider said.

Board members of the Sandlot League, a no-cut instructional league for children ages 7 and up, said they are excited to get started on the renovations.

"The Sandlot League is picking up what the Jaycee's started 40 years ago," treasurer Kevin Schwarzel said.

"This will be a one-of-a-kind complex," Fournier said.

The Sandlot League began in 2004 and had about 100 players last season, according to the release. This year's season will include a new 7-and-8-year-old coach-pitch division.

"Sandlot's ultimate goal is to give players the knowledge and love for the game to pass on to their children," Schwarzel said.

Rider encouraged those interested in contributing to the project to visit the group's Web site at http://www.athenssandlot.com or email donate@athenssandlot.com