Field becomes a dream come true
Nobody likes to see a game called off because of weather or weathered field conditions, but like some clouds a silver lining lurked in a small storm that exposed Field No. 3 of Debbie Pittman Park in need of a relief pitch.
Yet, relief arrived Saturday as a rehabbed field welcomed back the Imperial Valley Girls Softball League (IVGSL). It was two years ago the exposed field full of alkali was so dusty, players couldn’t breathe, or if irrigated, became slick as an ice rink. It was hard to stand up, noted James Clark, president of IVGSL.
Clark negotiated a deal with the Board of Supervisors then president Jack Terrazas, a former little league coach. IVGSL managed a grant for $15,000. But they still needed another $15,000 for full restoration. With help from the IVGSL board, organized raffles, tournaments and community donations, this field of dreams turned green come spring training 2017.
“It was a pleasure to work with James [Clark],” said Terrazas. “I’ve never see a board so well organized. You guys really put it together and I admire your effort.”
Granite Construction was the first business to step up to the plate providing labor and laser equipment. Elms Equipment also provided tools. Havens and Sons offered trucks as well as a disposal site, which they hauled off 89 loads of unsuitable soil and trucked in 49 loads of topsoil. Jimmy Abatti provided a laser controlled box scrapper to level the outfield and later the infield and Imperial Valley Aggregates donated 125 tons of washed plaster sand for the infield. Also, Mike Meza brought his own backhoe to help with finer excavation and Hanson Aggregates offered specially blended red infield clay. Once in place, IVGSL volunteers planted a Bermuda hybrid grass.
El Centro Mayor Alex Cardenas, who presented IVGSL with a proclamation, noted the effort was a signature relationship in improving the quality of life in the city. “This is an amazing job,” said Cardenas. “We’ve learned to listen and this is a resource the community wants to invest in. It is a testament to the young ladies who will go on to college and careers thanks to your interest.”
Singled out for praise was Charlie Bennett, IVGSL president from 1975 to 1984 and was responsible for building Fields No. 3 and 4 in the mid80s. “After [CA] Proposition 13 there was no money,” recalled Bennett. “But with all the volunteers, the results are astounding.” Added his wife, Adana, “It’s good to see IVGSL improving and encouraging to see the participation of parents and students.”
Looking forward to the new field was the Sweet Sluggers third base infielder, Pia Espinoza, who said, “The field is much better than last year.” Added her mother, Elvira Escobar, “They really fixed it up, but Pia doesn’t just practice here, she has fun and makes lots of friends.”
Sweet Sluggers coach Yahaira Lopez praised Clark for going extra innings to get the field restored. “It’s now up to regulation, but the biggest benefit: it’s safer for players and coaches,” she said.
Desert Divas coach, Joe Rodriguez remarked volunteers made it a pristine field. “Now it will attract a lot more girls to participate,” he said. Added his daughter Joana, “The pitcher’s mound is much better this year.”
Noted Omar Bravo, father of Andrea, who competed in the home run derby (and knocked one over the fence) that all the fields look great, especially compared to other parks.