FIELD MAKEOVER
ValleyCats provide a lift to Lansingburgh Little League field
LANSINGBURGH, N.Y. » If you build it, they will come. Whenever they come back, kids at Lansingburgh Little League will be treated to a sparkling fresh new field.
The improved field amenities come courtesy of the Tri-City ValleyCats and their tenth annual ‘4 in 24’ youth field renovation project. Along with their partners BlueShield of Northeastern New York and Hannaford Supermarkets, the ValleyCats project, which was delayed due to restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, has finally allowed to resume, while following NYS and CDC guidelines.
The four leagues to be renovated this year are Lansingburgh Little League, Red Storm Baseball in Stillwater, Shatford Little League, and the City of Watervliet softball field. The project will be focused primarily on the infield surface, with the mission to allow for a safe place to learn and play ball.
The scope of this project includes laying brand new sod, grading and raking the baselines, rebuilding the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas, installing a new pitching rubber, home plate, bases, and more.
“With youth sports beginning to reopen across the region, we are thrilled to be moving forward with this project” ValleyCats General Manager Matt Callahan remarked.
“The need to support our youth by
encouraging safe outdoor activity is more important now than ever. Although the pandemic has changed the look and timeline of this project, we are committed to restoring these fields,” Callahan added.
Troy City Council Member Jim Gulli, who helped out with the field renovations on Thursday, thanked the ValleyCats for digging in on behalf of the “Burghers,” and investing in their future All-Stars.
“The Lansingburgh families are very grateful for the hard work and commitment of Matt Callahan, and the TCVC’s to rebuild one of our little league fields,” Gulli said.
“The field looks great and the kids will be very proud of their updated baseball field,” Gulli added.
Troy Mayor Patrick Madden was also appreciative of the ‘Cats project.
“We appreciate the work of the Tri- City ValleyCats and program partners Hannaford and BlueShield of Northeastern New York to renovate the Lansingburgh Little League field in north Troy. Baseball is an integral part of summer, and restoration of these fields will provide many successful seasons of league play for future generations of youth athletes,” Madden stated.
The efforts are also supported by Admar Construction Equipment , Brightview, Profile Products / Turface Athletics, and SiteOne Landscape Supplies. These organizations are contributing some of the necessary equipment and materials. Additional support comes from ‘ Cats Care, the ValleyCats’ arm of the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation.