Renovation up: Build it and they will come
The Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium could end up returning to its old glory if plans to renovate the historic ballpark pushes through after the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Philippine Amateur Baseball Association president Chito Loyzaga said pertinent details will be up for discussion with the Philippine Sports Commission as the baseball federation hopes to see the 85-year-old stadium get a much-needed facelift.
“It’s part of the overall renovation of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex,” said Loyzaga. “We should know when the PSC plans to begin the renovation after the SEA Games.”
Loyzaga didn’t reveal details but PABA has already planned on making use of the padding walls used during the baseball competitions held at The Villages in Clarkfield, Pampanga.
Whether other improvements such as additional flood lights, among others, will be made remain a question though.
The ballpark stood silent during the Games as the roar of the crowd was mostly heard at the nearby Coliseum , Football Stadium and the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Organizers opted to hold baseball and softball games in Clark where six fields and several batting cages and bullpen were available.
It was a complete opposite to the country’s hosting of the 2005 Games when fans filled the Rizal ballpark as the PH team beat Thailand for the gold.
That moment was among the recent celebrated anniversaries of the stadium.
New York Yankee greats Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth hit the first two homers of the ballpark in Dec. 1934, feats that are still recognized with their names placed above the outfield walls.