Summer Ball Season Winds Down

Older team members, front row, l to r, Jimmy Hamilton, Jake Carver, Hunter Cole; middle row, Blake Ortman, Hunter Deaton, Brody Parsons; back row, Richard Carver, Les Riddle, Josh Crain. Not pictured, Joel Fielek, Thomas Fielek, Wyatt Coffelt, Kenton Tajchman.

Older team members, front row, l to r, Jimmy Hamilton, Jake Carver, Hunter Cole; middle row, Blake Ortman, Hunter Deaton, Brody Parsons; back row, Richard Carver, Les Riddle, Josh Crain. Not pictured, Joel Fielek, Thomas Fielek, Wyatt Coffelt, Kenton Tajchman.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Editor’s Note: The following report on Gravette’s summer baseball and softball program reveals how important these programs are for hundreds of area youth and reveals how so many dedicated volunteers contribute to its success.

Baseball and softball are winding down as a great season comes to a close. Three hundred and twenty-four area youth played on thirty-one Gravette ball teams this summer. This was the first year for the Fall Baseball & Softball camp and a successful one it was. Sixty-seven children and a number of dedicated coaches turned out for six weeks of skills-based, fun-filled ball clinics and scrimmages on Sunday afternoons.

The regular monthly board meeting was held Sunday, October 3, and elections for open positions were held and the positions filled. The new board then discussed withexcitement ways to make next season even better than ever.

John Smith, newly elected Field Maintenance Supervisor/Equipment Manager reported on his efforts to raise support for improving the ball fields.Light poles, concrete, dirtwork, fencing and labor totaling over $6,000 in contributions were just the beginning of what John has been working on.

The board discussed a new T-ball field, backstops and fencing that will relieve the overcrowded practice schedule and allow for better game times. Improvements will also make Gravette a more attractive venue for tournament hosting.

Eight new light poles were donated and set Friday, October 8, by two anonymous donors.

“It is the great generosity of our community, from businesses donating materials and labor to parents and players working on the fields and in the concession stand and the many volunteer coaches who give freely of their own precious timethat makes it possible to build a strong youth ball program here in Gravette,” said Tony Kildow, league president.

Upcoming work days will be announced and anyone willing to help is encouraged and welcome. Dates and information will be posted on our league website at http://leaguelineup.com/gravette. If you’d like to be a part of this Gravette youth program contact Tony Kildow at 787-0520.

Sports, Pages 17 on 10/27/2010