New Field, New Season at South Jersey Field Of Dreams-Join Lite Rock Sunday

It's time to play ball again on South Jersey's most welcoming baseball field, the South Jersey Field of Dreams. Everyone is invited to attend the opening day ceremonies and the first games of the season this Sunday, April 29th at 12:30p.m.  The South Jersey Field of Dreams is a specially constructed baseball... facility designed to meet the needs of physically or cognitively impaired children. The Field of Dreams is one of the jewels of South Jersey.  A baseball field where those kids who have never been able to play the game are the stars!  The field is located… in the Jonathon Pitney Recreational Park in Absecon.

Participation in the league is free.  Children from all over South Jersey are invited to join the fun.  Registrations are still being accepted at  southjerseyfieldofdreams.com.  For more information contact Fran Northridge at (609) 645-9797 or Barry Hackett at (609) 641-1706

If my recollection is correct, this is the 7th opening day at the  South Jersey Field of Dreams. I was there for the grand opening that first year, and I still remember immediately realizing the power of this very special baseball field.  I've been back for most of the opening day since, and every year the operation of the field becomes a more well-oiled machine.  The hard-working and truly dedicated volunteer staff are to be applauded!

This year's new attraction is a brand new field on the South Jersey Field of Dreams. I have included a letter from Barry Hackett, the founder of the S.J. Field of Dreams explaining what was done to the field and why.  The letter is very interesting and thorough.  Please join me for the action of Opening Day this Sunday at the South Jersey field of Dreams!    Eddie

Here's is Barry's letter about the new field...

Two years ago we noticed the wear on the field as well as the seams separating.  Our natural concern was for the safety of our special players as well the other groups who use our field on a continuous basis.

We called some of the local unions to repair the seams for safe play. We could live with the wear on the carpet but the seams had to be repaired. The unions came through and we salvaged two more years out of our artificial surface.

However, we knew that the field would have to be re-surfaced and based upon our past experience, we knew it would be costly.  We tested many different surfaces and colors – always keeping in mind that the new surface must allow easy movement of wheelchairs, walkers, “any” type of handicapped devices.  Also, it must be safe for the falls of the many players who would use this field, both handicapped and not.

Our search landed us in Dalton, Georgia the home of where 90% of all outdoor surfaces are made, and a salesman (Wes Miller, Controlled Products) who understood what was needed for our type of player. After months of samples, e-mails, phone calls the surface and colors were selected.

The field was developed using the most advanced technology available, in order to enhance performance and playability.  The surface of the field is comprised of a multi-layer blend of polethelyne and nylon fibers.  The synthetic turf also features a multi-layer backing system that provides increased stability.  The next layer is comprised of an 8mm thick pad.  The combination of these two systems allows for the beautiful lush green look desired for athletic fields, with the added softness, increased performance, quality, and stability required for these activities.  Overall the Field of Dreams resulted in the best feel, performance and safety needed to insure the best possible playing surface for these athletes.

After the decision was finally made “reality” set in and we needed to figure out how to pay for it!!!  Our organization had been setting aside monies for major repairs – but not to this extent.  We needed a 'capital fund-raising project' in addition to our operating fund-raising events (2nd Chance Prom, Grants, St. Patrick's Day Run, etc).  A local motorcycle club (AC HOGS) had become very involved in volunteering at the “Field” and had suggested we consider raffling of a Harley –Davidson.  Although this was beyond our 'comfort zone', the Board and our extraordinary volunteers took on the challenge.  Over a 6 month period, 2000- $20 tickets were sold to provide 50% of the cost of the new field.  As the Harley Raffle was underway, a grant was applied for to our Guardian Angel "Dreammaker"....Ronald McDonald Charities.  With the support of the Traa family, the McDonald group matched our efforts dollar for dollar for 3rd time in 10 years.

The installer was selected Joe Nickels a local guy who represents North Eastern floors the final details and schedules were put into place. A lot of hard work had to take place and many occupations joined together in this effort to make the South Jersey Field of Dreams’s “Dream” come true. With the help of Troy Blevin & Eric Smith - BAAMCOE Construction, Blair Henry, Old Cape, Frank Phillips -Teamsters Local 331 & Union Riders Alliance, Ralph Pappas - Greentree Construction, Steve Anthony - Anthony Demolition and many other local volunteers joined forces for one goal – to help our special players have a one of a kind field – their own field!!!!

During the first year of 2003, 60 special players walked, rolled or were pushed onto the Field of Dreams and their faces justified the efforts as each player batted, ran the bases and finally crossed the plate to the applause of hundreds of fans.  By 2011, the Field of Dreams has grown to 12 teams and over 220 players. In spite of the growth, the project remains financially sound  because the momentum of care from the community has not faltered a step.  The FOD Organization has now assisted other similar groups in an advisory fashion and other “Field of Dreams Complexes” are open or in development throughout the United States.  The South Jersey Group has provided advice, assistance, drawings, and specifications for these additional complexes free of charge, just as a Atlanta Group had helped the SJ Field of Dreams. These Fields will also be a place where it is okay to have disability, a “Field” where the sun shines on our special players, a “Field” that is not competitive, just a special place for our special players.

Yearly expansion has become the norm and the focus of the Board of Trustees of the FOD has advanced from initiation and capital campaigns to operations, improvements and expansions of amenities for the distinct privilege of improving opportunities and quality of life amenities to our players, our families, and our communities.

The South Jersey Field of Dreams Board of Trustees stands ready to help other groups in any way possible. Always remember, “Build it and they will come”.