South Jersey Field Of Dreams Opens New Season With Record Number Of Players

They played ball for the first time Sunday  on the new field at the South Jersey Field of Dreams.  The South Jersey Field of Dreams, which I always think of as the friendliest baseball field in the world,  is a specially constructed facility designed to meet the needs of physically... or cognitively impaired children.

The South Jersey Field of Dreams,  in the Jonathan Pitney Recreation Park in Absecon, began with about 60 players in 2003.   This season, 241 players from around South Jersey will take part.

Opening Day featured a special appearance by Ronald McDonald , who threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The owners of the South Jersey McDonald's  Restaurants have been big supporters of the Field.  The opening day ceremonies took place under beautiful blue skies on a day perfect for a little baseball.   The football team and the cheer-leading squad from Mainland High School  were on -hand acting as coaches, assisting the players and directing the action.

Founder Barry Hackett refers to the South Jersey Field of Dreams as "a place where it's okay to have a 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".

As always,  seeing a game on the Field of Dreams was a powerful and moving experience. Kids who have never been able to play the game of baseball, reveled at the chance. Their parents watched proudly from the bleachers.

A beautiful new field on the South Jersey Field of Dreams was unveiled during opening day.  The field  got a brand new playing surface and drainage system  during  the off-season.  The new field, a state-of-the- art multilayer  blend of padding and synthetic turf,  will provide increased stability and allow easier movement of wheelchairs, walkers and other handicapped devises.

I'm proud to say that Lite Rock and the Lite Rock Morning Show have supported the South Jersey Field of Dreams since its inception.  You have a chance to support the Field and enjoy a fun night out by coming to the Lite Rock Second Chance Prom, Friday, May 18th, at Renault Winery, Resort and Golf in Egg Harbor City.  See more information and purchase tickets here.