Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
The all-American sport continues to draw people, even from past years onto its field.
A few months ago, Leah Hale made a post on social media about “how much fun it would be to play softball again.”
Little did she know how many Craig County High School alumni would comment.
On Saturday, July 8, starting at 3 p.m., there will be a ‘first’ alumni softball tournament at the Field of Dreams in Craig County, located at 270 Old Railroad Ave.
They shared that it all began with Leah Hale and Heather Stover talking about what a great way to raise money for the Field of Dreams and Recreation Sports for the kids of Craig County.
“It started out with just a handful of people wanting to play a game and now it’s over 80-90 players participating!” Sloss exclaimed. “They are all volunteering their day to play softball to raise funds for the kids in the county.”
Coordinators for the event are: Leah Hale—game coordinator, Heather Stover—CCRCA youth softball coordinator in charge of umpires, volunteers and coordinating, and Sheri Sloss—sports director for CCRCA in charge of food/beer and coordinating.
Now they are having a full-fledged event with concessions, including beer. However no outside coolers will be permitted.
To enter, those who plan to attend must be a Craig County High School alumni who has graduated and be 18 years of age or older. (However, those who are a graduated senior of 17 years of age may also play.)
There are four men’s teams and four women’s teams, and the games will start at 3 p.m. Gates will open at 2:15 p.m.
The schedule:
- Team 1 vs Team 2 Women’s – 3 p.m.
- Team 1 vs Team 2 Men’s – 3 p.m.
- Team 3 vs Team 4 Women’s – 4:15 p.m.
- Team 3 vs Team 4 Men’s – 4:15 p.m.
- Winner of both Women’s teams Championship game – 5:30 p.m.
- Winner of both Men’s teams Championship game – 5:30 p.m.
The men’s and women’s softball games will be played at same time on fields side by side. (Everyone will be playing softball, even the men.)
Sloss shared that at this time Field of Dreams has three complete fields and all three are being used for softball, youth baseball or T-ball.
The fourth field is in the process of being completed which will allow adult baseball/softball and boys baseball ages 12 and up.
“We have needed this field complete for a long time,” Sloss said. “CCRCA just ordered the fence for the fourth field. However, funds for dugouts, laying out, maintenance for the field are still needed.”
She added that in the outfield of fourth field will be the first ever youth football field, which is another project they are working on.
“We hope to have our concessions building completed before the alumni game which will be our grand opening for it!” Sloss said.
Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Preschool and under are free.
They will be selling hotdogs, hamburgers, drinks, chips and candy.
“And for this special event we will be selling beer on premises only for 21 years of age and older and no outside coolers are permitted,” she added.
They will have a 50/50 raffle with 100% of all proceeds to benefit Recreational Sports and Field of Dreams.
“We encourage everyone to bring a chair!” Sloss shared. “We have expectations of this being a big event.!”
There is also now a large playground area for the kids to enjoy.
Some local businesses have donated to sponsor this event, however anyone wishing to sponsor, or volunteer may contact Sheri Sloss.
“This has been a project in the works for months. A lot of volunteers are needed to make this happen as not only there will be 80-90 players but over 30 volunteers working admissions, concessions, games etc.,” Sloss said. “Without volunteers are program wouldn’t survive.”
To donate or volunteer, contact Sheri Sloss at (540) 580-4193 or Heather Stover at (540) 580-2567.
Sloss has personally been involved with the CCRCA for over 15 years.
“This is a huge event for us!” she exclaimed. “This will be the biggest event for Field of Dreams we have ever had, so we encourage everyone to come out, watch some of your favorite community members play some ball, enjoy some food and a beer, and check out the Field of Dreams and all of its progress!”