From the April 28, 1994 edition of The New Castle Record
Craig County baseball coach Mark Baetz is determined to have the nicest field in the Pioneer District, and he’s getting a lot of help to make that dream come true.
Baetz and a group of interested Craig County men had a work day on September 11 to get their field of dreams in order. Baetz was impressed with the turnout, and pleased with the results.
“We had a bunch of folks out there,” he said. “I’m excited about the turnout. I really appreciate everyone who came out to help.”
The main focus of the day was rightfield, where the infield used to be. That area had never come around when the field was repositioned so that the sun wasn’t in the pitcher’s eyes.
Although grass had been planted in right, it was very rough and not of the quality of the rest of the field. Baetz and friends chopped up the ground in right and reseeded the entire outfield, concentrating heavily on right.
The group also put a ton and a half of “Turface,” a special dirt for baseball fields, on the Craig yard. Baetz reported that infield’s in great shape, and by spring the outfield will match it. They also redid the mound.
“I think we’ll definitely have the nicest field in the district,” he said. “I really appreciate everyone’s help. This could never be a reality without these concerned people.”
Among those helping were Kenny Hardin, Scott Jones, Jerry Crawford, Roger Clarkson, Dallas Fisher, Tom Britts, Bob Boardwine, and many of their children. Some members of the baseball team also came out to help.
The next matter of business for the filed will be lights. Raffle tickets were sold to raise money for the lights and the winner will be announced this weekend at the fall festival. All the tickets were sold.
“They’ve been getting estimates for the lights,” said Baetz. “I’m hoping to have them for this season, then maybe we can start hosting some tournaments.”
-Prepared by Shelly Koon
