I love baseball. My memories of Little League through high school baseball are filled with making life-long friends, great coaches, learning, fun, and all that comes with hitting that ball and sliding into base.
After retirement, inspired by my childhood memories, I decided I wanted to pay back a bit of that childhood and volunteer to help maintain a baseball field the Grand Rapids Y uses for its Ted Rasberry Youth League. My idea had two goals: 1) keep the dugouts and infield free of debris and weeds throughout the summer so the kids, their coaches, and families can focus more on the fun. 2) I would create a template to work from for other volunteers who would like to do a similar project.

I met with Allison Sides, the Director of Sports at the Y and she gave me a field I could help maintain. The city of Grand Rapids mows and trims the outfield and I manicure the dugouts and areas around the home plate backstop.
Each time I stop at the field to do a bit of weeding, raking, and picking up, I reminisce about my time playing ball. It’s quick and easy, helps keep me active, and gives the kids a space to play ball they can be proud of. Thank you, YMCA for all you do to give kids a chance to make friends, learn some new skills, and have fun.

I also contribute financially to the Y’s sports access program. The Y does a fantastic job in the community, I want to be sure they have my support! Join me in financially supporting the Y and helping upkeep your local Y baseball fields!