The GLL efforts to improve the Brookmeadow field were once again in full swing on 01/09/12 with a delivery of new infield mix.  Thanks to the frozen ground in early January, a 10 wheeler dump truck was able to reach the field and dump the dirt near second base.  Rob Nixon from Laurel Hill Landscape was then able to spread the majority of the dirt with a bobcat, and the manual spreading around the edges and in the base paths was completed by volunteers.  With the installation of a new home plate after the dirt has settled, the Brookmeadow field will be looking awesome!

For Grafton Little League players, we are currently in the “off season”, but that doesn’t hold true for Field Maintenance workers.  On November 13, 2011, Director of Fields Steve Pope led a small crew of workers at Airport Field in a leaf cleanup effort.  Steve Pope and Jason Pope got to the field early and started the cleanup process with a leaf blower and a lawn tractor pulling a leaf sweeper.  Jason took command of the tractor and swept the field and large areas while Steve worked the blower around fences and dugouts.  Before long, Bill Keeler, Declan Keeler, and Dave Salvatelli joined the team and helped speed along the work.  All the leaves were cleared away in about two hours, and the field will recover nicely in the spring when the snow melts and the grass can get the fresh air and sun again.  On behalf of Grafton Little League, thank you everyone who made today’s essential work a quick job.

The Brookmeadow baseball field is getting some much needed attention this fall.  Field Director Steve Pope spent November 12th and 13th making improvements to the base paths.  The narrow base paths simply were not adequate for GLL players, and they needed to be widened.  The 18-24″ wide paths have now been opened up to 42″ wide, still under the Little League limit of 72″ wide.  Players will notice the difference when they return to play in the spring, and coaches who maintain the field after each game will welcome the ability to get the drag mat down the paths now. 

First base line being widened

Widened base path, view from third base

Other edges of the infield were cleared on November 20th in preparation for the new infield mix coming.  Preparation for the delivery is key in making the project go smoothly.

Repaired edge from 2nd to 3rd

Unrepaired edge from 2nd to 1st

Further updates to the field are also happening.  Actions necessary to control flood waters that incapicate the field after heavy rains will also begin in the next couple of weeks.  Controlling the flood water is a huge step toward making Brookmeadow a beautiful and enjoyable field for all to use.  Watch for further updates and pictures!

Grafton Little League is sponsoring a FREE Fall Baseball Clinic Saturday, October 22, at 1:00 p.m. at the Ferry Street Baseball Complex. The clinic is open to boys and girls ages 4-6. The session will last one hour and players will be taught how to properly field, throw and hit. Grafton Little League’s T-Ball Division is open to any boy or girl ages 4, 5 or 6 (must be 4 by April 30th).

Note that 4-year old’s have been added! Any child turning age 4 by April 30, 2012 is eligible to play in Little League.

Who: Grafton Little League boys and girls, ages 4 through 6.

What: FREE Fall T-Ball Baseball Clinic
Where: Ferry Street Baseball Complex
When: Saturday, October 22, 1:00 p.m.
Why: Grafton Little League is hoping to introduce the great game of baseball to the future generation of players.

If you have any questions about the clinic please contact Grafton Little League’s T-Ball Division Vice President Ken Papetti at: ken.papetti@am.jll.com

Here’s a flier detailing the clinic.