Blue Springs Little League seeks relief from rainouts

Blue Springs Little League Baseball (BSLLB) lost an estimated $40,000 this past summer because of canceled tournaments that were wiped out by the unpredictable Missouri weather, according to league president Frank Atkinson.
Much of that revenue would have been used to upgrade and improve the Blue Springs Little League fields at the American Legion Sports Complex off U.S. 40 just east of the Adams Dairy Parkway intersection.
“Because of the problems we have had in the past – and I’m not just talking about the past summer – teams are reluctant to sign up for our tournaments because of a fear that they will not be played,” Atkinson said. “That’s why we’re doing something to correct the problem.”
So the Blue Springs Little League is seeking help.
With enough funds to renovate Field No. 1 (the field directly south of the concession stand), the league is going to undergo a massive facelift that hopefully will include new fencing, a backstop and lights.
But most importantly, it will include a new field upgrade that will allow improved water drainage and allow it to dry much quicker.
“We’re working with Pros Choice, and one of their representatives will teach us how to crown the field and conduct a clinic that we hope other area league representatives attend so they can learn about Pros Choice products,” Atkinson said.
Pros Choice will donate two tons of their Infield Dressing product at no charge to BSLLB.
It is estimated that 48 tons of Pros Choice Red Infield Conditioner, three tons of clay bricks for the batter’s box and a dirt/sand mixture to crown the fields will be necessary to complete the project.
The estimated cost – if the work is done by volunteers and a local company supplies the necessary equipment – is around $15,000.
“We don’t have $15,000 – and that is the total to upgrade and renovate the entire complex,” Atkinson said. “But we do have the funds to start on one field, and we have selected Field No. 1 because you can’t play on it following a drizzle.
“If someone would like to volunteer their time or their money, they can get on our Web site (www.bluespringsbaseball.org) and follow the links to find out about the project or call me at home (591-7620).
“You know, we not only lose income from tournaments, but when we have a lot of games rained out early in the season, it prolongs the season and means that we’re playing later than families expected, and we’re having vacancies on teams because kids are on family vacations,” Atkinson added.
“This is just something we really, really need. It would be great to be able to do it all at once. But if we have to do it one field at a time, we will.”
Atkinson said a BSLLB Project Account has been set up at the Metcalf Bank on 7 Highway in Blue Springs. Go to the Web site for more information on the account.

FIELD IMPROVEMENTS
The following steps will be provided for each field when the necessary funds are raised:
1. Remove current base pegs, home plates and pitching rubbers.
2. Remove, and store, sod so it can be re-used when crowning is complete.
3. Crown the field with a 1 percent grade from the pitchers mound to the lip of the infield.
4. Add a dressing of Pros Choice (or possibly another clay product) to allow for quicker drying following rain.
5. Roll fields.
6. Spread additional top dressing.
7. Replace base pegs, home plate and pitching rubber.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Sod cutter
Tractor with roto-tiller to till at 3-inch depth
Ride-on-roller
Bobcat
Laser grader