Veterans Memorial Park {Part 1 - Baseball}

Nearly every weekday evening and weekend day from April through June, there are many boys scattered throughout the Union parks playing a game of baseball or having a practice. And with 560 boys playing on just 5 game fields, it gets a little crowded.

A team of t-ball boys getting ready to take the field.

I was a little overwhelmed myself when I heard the number of boys playing baseball this year...560 baseball gloves to get home each night, 46 teams to run the bases, 1,120 sweaty socks thrown in the laundry, and thousands of parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family who come into Union to watch these sweet boys play a wonderful game of baseball.

Coaches (aka Dads and Moms) are integral to the league's success.

So one section of the proposed Veterans Memorial Park is for additional baseball fields - 4 regular size and 1 tournament size. And with the rate the baseball program is growing, the league is beyond the desperation point. Consider that just 4 years ago, there were approximately 400 players, according to Jim Jedrey, league organizer. That is a 40% increase!

A few more facts from Jedrey about the program:

• participating boys are ages 4 years to 18 years old
• roughly 200 adults volunteer for managing and coaching
• 450 of the players are from Union
• 110 players are from 12 towns in the surrounding area

Not only are these boys having fun playing one of the greatest games, but they are learning important life skills:

• teamwork
• focus
• positive attitude
• following instructions
• playing by the rules
• listening
• good sportsmanship
• and more

Good sportsmanship begins early.

On Tuesday, June 5th, the Proposition Park will be on a ballot for registered voters to decide if they want a small sales tax to fund the building of this amazing park in Union. The sales tax is a mere one-half cent. What does that calculate to?

• on a $4 hot dog from the Hot Dog Man - 2 cents extra
• on a $35 order of pizza from Benito's - 17.5 cents extra
• on a $95 prom dress from Margo's A Wedding Place - 47.5 cents extra
• on a $175 grocery bill at Frick's - 87.5 cents extra

The little bit of extra change from each person shopping in Union adds up to an amazing park for not just our residents, but for the surrounding area.

Up next: more on the other areas of the 43.8 acre Veterans Memorial Park...walking trails, splash pad, pavilions, playground, soccer and football fields, and more.

All those dirty socks...

"Baseball" - by Marcink Designs

Author: Tyann Marcink

Photos by: Marcink Designs