The New Pavilion

Dave Dittler, one of the last remaining members of the old gang from before the Y2K scare, deserves a huge round of applause for nearly single-handedly building the new pavilion. Attached to the building between the two fields, it is the final piece of the field renovations began back in 1995 when Tony Colangelo christened the concession stand. Over the last 13 years, the complex has undergone a complete overhaul, with new dugouts and fencing, batting cages, and a new T-Ball field among the many achievements. Through it all, there was one constant, Dave Dittler.

So, when the summer heat, or a sudden rainstorm, forces you under the roof for a little relief, think of Dave Dittler. GO DAVE!!!

A Facelift for McGibbeny Field

Since this is a moment for Kudos, thanks to Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, along with several others, for their efforts in helping to move the administrative process along and get the much needed renovations moving on Danny McGibbeny Field. The field, first laid out in 1977, had taken quite a beating over the past thirty years. This is the first comprehensive overhaul to Brookline Park's largest ballfield. The outfield has been leveled and new fencing has been installed. The infield has been returned to its original dimensions and the field itself has been enlarged to accomodate both football and baseball with less wear and tear. The new configuration should benefit both the BLLA and the Brookline Knights football program. A very good thing! Just ask the Knight's President, Coach Joe, and all of the Pony League outfielders who will no longer have to wear protective body padding to save themselves from bad bounces.

Potato Heads Rejoice!

Concession Director Lois Manuel has added a fryer so that the stand can churn out french fries to feed Brookline's ravenous baseball fans. Are we allowed to call them "french" fries again? I haven't kept up on world politics. If not, try "Lois' Fried Potatoes." From the looks of things on Opening Day, the fries were the biggest hit of the season thus far. The lines will be growing once the word spreads. The Board may have to talk to Mayor Ravenstahl about adding an addition to that building to accomodate all of the Potato Heads.

Neo-to-Go and Spare Bandaids

Thanks to DeWayne Adams and Clint Burton of the Brookline Recreation Center, along with Matt Newman and Scottie Pendzich, for braving the thorns to remove several nasty thickets of jaggy bushes and poison ivy along the hill beside the boy's field and concession stand. They also cleared the bushes and thorns from behind the bleachers on the girl's side. Foul balls should be much easier to retrieve now and there should be one less reason for baseball and softball moms to stock Neo-to-go and spare bandaids.

Just A Thought

Look around and see all the new faces that have become members of the BLLA board. It's like the league, as well as McGibbeny Field, has undergone a facelift of sorts. There seems to be an enthusiasm present that has been lacking the past few years. There is a renewed sense of optimism about the future. Catch the wave!