(5/15) Don’t look for a new T-ball
Little League field anytime soon. The new
field to replace the one lost with the
construction of the new Thurmont Police
station on East Main Street is not expected to
happen this season.
“I worked with the town to replace it;
however the two options didn’t work,” Thurmont
Little League President Dave Little wrote in a
letter to parents and players posted on the
Little League web site.
The two considered locations were behind
where the tennis courts used to be at East End
Park and by the parking lot near the softball
fields. The tennis court location was too wet
and the parking lot location was considered
too dangerous.
Thurmont Little League is going to develop
property behind the minor and little league
fields, but that could take some time not to
mention money.
“In regards to the above mentioned
property, I am going to apply for permits to
at least grade the field and get it level;
this will provide more space, but not actual
fields. The next step will be to add fields, a
very costly expense to do right. But this is
in our plans, so please be patient,” Little
wrote.
Thurmont Chief Administrative Officer Bill
Blakeslee said the town had the fencing,
backstops and benches from the T-ball field.
“He (Little) knows he can get them whenever he
needs them,” Blakeslee said.
The loss of the field comes at a time when
the Little League program is expanding. This
year there are 36 teams including an American
Legion Baseball team age 19 & under that will
begin playing in June.
“As you can imagine this is a scheduling
nightmare for games as well as practices,”
Little wrote. “I want to thank all the
Managers/Coaches who work together to share
the fields. I do realize that some people feel
that the younger players get shortchanged on
field space. Please keep in mind that all
leagues and age groups are equally important,
however it is much harder for an older team to
practice without a pitcher’s mound or backstop
(safety).”
Blakeslee also added that the town was
assured the Little League could work around
the loss of the field.
