Special to Pioneer Times
Little League baseball has been a part of Houlton’s culture for as long as most people can remember. As America’s national pastime, it has been an outlet for young kids not only to hone their skills on the field, but learn the importance of teamwork and respect.
Many coaches and parents give up their own free time to help teach the boys and girls the ins and outs of baseball and softball; whether it be Tee Ball or fast pitch. The only problem facing the league is the lack of time and space to play.
“We had eight teams between the ages of 9-12, and we were only able to practice about four times all season,” said president of the little league association, Ben Drew. “We simply need more places to play.”
This is why Ben Drew along with help from SAD 29 Athletic Director, Wayne Quint, and Superintendent of Schools, Steve Fitzpatrick, are trying to raise $95,000 in order to build four more Little League fields in Houlton. Two of the fields will be built adjacent to the Houlton Elementary School and the other two will be built behind the Houlton Southside School. The SAD 29 board of directors voted unanimously to support the building process.
After the money is raised the actual building is predicted to take between two to three weeks, which would enable the fields to be completed by the start of the new season this spring. The expansion is fueled by Drew’s desire to allow kids to experience more playing time.
“The girls deserve a fair shot too, and by building the new fields, we will not only have two more baseball fields, but two regulation softball fields, as well, ” said Drew, when asked what was motivating him to complete the project.
The project will inevitably be a great asset for Houlton’s youth and should greatly increase the girls’ and boys’ chances to excel in their respective leagues. Having a total of six fields will not only allow the kids to benefit from more practice time, but will help to prepare those who plan on continuing their careers in the high school’s baseball and softball programs.
One businessman has already come forward to help kick off the campaign drive, and it is hoped others will follow who want to support the youth athletic program in the Shiretown.
Doug Swallow of Swallow’s Electric, a longtime advocate of youth sports, made a $2,000 donation to the Field of Dreams Project.
Any donations would be greatly appreciated and can be contributed through Drew to the Little League Association.
