Baseball State of the League Address

Parents, Coaches & Friends

Let me start by saying thank you to the continued support of the coaches and parents that help to keep HSA running, without your time and efforts we wouldn't be here.

Now, during the fall season I really wanted to get a feel for what items we needed to address and let anyone give us feedback on what we can do better; we got some great responses and it was clear that the top two priorities to address where field conditions at all locations and restrooms behind the fire station. That being said, I wanted to give everyone an update on where things stand as of today and heading into the spring season.

We have continued to see growth at all age levels and are in desperate need of a field for our 12U age group to relieve some of the wear and tear that Nance takes from the excessive use. The city has given approval for us to add another field and we are currently earmarking a certain amount of funds to go towards adding a new field behind the fire station; however, we probably won't see that field built until later. The reason for the delay, in addition to the cost of a new field, we also have serious issues to address across all of our other fields as detailed below and are investing more towards repairs and improvements than expansion.

Currently we have capital to complete the following improvements; however we will gladly accept any donations of both time and resources to reduce costs.

Fire Station T-ball:
Ruts & Soil are being washed out by drain off, these issues are being address by the City of Haslet as they will be adding a culvert to divert some of the water and if needed adding a channel between the blue field and the t-ball field to divert any additional water. Once completed, we will be adding dirt to the field to level it off and with the new equipment begin dragging the infield clay to keep it soft and playable. In addition, there will be 3 hand drags available at the fire station so that coaches can drag their field between games. All fields, Nance, fire station blue, red and t-ball will receive aeration services from the City of Haslet so they can take in more water and fertilizer for a better look and softer play.

Fire Station Blue:
The blue field is in the best condition right now but is in need of installed metal roofing above the dugouts to shade the players. If you or your company is interested in donating both time and or resources to help with this task it would be greatly appreciated. The field is also in need of some dirt in areas to level it more and repair minor uneven spots. The good news is that we now have an irrigation system on both the blue field and the red field so maintaining both throughout the season should be less difficult.

Fire Station Red:
The red field had an irrigation system installed by the City of Haslet this fall and we have hired contractors to come in and help get the field game ready. The city will be leveling that field in the coming weeks with fresh dirt and new clay will be added to the infield. In addition, we also need new covers to the blue field just like the red field and will either hire a contractor or again work with donations if received.

Fire Station Restrooms:
Yes, the big thorn in the side of many moms I talk is the portable restrooms and I explored many options to make the situation better. Unfortunately we won't see permanent restrooms anytime soon, and maybe never, but I do have a solution that I feel will be...better than what we currently have. We will be renting 2 new flush-able portable restrooms during the spring season and they will be designated as men's or women's; part of the rental will include weekly service to keep the clean. In addition, we will have a portable sink station with soap, hand sanitize solution and towels. Now I realize that it's still not perfect but again I think it's a far better solution that our current setup.

Nance Field:
Wow, numerous items to be addressed here, but here we go. First, we've hired someone to come out and look at all 3 scoreboards and give us an estimate on repairs for the 2 on the baseball side and the softball side; in addition, we'll be retaining their services to keep them running throughout the year. The field was in really bad shape after a long, long, long year in 2011 from spring-fall and has actually been locked out by the city and will remain that way until March of this year. During that time the city will be aerating the field and we will be working to fix issues around the dugouts including standing water at the entrances. We will be looking at all bases to insure proper base alignments and length.

Nance Field Concession Stand:
The concession stand is in need of some major renovations and we have a contractor coming this week to give us an estimate on cleanup and repair. Two major item we need are a large commercial size deep stainless steel sink and a working refrigerator; again we can purchase these items but are looking for donation or partner opportunities to reduce some of the cost. The city is also enclosing the covered area behind the concession stand to give us much needed storage space for all of the equipment and tools needed for the season.

Other:
If you feel there's something we're not working to resolve that is a major issue we welcome your solution on how we can work together to make the Spring Season great.

For those of you I don't already know, I welcome your calls and questions anytime at 214.336.4077 or chriss@getlevelten.com. Here's looking forward to a great spring!

Chris Sloan - Baseball Commissioner