By JO WANKEL

Era Sports Writer

Dana Softball Field, located on High Street Extension, was once a main field on the rotation during spring baseball and softball seasons. Last year, however, the field didn’t host many games due to the overgrowth and potholes plaguing the driveway and the general age and disrepair of the field itself.

Bradford Regional Little League, which was gifted the field, breathed new life into the location this spring. Once the worst of winter’s snow melted (and before recent weather reminded us Spring comes with cold periods and a bit more snow), volunteers were at the field to see what needed done.

“In the Spring of 2024, Little League International had an initiative to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Girls with Game, when girls became able to play in Little League. We were able to submit applications to be considered for grant money they had, so we did that,” BRLL President Amber Bacha explained. “We got notified toward the end of our season last year that we received money. We asked for $4,000 and actually got $5,000 for this project.”

Due to the timing, Bacha explained that not much could be done last year. Instead, discussions were held and the decision was made that Dana Field needed the attention most.

“We made the decision to put time and effort to that field, so that league girls can play softball there,” Bacha explained. She noted that hopes are that the high school team can play there as well, which was the case for teams in previous years.

“It’s something we are super proud of. We were able to get some equipment donated and were able to have the infield drug up. We were able to get the same grade of dirt that Pitt-Bradford uses and were actually able to get a load delivered when dirt was brought for their field, which helped us out a lot.

“There were a group of dads out there spreading the dirt, other people out there trimming hedges which were so overgrown the field hasn’t been used much. In four days’ time, we were able to get it to look like it does now.”

In addition to trimming the hedges back, extra materials were used to fill the potholes in the driveway and improve field access from the road.

The field will also have a new batting cage, which was brought over from another field. Plans are in motion to transfer a shed from another location and have a concession stand there as well.

“It’s such a good thing to see. Everyone’s talking about it and everyone wants to use the field now. It’s a great thing for the girls to see money going back into their program,” Bacha noted. She also shared that a group of ladies who formerly played softball on the field have visited and were excited to see the improvements and consider the possibility of reviving their league to play there again.

Volunteers who were instrumental in the completion of upgrades at Dana Field included: Adam Stewart, Dave Grady, Nick and Tiffany Taylor, Bob Dynda, Andy Stiable, and Ralph Barger of Barger Contracting.

NEXT ON THE LIST: DERRICK CITY With remaining funds, BRLL plans to install safety nets at the softball field in Derrick City — thanks to Suburban Fence, which plans to help with labor costs for that project.

BRLL is far from done with improvements and projects, however. Bacha explained the next project on the list will be redoing the junior field in Derrick City.

“That field has been on the list to get some love as well. Gleason Construction is going to help with this project. Mike Gleason is great, he does a lot for our league,” Bacha said. “They did the driveway project last summer; there were terrible potholes on that road. They donated equipment and man hours to put down gravel on the road. We only paid for materials.”

On a related noted, BRLL has received funding through ARG’s Our Legacy Fund and purchased two new scoreboards for the fields in Derrick City. Those are slated to be installed in May.

Practice for this season is already underway, weather permitting. Bacha shared that games begin on April 21.

“Our numbers this year are phenomenal,” she said. “We have 457 kids signed up from tee ball to junior and senior softball and baseball. They are from Bradford, Otto and Duke Center. We also have record numbers with our Challenger Program. That’s a great thing we have, we are glad to have them.”

While the participant numbers are always something to celebrate, Bacha expressed gratitude for the BRLL board, the coaches and the volunteers who give their time every year.

“From the people who volunteer to umpire and run concessions to the help of the parents, grandparents and community; we couldn’t have this league without those people.”