Out with the old, in with the new

Story and photos by
RICHARD HETTINGER
The east baseball field at the south lake is getting a new face lift. These pictures in the Athletic section of the Drexel Star are attempting to depict the look of the reconstruction processes being made to the baseball and softball fields in preparation for the upcoming start of the newly organized high school sports at Drexel R-IV this spring.
On Saturday, March 14th, many volunteers gave their time to remove two of the shorter posts and replace them with new 75’ poles for better lighting in the baseball out field. The new poles were also placed about 30 to 40 feet farther out to accommodate the larger field.
New fences have been set back, both behind home plate and on the baseline sides, with a much taller backstop and 10’ fences on both baselines. This is for the protection of the on-deck batters, giving them more space. The taller 10’ fence will provide protection for the players from foul balls in the newly constructed dugouts and also protection for the fans.
There will also be work on the softball (west) field including any repairs needed to the fences and the backstop. As this field seems to meet regulations, there will be no major changes.
All of the new work is being done with...
Read the complete story in the March 19th print edition.
PHOTOS: Harold Seba makes adjustments to the newly installed fencing, left, and a perspective view of the new, much taller, backstop area.