Those players who participated in the latest upkeep of the complex include, left to right: Vince Richey, Larry Tanner, Don Belonax, Steve Peterson, Bob Quarantino, Rich Christiansen, Lee Ayers, Lyman Rinehart (on tractor), Steffen Jacobson, Jim Beyers, Chuck Johnson, Jan Hangen and Director of Field Maintenance Doug Wainwright.
Lee Ayers
Each month, on a Thursday afternoon at 4:00 p.m., volunteer members from each team in the PebbleCreek Senior Softball Association meet at the field to do the work it takes to keep the field and complex in top condition. A tractor is used to drag the field and players use rakes to smooth out rough spots on the field as well as in the foul areas. Similar tractors can be found at fastline.com if you are interested in learning more about their capabilities. Clearly, the tractor is essential to the wellbeing of the field. Tractors can encounter issues, as any vehicle can, with problems like popped or worn tires a common theme. Getting ahold of some tractor tires may be in your best interest if the need to change them ever comes about.
Other players use power washers to insure that the stands, walkways and pavers are cleaned so all dirt and small pebbles are removed. Two other players paint the first bases – both white and orange. The bases are connected, with the white being the one that batters use if they are running for an extra base hit. Otherwise, they have to run to the orange base. When repainted, the bases look great! If either second or third base need repainting, this is also done during this time. Care is taken to make sure home plate and the adjacent batter’s boxes are also cleaned. The storage shed floor is cleaned thoroughly as well. Dirt accumulates quickly because the shed is used to store the tractor, balls and bats and field maintenance tools such as rakes, shovels and regular and wide brooms.
All those who make up our softball association take great pride in keeping the condition of our softball complex to the highest level!