John Reel and I spent more than 9 hours on the Satellite field Saturday. We turned the infield, watered it to saturation; dragged it, watered it more and then rolled it by hand with a 250-pound roller donated by Mike LaBarge.
We are going to rent a vibrating roller at some point to flatten out the entire infield, not just the skin. Then proceed to the OF, which may be a separate job.
What everyone needs to understand is that it took a good 5-6 years for the field to become what it became - and that is a mess. When we first started using the Satellite, it honestly was one of the best infields in the area. It was better than Swift Road and way better than most high school fields I umpired on in 11 years. I loved playing 2B on it. So please understand that we can't fix 5-6 years of neglect and mishandling overnight. It will get done - including the OF. As a Board member, I ask for your patience. No one on the Board argues with the "powers to be'' more than I do. Reel will tell you. But it's done privately and in Board meetings. But we are committed to a full reparation of that field.
While many of us, including me, have been a critic of the field, I've always believed that if you believe in something, you do something besides complain, which, of course, I do.
The procees John and I did Saturday needs to be done again - and again. And as we replace some of the infield mix currently there, we will do so with the proper product we now have in the shed. So, I am going to schedule a "work party'' for the field once again just so John and I don't get another sunburn working 9-plus hours on the field ourselves. We're both sore and tired today and treating our sunburned head, neck and arms.
It may be a Wednesday or another Saturday. I'm hoping to do this after school ball is done. So, likely in early June. I do realize people work Wednesdays, but we have 3-4 guys who can make it. And knowing John Reel, he'll take a day off from work to join us. It would be nice if anyone who has a Wednesday off, particularly ANYONE who has been a critic of the field, join us. We also need to put up the fence, which is also in the shed.
For now, as a CDMSBL friend and fellow player, I ask that you please refrain from commenting on the situation or those responsible for it. Because in my mind, guys, we ALL are responsible. It's OUR league.
Thnx. Jim Konstantakis CDMSBL Board member 45 Giants 55 Whiz Kids
a memory i expect i'll have long after i retire from this league is of john reel, along with a handful of other guys, working on satellite field into the dark well after two teams left for the night.
that was last thursday. the marlins had beaten the peppers earlier in the opening game for both teams, and afterwards, john and marlins manager ed daigel, player scott ross, pepper and 45 jays manager bob hiller and i stayed to a point where we needed headlights from cars to finish raking, tamping and watering the field. actually, i had to leave at 8:50, so there was one less set of headlights on the field. no matter, the crew kept working.
so when john, jimmy and others say the field will get fixed, it will. and when jim says it'll take a work party or two to do it, we'll get that, too. the effort that was there thursday night exists in the rest of the league. it's one of our best resources.
Just my two cents. I am sure that everyone agrees that they appreciate the hard work that is going into the field by members such as yourselves. No doubt about that. The reality is that the field in it's present condition is not safe to play on. I have been involved in two games on that field and have witnessed two torn calf muscles, one from the infield dirt and one from the holes in the outfield and yesterday a serious hamstring injury again caused by the uneven outfield. Injuries such as these may require time missed at work. Not a good thing. It may not be feasible to be playing on that field UNTIL all the work is completed. I understand about availability of fields and any contacts I may have are in the Amsterdam area. Quite a hike for some members of our league. I believe that the "Powers That Be" need to re-evaluate the use of that field until rehabilitation is complete. Again, for what it is worth that is just one mans opinion.
Great job, Jimmy and John! I wish I knew that you were out there, as I would have been glad to join you. Thanks for all of your hard work on our behalf!
I know you guys bust your asses for our organization, and appreciate the effort you put forth on that horrible baseball field at Satellite. Not only is playing conditions difficult, sand that flys all over the place as well as continuous amount of vehicles going back and forth, a very busy place, and you have to think of damage to vehicles by flying baseballs. I've witnessed already 2 roof top hit's with a foul ball, not good. Again, it's the best you guys could do and I appreciate your efforts and I'm sure the whole leaggue does as well. Currently, I am zeroing in on a field at Global Foundaries in Malta, it's a brand new facility, and don't know our chances of landing that field, but I have a name from a friend that will listen. I told them we would pay to play, so .... I'll let you know how it comes out. I know it's a hike (off Saratoga Lake)but it's a safe playing surface and wouldn't have to deal with continuous traffic....... Are you guy's interested or not?? Let me know......
When we were kids, we played in the street, dodging cars, potholes, curbs, telephone poles and stray dogs. 1st base was a water valve about a foot above ground level, second base was the sewer manhole cover, third was a telephone pole and home was a baseball glove. We retrieved balls that were hit over the fence onto the Thruway. We dented a few cars and we broke windows in houses and an occasional leg or arm. But we played because we loved the game. Well we still love the game and injuries are inevitable at our age regardless of where we play. I say that satellite field is far better than Philbrick St and we are lucky to have it. We have a lot of dedicated guys who are willing to volunteer their time to get the field in better shape and I have no doubt that it will happen. Lets be patient and appreciate what we have.
We had the first game yesterday at Satellite, and we were very impressed and happy with the condition of the infield. I'll give you guys your props---it really looked good. Better than I've seen it in a long time.
Like most of us, I'm just happy to still be able to play at my age. I know the outfield will be a tremendous challenge, and there are no guarantees even then. Harold and I just told the outfielders to keep the ball in front of them the best they could, and we went out and played.
Thank you for your efforts with Satellite. If I can help, you know where I am.... Read Shepherd Cyclones
Jim/John. I do appreciate what you guys & everyone else who helps to make our league what is. I only been involved with the league for a few short years and love every minitute. You guys are giving me a chance to be a kid again and play the sport i love. With that said please keep me in the loop so i can help with any future work on the field. I'm willing to take off from work if given a few days noticed. Thanks again. John Cortese 45 Dodgers 703-5475
Steve S Thanx for bringing back so many great memories. As kids, we gathered in a forest area in Rensselaer called The Hollow. I think it was Jim Triffiletti's dad who dozed down trees (unbeknownst to the city) and we carved out a field. No one could see us unless they flew over in a chopper! Twigs for bases, a rag for home plate, walked off steps to guage the pitching area and branches for foul lines. A bumpy infield would be a compliment! jimk
