If you build it, they will come.. and play baseball.
"The words a dream becoming reality and completely coming true are pretty much accurate," said Rachael Staley, Coordinator of the Abilities Baseball League.
A dedicated field for the Abilities Baseball League was just a daydream back when they started on traditional dirt fields in 2003. Now that they're breaking ground on the turf and handicap-accessible field, that dream is coming true.
"With any amount of rain on a dirt field for our kids with wheelchairs and walkers it truly becomes a hazard and a safety concern, with our own field we'll be able to further reduce those barriers and allow them to play, and it gives them a chance and a place to call their own," said Staley.
The Lima Rotary Club donated $100,000 to the Field of Dreams in honor of their own 100th year anniversary. The University of Northwestern Ohio provided the land, right in the middle of their own athletic facilities.
"UNOH will maintain it forever so we'll take care of the field, we'll provide the electricity and the water, the parking, it's a beautiful complement to our facilities, but more important it's a facility for the community and for these teams to play on," said Dr. Jeff Jarvis, President of the University of Northwestern Ohio.
For the 110 kids in the Abilities Baseball League, it's a place where they can step up to bat and take a swing at their dreams, just like everyone else.
"[Are you excited for the new field] Yeah! [Why] So we can play again," said outfielder Dallas Meffley.
"Tigers, go Tigers!" said outfielder, Kylie Murphy.Â
They hope to play ball on the new field this Fall.Â
