On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the town, the Florence Little League organization and the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation will be celebrating Florence’s new and improved Little League Park Field.
According to a press release, the event will be a public ceremony and ribbon cutting beginning at 6 p.m. at 200 E. Eighth Street. Other activities will include a pick-up wiffle ball game featuring Florence Little League players. Food and refreshments will be available from local eateries.
In 2020, Little League Park was selected by the Kendricks Family and Arizona Diamondbacks foundations to receive a number of renovations and upgrades as part of the Kendrick Family Fields program, which supports Little Leagues throughout Arizona by funding improvements to existing ball fields.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the opening of the latest D-backs Field than by being in Florence and meeting the kids and families who will play baseball at this newly renovated facility,” stated Ken Kendricks, managing general partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks, in the release. “Donating high-quality Little League baseball fields for kids is an important part of our mission at the Arizona Diamondbacks, and this is a very special program for my family. Florence is a great baseball community, and this new field will be enjoyed for many years to come.”
The field, which has served the community for more than 50 years and produced many state and district championship teams, will feature:
- a new scoreboard
- renovated irrigation system
- an improved infield soil mix
- pitcher’s mound
- home plate
- new fencing and fence toppers
- re-painted fence posts, a new concrete backstop
- removal of the old announcers’ stand
The cost of these improvements totaled about $150,000.
“We are honored to receive this outpouring of support from both the Kendricks Family and the Arizona Diamondbacks," stated Florence Community Services Director Alison Feliz in the release. “This legacy field, which has served and will continue to benefit generations of families here in Florence, is a centerpiece of our local Little League. I can’t wait for our community to come out and enjoy the many improvements made possible by this partnership.”
Florence Little League is a nonprofit organization that facilitates youth baseball and softball programs at little to no cost to families. The town of Florence also offers a youth scholarship program via the Michelle Gallagher Memorial to help fund extra-curricular activities for local families in need.
Florence Little League focuses on character development, academic excellence, and promoting athletic opportunities in baseball and softball.
