Baer Park Officially Dedicated During Saturday Ceremony

A nearly year-long project came to life on Saturday afternoon when Baseballtown Charities and the Reading Recreation Commission officially dedicated northwest Reading's Baer Park. The $90,000 renovation project was made possible through donates from the Colonial Oaks Foundation, Wyomissing Foundation, and private donors through Baseballtown Charities fundraisers.

Saturday afternoon's ceremony culminated with a ribbing cutting ceremony attended by Senator Judy Schwank, city politicians and dignitaries, and representatives from the Philadelphia Phillies. The event was also attended by the entire Fightin Phils team.

"This is what Baseballtown Charities is all about," said President of Baseballtown Charities Chuck Domino. "It's really rewarding when you start out a project knowing there's a need, pull all the necessary people to raise money and get the work done, and then celebrate the finished project. To see all the kids, Fightin Phils, and politicians out here to recognize what an effort went it to it-it's all worthwhile. It makes you want to do the next project and we hope to continue on this path and keep looking at different projects in the city to do."

Construction on the field began in late summer after a joint cleanup effort from members of the Reading Fightin Phils and students at Alvernia University. The project included a total replacement of the bleachers, major field renovations, and the installation of a chain-linked fence that encompasses the entire facility. The project was the first among several fields identified by Baseballtown Charities and the City of Reading Parks and Recreation Commission as area in dire need. Like Baer Park, most of the targets have fallen in repair since their heyday and will hopefully see a revival thanks to the non-profit organization.

Baer Park was named after the 19th Century Reading Railroad magnate George Baer. Located in the 15th Ward of the City of Reading, the park features a lighted baseball field, tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, a concession stand and a stone field house on its nine acres of land. 

Today, Baer Park is a nerve center of activity in the 15th Ward. On any given day, hundreds of youth can be found using the various attractions or having fun by spending time with friends. Throughout the spring and summer, the park's baseball field is home to numerous city baseball and softball organizations. It is also the home field for junior high teams from the Reading School District. 

Baseballtown Charities, a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity, was founded in 2002 in association with the Reading Fightins in order to keep baseball alive in Reading through charitable donations to underprivileged youth who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to play baseball. The organization also pays tribute to Reading's rich baseball history. 

Perhaps the biggest accomplishment the organization has overtaken was the construction of Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer's Park in 2006. Through contributions exceeding $900,000, the youth ballpark was built in a neighborhood that is quickly returning to its glory days. It sits on the grounds of Lauer's Park Elementary School, named for the former stadium where Babe Ruth and Shoeless Joe Jackson both played. 

Since its inception in 2002, the Baseballtown trademark has played a necessary part in the baseball community of Berks County raising nearly $2 million. Under the Baseballtown namesake, FirstEnergy Stadium has played host to the High School All-Star Game and the Olivet's Boy's and Girl's Club Championship. Each year, the organization crowns the King or Queen of Baseballtown to honor the past by recognizing that individual's accomplishments and contributions to baseball/softball.