Tides organization to renovate local youth field

The Norfolk Tides today announced the return of a contest in which a local youth field will be renovated by Tides groundskeepers and front office staff. Proudly presented by Goodwill, this field makeover will include an upgrade to the playing surface and an improvement to existing dugouts, with the recipient of the makeover being determined by a fan vote on the Tides' Facebook page.     

"After the overwhelming community support we've received over the first two years of this program, we are thrilled to be continuing this project again" said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory. "Our entire staff looks forward to helping out these worthy organizations, and we enjoy doing our part to ensure children can be proud of where they play baseball."

Those interested in having the Tides makeover their facility should submit a picture of their field to Heather McKeating at [email protected]. Along with the photo, fans are asked to include a brief description of why their league should receive this enhancement. The deadline to submit this information is February 7, with online voting taking place on the Tides' Facebook page from February 17 to February 21.  

2014 is the third year in which the Tides will be renovating a local youth field. Over the first two years of the program, the Tides have helped renovate five local fields - Ocean View Little League (Norfolk), Smithfield Recreation Association (Smithfield), Bennett's Creek Little League (Suffolk), Phoebus Little League (Hampton) and Shore Little League (Nassawadox).

"Goodwill is proud to get behind such an amazing program, and we know the importance of supporting local initiatives like this one" said Goodwill Community Relations Manager Danielle Cronin. "Goodwill delivers employment services to moms and dads throughout Hampton Roads every day, which we refer to as Family Strengthening. If mom and dad have the right supports in place at home, the likelihood of being and staying successfully employed is greater. Keeping kids positively influenced through a sport like baseball is critical to the success of everyone - individuals, families and communities."   

The project is made possible thanks to Goodwill and the Tides Youth Baseball Fund, a program established by the Tides in 1990 as a way to raise money for youth baseball and softball programs in Hampton Roads. In addition to assisting with field renovations, the Youth Baseball Fund also helps local teams and leagues with travel expenses. Those wishing to make a donation directly to the Youth Baseball Fund can do so by clicking HERE.

The Tides open their 2014 regular season at Harbor Park on Thursday, April 3 with a four-game series against division rival Charlotte. Season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2014 season. For pricing and additional information, stop by the Harbor Park Box Office, visit norfolktides.com or call (757) 622-2222.