DENVER — All-Star Week events are well underway in the Mile-High City, which not only includes activities for fans but giving back to the Denver community, thanks to Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Colorado Rockies.
The All-Star Legacy baseball and softball field was unveiled at John F. Kennedy High school Friday. The school was chosen by the Colorado Rockies, and major league baseball for some much-needed upgrades after being its fields were deemed unsafe and unplayable.
"It was a nightmare pretty much holes we had rocks in the infield, dirt on both the baseball and softball field the size of a key fob,” said varsity baseball and softball Coach Faafetai Ilaoa.
Baseball and softball players were often tasked with focusing on their safety rather than the game. Even the second baseman on the softball team had a few close calls with pop-ups on the field.
"It was pretty bad," said Senior Aaliah Lanford. "I had to go to the hospital to see if I had a broken nose. But I'm super happy that won't be happening anymore, it's going to be smooth from here on out.”
Smooth now that they have a new field to play on, which was completed in three weeks.
>> The video below is another look at the reveal
"Looking at it today as before it just looks amazing,” said Ilaoa.
As soon as it was revealed, the players decided to test it out rather than waiting for the next season.
“We had some boys already running the dirt because they were excited you know, they stepped on it and they were just I couldn't explain it. Just amazed,” said Ilaoa.
"Growing up we really didn't have a field to play on and hopefully with this field, we can share it with the younger kids and other teams that are playing in the neighborhood,” said shortstop Ron Gallagos.
Rockies Chairman & CEO Dick Monfort was on hand for the presentation and pitcher Scott Oberg.
"The field I grew up playing on in Massachusetts was like sunken in, and any time it rained water just sat there," Oberg said. "So I feel for these kids. I understand where it's coming from a little bit. ... We ran into similar problems."
Also in attendance were MLB Chief Baseball Development Officer Tony Reagins and DPS Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero.
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