Rockies unveil renovated fields at JFK HS

DENVER -- Scott Oberg knows what it’s like to have a home field that’s unplayable.

“I grew up in Tewksbury, Mass., about 30 miles north of Boston, and just where my high school baseball field was located, it used to be an old swamp,” the Rockies reliever said. “And when it rained, the water just stayed there -- there was no drainage system.”

So Oberg was pleased to be on hand Friday morning as the Rockies and Denver’s John F. Kennedy High School unveiled a completely renovated baseball field as part of MLB’s All-Star Legacy initiative. The field was in a state of disrepair such that it was in danger of being deemed unplayable.

The Rockies teamed up with MLB to donate $5 million for various youth baseball/softball playing fields, a local Boys & Girls Club, and financial contributions to local organizations providing much-needed services to vulnerable groups within the greater Denver community. Since 1997, MLB and host All-Star clubs have donated about $95 million through the initiative.

Scott’s -- the official lawn care company of Major League Baseball -- provided all-new sod and maintenance materials for the project. The project was completed swiftly, beginning just after the Rockies were awarded this year’s All-Star Game in April and reaching completion Thursday.

“This was a perfect match,” said Rockies owner/chairman and chief executive officer Dick Monfort. “There were a lot of perfect matches, but this one was the one we deemed most important for the community. We’ve got some other grants we’re going to do later, but I’m just so thrilled. Both my kids played baseball and they were fortunate to have nice fields. It’s important that the community have great baseball fields. Hopefully, this will bring you many championships along the way.”

The Commanders baseball and softball programs were represented in the ceremony by a player from each team.

“I’ve lived in this community my whole life,” said Ron Gallegos, a sophomore on the JFK baseball team. “I’ve played baseball since I was five years old, and it’s had a huge impact on my life. … I hope that this field encourages a little girl or boy in the neighborhood to pick up a ball and glove. For the kid who has played all his life and isn’t sure if he wants to play in high school, or loses his way, I hope this new field encourages him to keep playing.”

“It’s been said a lot, but I’ll be able to say it again,” said Aaliah Lanford, a senior on the JFK softball team. “Out with the old, in with the new. And I thank MLB, Denver Public Schools and the Rockies for the upcoming experiences we will have on our new fields. May the legacy carry on with a new face.”

Through its All-Star Legacy initiative, MLB continues to refurbish youth baseball and softball fields all over the country, in addition to other projects to help revitalize local communities. MLB chief development officer Tony Reagins discussed the progress the effort has achieved, including helping make baseball and softball the sports with the most participation across the country the past few years.

“We’re committed to continuing and improving our efforts, and building on our progress,” Reagins said. “And with fields like this, we’re certainly headed in the right direction.”

In the final analysis, baseball is a game rooted in youth and community. Gallegos summed up the excitement for the next Commanders season in a way that speaks to the deeper reach of the field renovation’s impact.

“Believe me when I say this,” Gallegos said. “I can’t wait to play my first official home game on a field that truly feels like home.”