Lincoln-Sudbury Fundraiser Will Fund HS Baseball Field Upgrades

SUDBURY, MA — Baseball is all about having fun. That's what local organizers of an upcoming fundraiser to support improvements to a local high school baseball field had in mind in with their Step-Up to the Plate event set for March 11.

The event is the work of a group of Lincoln and Sudbury baseball parents and fans, working with the Friends of L-S Baseball (FOLSB), a nonprofit. It will take place at the Sanctuary, 82 Main St., Maynard. The Sanctuary is a converted church that operates as an event venue.

"It's a very unique space," stated Pamela Brown, one of the event organizers, while on a planning visit to the Sanctuary with fellow organizers Jill Kushinsky and Michelle Haarde. "It has great acoustics."

That's right, acoustics are important. The event will feature much more than just "hot stove" baseball talk, it will also include live music throughout, along with catered food offerings and a silent auction. Chris Tarantino, who, along with other organizers, is the parent of a current L-S baseball player, will be among the musical artists.

The event will raise funds to support numerous needed improvements to the high school baseball fields. For several years, FOLSB has been raising funds to improve the fields, one of which was only recently carved out of unutilized space at the high school. While new dugouts were added last season, a slew of additional improvements are needed at the newly constituted and renovated fields, ranging from fencing to artificial turf for the batting cages. "There is a lot more work to be done our two fields," stated another event organizer, Bob Haarde of Sudbury. "With so many other competing school and public infrastructure needs, our local baseball community has always been ready to step up and contribute in making needed baseball upgrades happen."

The organizers are hopeful that the event will draw from the broader baseball community in the towns of Sudbury, Lincoln and beyond. "Hey, all are welcome," emphasized organizer Heath Umbach. "Youth baseball parents, baseball alumni and friends of friends of friends are welcome and we have some really neat auction items to offer up." Those include individual and small group clinics presented by L-S Warrior baseball players, including a batting practice session, pitching tips, and fielding practice. "All great opportunities to bring to youth players," concluded Umbach. "But, if we have a grown-up who wants the batting practice, they can step into the batters box as well!"

The event takes place on Saturday, March 11th, from 7-10 PM at the Sanctuary, 82 Main Street, Maynard, MA. Tickets are available at www.lswarriorsbaseball.com/eve...