Man Offers to Fix Hopatcong Baseball Fields

Looks like several Hopatcong baseball fields could get some much-needed attention—for free.

Hopatcong resident Jason Serio has offered to fix up parts of and baseball fields at no cost, according to a letter from Serio that travel baseball coach Dan Titus gave to the borough's recreation commission at Tuesday night's meeting at the municipal building.

Serio's company—SJS Landscaping & Construction—would alter Jefferson's diamond to include a portable mound 50 feet from home plate and bases 70 feet apart to accommodate 12- and 13-year-old travel baseball. The field currently uses a mound 46 feet from home and bases 60 feet apart and hosts mostly softball, youth baseball and football.

The 50-70 model would serve as a step between younger 46-60 leagues and high school-aged 60-90 leagues, Titus said.

The company would also edge Nariticong's fields, Titus said. Titus added that making Jefferson a 50-70 field wouldn't affect softball or youth baseball. He said the 50-70 set up would require a portable mound and stakes 10 feet behind the current bases, which would be covered by a plate and clay when not in use.

"Fifty-70 basically prepares a child for the 13-year-old level," Titus said, "which is 60-90. It really helps your child. And for travel, there won't be too many teams playing 46-60 because they're all trying to get better and get their kids prepared for the next level."

Hopatcong Recreation Coordinator Sue Parichuk said she received complaints about Jefferson Field Tuesday before the meeting.

"I had someone come down and complain about it," she said, "(about) how third base is nothing but sand and rocks and a gully thrown down."

Recreation commission member Danette Swanson said she believe Serio would provide quality work. "He does a great job," she said.

Recreation commission member Joan Reilly said she liked the idea. "I think it's very, very generous of (Serio)," she said.

It was unclear when work on the fields would begin, however. It might not be until mid-November that each field is finished being used for the fall, and John Young, the council's recreation commission liaison, said the plan should get the Borough Administrator Bob Elia's approval before work begins.

Titus said while he and Serio have enough manpower to work on Jefferson and one of the Naritocong Fields, they might ask Hopatcong Little League parents and volunteers to help with the work on the two other Nariticong fields.