Baseball Making Comeback at Vets Field

Chip Conklin's trying to bring varsity baseball back to Veterans Field. But first he had to handle two big issues: safety and aesthetics. 

The professional ballplayer, village resident and Ridgewood High School alumni presented his amended proposal to the Village Council at its Sept. 30 work session that dealt with those two topics the Planning Board brought up.

Initially, a high chain-linked fence was suggested for the backstop. Now, Conklin proposes a three-foot-high fence with 27 feet of netting supported by five poles. A pulley system is devised so the netting can be lowered as to not impede the vista.

"A similar project was done in Flemington, and they decided to go with netting instead of a chain-linked fence," Conklin said. "It really blended nicely into the background."

Although a specific schedule for the backstop does not exist, Conklin said it could be lowered when not in use. However, he prefers keeping it up roughly from March to July.

Another concession Conklin made was in reference to the number of concrete stands. Initially, Conklin proposed five concrete bleachers, but the two existing structures at the park would be moved to behind the backstop in the update.

In the off-season, Conklin suggested fencing off the area around home plate and pitcher's mound to both prevent injuries and replenish the field. Pfund and Councilman Paul Aronsohn questioned that action's necessity.

Outside of aesthetic concerns, Aronsohn raised safety objections—specifically about foul balls in the nearby parking lot.

Aronsohn and Deputy Mayor Keith Killion said they needed more time to deliberate on the issue. Pfund, Councilwoman Anne Zusy and Councilman Pat Mancuso voiced support.

"I'm impressed with the sensitivity you've demonstrated," Zusy said alluding to Conklin's flexibility to "roll with the punches" amid concerns raised by the Planning Board.

The new proposal was added to the agenda for the council's Oct. 14 work session.

Walking by the field today, a village resident would still see a well-manicured playing surface right in the heart of town.

"It's a good project, I've been behind it for awhile, and I want it to move forward," Pfund said.

Working with the Ridgewood Baseball and Softball Association, Conklin is attempting to refit Veterans Field to function as the home field for the high school baseball team. The project, to be funded privately, would create a larger backstop and outfield fence on the field behind Village Hall and the library. The project would cost between $125,000 and $130,000, according to The Ridgewood News.

The baseball team left Veterans Field 12 years ago.