'The community gives back to this league so much and in so many different ways. It's phenomenal.'
Rochester Youth Baseball League has a new piece of equipment to maintain its fields, thanks to the combined support of donors and the Fulton County Community Foundation.
The league has purchased a John Deere 1200A Bunker and Field Rake to replace an old Ford tractor that reached its end of life. The new three-wheel machine, with attachments, can smooth surfaces, remove debris, redistribute uneven areas and maintain infields. They're used on golf courses, but made for baseball fields as well.
The Community Foundation awarded the league a matching grant of $12,000 toward the $24,950 purchase. Coming forward with donations and making up the difference were Frounfelter Dental Clinic, RTC Communications, Ad-Vance Magnetics, Smith Farms, Rochester Homes, Rochester Glass, Shepherd's Chevrolet, Lahman Farms and Leiters Grain LLC.
"Things like this are not possible without the Community Foundation and donors," League President Kyle McLochlin said. "The community gives back to this league so much and in so many different ways. It's phenomenal. And all we're trying to do is take care of the property, care for it and give the best facility for the kids to play on and the tournaments that we host."
He gave special recognition to former league president Chris Brown for helping facilitate the purchase.
"Basically a lifelong ambassador to the league, anytime the league needs anything at all, Chris is always there to help in any which way or fashion," McLochlin said. "He's not been on the board for years, but you would never know it. I can't say enough for what he does for this league each and every day."
He also credited the league's board of volunteers for continuing to provide a great facility that so many have come to expect.
"I wish I could bring forth people and their statements of what they tell us on how awesome this facility is from other communities coming to us," McLochlin said. "That's the joy of what we're able to produce in our own backyard, but it's not possible without the community, volunteers and Community Foundation. All of that plays an integral part in offering this."
Fulton County Community Foundation Director of Development Brian Johnson pointed out that community support, which also brought about new fencing and dugouts, is evident in the many banners that line baseball fields.
"We're grateful that there are volunteers that are out here and make this field and this facility an awesome experience for the kids," he said. "I've had sons that have played here for the last 10-plus years, and as a parent it's nice to see everything that comes together for the community."
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