Adopt-a-Field Program Returns in 2015

Submissions Due March 29, Voting Begins March 30

Moosic, Pa. – There’s something special about a pristine baseball field. Add kids to the scene and you have the storybook home run. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) hope to help area youth enjoy America’s pastime by renovating three fields as part of their Adopt-a-Field Program in 2015.

Two youth softball or baseball fields and one high school field will receive a renovation. Fans can send photos of their field to the RailRiders and write as to why they should be selected. Field nominations should be sent to the RailRiders’ community relations director Rachel Mark (rmark@swbrailriders.com). Submitted fields must be within 30 miles of PNC Field.

This year the RailRiders are proud to partner with Pro’s Choice and Fisher and Son who will graciously donate the materials needed for the renovation of the three fields.

Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 29. Fans will be able to vote on the fields on the RailRiders’ website starting at noon on Monday, March 30. Links to the voting page will be available through social media and the RailRiders’ website. Website voting will end at 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, and the winners will be announced on Monday, April 6. The first renovation is planned for April 16.

The program affords an individualized evaluation and athletic field maintenance clinic to the chosen sites. The teams will be taught how to keep up that same professional-level look for years to come.

“This is a great opportunity to provide those maintaining local fields with the knowledge needed to maintain a safe and beautiful playing surface,” said the team’s director of field operations, Steve Horne. “Many leagues don't have the tools, manpower or guidance needed to keep their fields in good shape. Hopefully, after our crew comes in to help get them started, we can develop a plan that will benefit the leagues and their players for years to come.”

Media members and fans will be invited to document and watch the progress throughout the day at each site. Other dates and all sites will be announced at a later date once voting concludes.

The RailRiders’ 2015 season begins on Thursday, April 9 when the club hosts the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For season ticket information or to book a ballpark group outing, call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

- SWB RailRiders – All Aboard! -