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The Flavor and History

I’m writing in response to the article about the changes that are being made to Ted Lane Field in Westbrook [March 17, “Westbrook Opts for Field Upgrades to Benefit Girls and Boys Leagues”]. It’s one of the most iconic Little League fields in the state, with its epic grandstand that goes back to the early days of Westbrook’s Little League to the grass infield and the over all feel of youth baseball at its best.

I find the decision to tear up the infield for softball as a step in the wrong direction. It also creates an unneeded danger for the infielders as it doesn’t slow the batted ball down as grass does and adds the strong possibility of erratic movement of the ball, causing injuries in the process. As a former Little League coach, I can’t tell you how many times we heard from out-of-town baseball teams as to how much they looked forward to playing there.

Please understand that I am totally in favor of girls softball in town, as I coached four daughters who played in the league. There is an alternative to stripping the infield at Ted Lane by using Palmieri Field at the opposite end of the complex for that purpose. This would save a part of the flavor and history of our small hamlet.

I ask town leaders to rethink their decision to undo history and do the right thing. Leave Ted Lane alone and preserve it’s history. It is Westbrook.

Kevin Brown

Westbrook