Cloudy With Chance of Foul Balls

After a lengthy absence from Veterans Field, varsity baseball returned to village field with a bang, or more accurately, a crack.

Drivers parked next to the village field adjacent to Village Hall and the Ridgewood Library found themselves in foul ball danger zone during the Ridgewood High School baseball team's homecoming game. One visiting parent left with a cracked windshield.

Gary Muzio from the Ridgewood Baseball and Softball Association said that problem won't last for long. He said the RBBSA will spend an additional $7,000 to $8,000 to install roofing to contain foul balls and better protect parking patrons. 

"We have to make a tweak, and we're doing what we can to make it work," said Muzio, the fields coordinator for the RBBSA. "It's something we have to address, and we share urgency with the town to set it right." 

Following an initiative spearheaded by resident and former minor league baseball player Graham "Chip" Conklin, residents and donors fundraised the return to the village field. All funded privately—at a cost of around $80,000, Muzio said—the field's grounds were repaired, temporary fencing was erected and a permanent backstop with raised netting was constructed.

Although high, the netting lacked an overhanging cover, something the RBBSA will eradicate as soon as possible, Muzio said. The group just received an estimate from a contractor but can't give a definite time frame.

In the interim, the team will continue to play at Vets without covering. Muzio said baseball parking will be directed toward the South Graydon Pool lot. Additionally, he said signs warn people of the foul ball threat.

Despite the cracked windshield and 13-8 loss by Ridgewood to Bergen Catholic last Friday, Muzio said the atmosphere was great. 

"We had a huge crowd and the excitement in town is palpable. It really looks gorgeous," Muzio said. "At one time, people were worried it would be an eyesore. I think it really is on the contrary."

The freshman baseball team will play at Vets this afternoon.