Baseball complex in Delmont becomes field of dreams

Players throw monogrammed bags into the back of the family minivan as Delmont Area Athletic Association and its participants complete the sixth season of competition at the baseball complex at Shields Farm.

The association was granted permission to build the baseball complex on the borough-owned property; the donated 145 acres came with the stipulation that development is prohibited.

Over the years, the baseball complex has been growing and construction has been ongoing for seven years. This season, the association built a practice facility with batting and pitching cages. Association board member Gregg Woyt said the group intends to build two additional Little League fields. Future plans include the installation of electricity and water, as well as an improved concession stand.

The association leases the land from the borough at no cost on a decade-by-decade basis.

Woyt said the regulation-size PONY League field was built six years ago, for players ages 14-18. The Little League field was built five years ago, and the kids' field two years ago. The kids' field is used by instructional, T-ball and bantam leagues. Batting cages are available.

The borough didn't have to pay for construction of the fields because the association's "Build A Dream" account is used strictly at Shields Farm. The Beckwith Machinery Co. donated the use of its equipment to cut and level the land, Councilman Jim Bortz said.

"Through fundraisers and donations they started building," Woyt said.

The practice field cost about $15,000 and the association estimates the three fields cost $110,000 in labor and materials. In addition, it costs an estimated $35,000 to run the league annually, which includes the costs for uniforms, umpires and field maintenance.

Woyt said all funding has come from donations and fundraisers. The association also provides participants with an end-of-year picnic, when trophies are awarded.

"It's been 100 percent volunteer," Woyt said.

"Boy Scouts helped tremendously," Woyt said. The dugouts, bleachers and maintenance shed were all Eagle Scout projects, completed by members of Troop 211. Scouts made the picnic benches and planted screens. Future projects include a scoreboard, a flagpole and more dugouts.

There were about 250 players in the Delmont association this year, including baseball and softball. The fields will see continued use in a fall baseball league.

Woyt said the community response to the fields has been extremely positive.

"I've received nothing but positive feedback on the conditions of our fields," Woyt said. "Our fields are the nicest around."

"The new baseball fields are tremendously popular and very well-loved," Councilwoman Cher Anderson said.

Shields Farm in Delmont is best known as the site of the annual Apple 'N Arts Festival, bringing in thousands of visitors each October.

The farm, purchased by the Shields family in 1834, has been in operation since the 1700s.

In 1980, descendants sold the 145-acre site to the borough with the stipulation that it be kept as green space. Owners Fred Shields Ewing of Delmont and his sister, Marjorie Ewing Snyder of Baltimore, donated half of the $288,000 purchase price. The borough used a grant from the state Department of Community Affairs to pay the rest.

"Delmont agreed it was to be used for positive recreation," Councilwoman Cher Anderson said. The former Salem Crossroads Historical Society had control of the site until about 1990, when the borough took it over.

"It's something we wouldn't have for very much longer if we don't continue to preserve it," said Councilman Jim Bortz. "As all the ground is disappearing, Shields Farm is meant to be a throwback to the way it was. It's to be used and maintained as an open green space, as we've kept it for 30 years."

Bortz estimated that the Apple 'N Arts Festival brings in about 40,000 people each year. Features include an antique cider press, baking contest, antique farm equipment and craft and food booths. This year's event is Oct. 3 and 4.

In addition to the Apple 'N Arts Festival, Shields Farm hosts Christmas in Salem Crossroads in December. The pilgrimage is a 35-year tradition, requiring between 100 to 120 volunteers, Bortz said. Participants venture out into the cold to take a walking tour of the birth of Christ, viewing live actors portraying the scenes.

"The farm is a tremendous attribute to the town," Anderson said. "It's just nice having an open space. It will never be developed."

"It's very near to our hearts because we've been able to maintain it," Bortz said.