New improvements at softball, little league fields

  • Construction on the Yoakum Lady Bulldogs softball field bathrooms began Nov. 16. Photo by Raymond Rosas.
    Construction on the Yoakum Lady Bulldogs softball field bathrooms began Nov. 16. Photo by Raymond Rosas.
  • YLL President Raymond Rosas tends to a softball field. File photo by Chuck Grafe.
    YLL President Raymond Rosas tends to a softball field. File photo by Chuck Grafe.
  • The Yoakum Lady Bulldogs softball field has seen several improvements ranging from new lights to redone dugouts. Photo by Raymond Rosas.
    The Yoakum Lady Bulldogs softball field has seen several improvements ranging from new lights to redone dugouts. Photo by Raymond Rosas.
  • Pictured above is a YLL dugout after improvements. Photo by Raymond Rosas.
    Pictured above is a YLL dugout after improvements. Photo by Raymond Rosas.

    Construction underway at bathrooms near the Yoakum Lady Bulldogs softball field is the latest project in a series of improvements at local baseball and softball fields with the involvement of Yoakum Little League (YLL) directors. 

     

    YLL President Raymond Rosas anticipated contractors would complete the high school softball bathrooms in time for practice by late--January. Donations and grant-funded improvements since 2020 have totaled well over $150 thousand.

     

    “Since 2021, we have built new dugouts at our T-ball and minor baseball fields. We redid the dugouts, backstop and everything at the girls' high school field,” said Rosas of recent improvements.

     

    Rosas said the projects aimed to increase the safety and quality of local youth athletes. The expenditures were supported by funding through GVEC and Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and donations from the City of Yoakum, Yoakum ISD, Kluck Foundation, and several other organizations and individuals.

     

    “The safety of the kids is the top priority; if we don't have those fields up to par, kids could get hurt,” said Rosas. “I don't want any kids getting hurt because I want them to enjoy their time out there. As a player, I enjoyed being out there and seeing nice stuff.”

     

    Items on the little league and high school softball league wishlist include a sprinkler system for the high school softball field to combat cracks due to drought and remodeling the restrooms and concession stand at the minor and major areas. 

     

    Rosas said he was very encouraged by the community feedback and grateful for the support from everybody who has donated their time, effort and financial support.

     

    “People have been donating and helping out where we're needed and we have had contractors actually doing work for us and not charging his labor, just the material…, said Rosas. “It is amazing what has happened. After seeing the improvements people, people know what their money is going to.”

     

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