Field of Dreams gets upgrades; spring youth baseball programs to launch

POLKTON — The Anson Athletic Youth Association is renovating the Field of Dreams and providing more opportunities for Anson’s youth.

“We have been awarded numerous grants and the board members are putting in lots of hours,” Secretary Kelly Sheppard said.

The Field of Dreams has existed for over 20 years as a space where residents can play wee-ball, softball, t-ball, and baseball.

As a 501c3, the Anson Athletic Youth Association received a grant from the Effie Little Foundation in Dec. 2021 to renovate the fields. Carolina Green, Inc. is providing fresh and professionally graded infield dirt.

Upgrades include renovations to both Field 1 and Field 2, renovations to the Wall of Fame, new signage from Uwharrie Bank and Anson Sign Company, and a new batting cage behind Field 3 for use when the fields are unavailable. Donors for the batting cage construction include Carolina-Ready Mix, Anson High School Football, Loba-Wakol, and Southern Fabricators. Completion of both fields and facilities is expected in spring 2022.

The Anson Athletic Youth Association is also launching its Spring Season clinics for softball, t-ball, and baseball. Hosted by Anson High School Softball, the softball clinic will run on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 1-2:30 p.m. for girls ages 7-14. Also hosted by Anson High School Softball, the t-ball clinic will run on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 12-1 p.m. for boys and girls ages 4-6.

Hosted by Anson High School Baseball, the baseball clinic will run on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 12-3 p.m. for boys ages 7-12. Participants can pre-register with the Google form listed on the Association’s website and Facebook or register on-site at the Field of Dreams beginning 30 minutes before each clinic.