Childress Little League is in the process of revamping their baseball field with plans to make it bigger, better and safer. Plans are to put up a six-foot fence all the way around with an 18-foot backstop. Also being added are new bases, new dirt, a new home plate, pitchers area, dugouts, aluminum benches and all new grass.
The plans will be accomplished in part with a $12,500 grant from the Texas Rangers, a $5,000 donation from Diane and Charlie Mashburn, and a $1,000 donation from the Childress Rotary Club. The $6,500 remainder of the $25,000 needed is being raised by Childress Little League board members. The board is needing help from the community to make sure the renovations are completed before baseball seasons starts. Any individuals, clubs, organizations or businesses that would like to donate can do so by contacting Little League President Kelly Taylor at Childress Municipal Development, 315 Commerce Street.
There is also a gun raffle being held with donations going directly to the baseball field renovations. Being raffled is a Savage Axis II with scope and Accutrigger 6.5 Creedmoor. Winners must pass a background check. Tickets can be purchased from any board member or by calling Taylor at 940-447-3217.
Volunteer work time is also needed in order to get renovations done, and any community help is appreciated. Work being needed includes helping to tear down and put up of the new fence, pouring concrete for new dugouts, and blading the field for leveling purposes. The volunteer contact is Childress Little League Board Vice President Tanner Gilleum at 940-224-3146.
When completed, the field will be re-named the Risehoover Field after Dick Risenhoover who was a former Childress coach. Risenhoover also started the Cal Farley “Kids Incorporated” sports program and then became the voice of the Texas Rangers from 1972-1977.