By Martie Thompson
editor@floridanewsline.com
Saturday, Jan. 18 was the 15th opening day for Field of Dreams, a league where children with special needs (intellectual or physical disabilities) have the opportunity to play baseball in an organized league.
“The weather that week was touch and go,” said George Vancore, co-founder and lead umpire. “But when we got to the field, we had sun and blue skies. We couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
Opening day is always a celebration. After the presentation of the colors by the Knights of Columbus and the playing of the National Anthem, all the teams show up and play one inning each. Vancore said that representatives from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office were in attendance, as well as elected officials like County Commissioner Christian Whitehurst and School Board Member Beverly Slough who, according to Vancore, has never missed an opening day.
At Field of Dreams, children with special needs of all ages have the opportunity to wear a uniform, have their names announced, and be a player on an athletic team. Everyone bats. Volunteer buddies, at least one per special needs player, help with batting and rounding the bases. Some buddies are members of area youth or high school athletic teams who volunteer year after year. Opening day buddies, also marking their 15th year of participation, were students from the Bartram Trail High School softball and baseball teams.
Vancore stressed that the Field of Dreams exists due to the many unpaid volunteers who perform administrative duties, serve as umpires and buddies on game day, and work in the concession tent. Everything is free at Field of Dreams, including registration and hot dogs on game day, but donations are accepted.
“Nothing happens by magic; we don’t just show up,” Vancore said. “This league happens because of the dedicated and focused individuals who volunteer their time.”
This year, there are approximately 250 kids comprising 14 teams. Most of the volunteer coaches are ESE teachers and some are parents. The season lasts from mid-January until the first weekend of May and registration is ongoing (online at www.fodbaseball.com).
Vancore said that on opening day, a special announcement was made by representatives from St. Johns County Parks and Recreation: county funding will be provided to build a full concession stand as well as four ADA-certified restrooms and additional parking at Field of Dreams. Ground is anticipated to be broken in mid-May with completion by the end of the year. The Field of Dreams league will outfit the concession stand, including a freezer, cooler, and icemaker, with donations from the community.
“I always say that ‘Special things happen between the white lines,’” Vancore said. “But look at what we’ve done over the past 15 years beyond those white lines — the Field of Dreams playground as well as the community spirit. We’re so proud of this.”
Visit www.fodbaseball.com for more information about Field of Dreams or to register your special needs child for baseball.
Photo courtesy Jaclyn Conatser
Field of Dreams player with buddies from Bartram Trail High School
