More to the Story with Staley: New Wheeler Ballfield

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — It was a ball field many years ago. Then it became just a field. But now, thanks to a lot of hard work by a lot of good folks, it’s a ball field again.

The Emma Wheeler Homes in South Chattanooga have a baseball field! After years of having only an empty pasture. The baseball vibe is back!

It’s all due to a lot of hard work the past couple of years. Especially by the Southside Youth Development program, in conjunction with the local RBI program, which stands for Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities.

The goal was to give the Emma Wheeler Homes a place where the kids can play ball in front of their family… in front of their friends.

Was it a lot of work? You bet!

“We had to drag out this field. And then bring in infield mix. We installed dugouts and the scorer’s table, as well as a scoreboard. And there’s still more work to be done,” said Southside Youth Development President Xavier Cotto. “It’s been two years to get it to this point. And we’re excited about it!”

It’s been a long time. A long time since kids were able to play organized ball here. For example, we saw an 11 and under contest between the GOATS and the Clowns.

Getting to this point took money and elbow grease. But to a man, it’s worth it.

“It’s really satisfying to see the kids get to play these games, the smiles, even the tears when they strike out. It’s really fun to let them enjoy the emotions of sports and to learn from sports like many of us have,” program coordinator Josh Harvey said.

“When we brought out the jerseys, the kids were so excited. It says Southside on the front,” Cotto said. “They’re able to play right here, before their parents. The kids are really excited.”

Community support was strong for this project. But in the end, it was more than anything else a labor of love.