What this picture is
This is a picture of the Diamondbacks' outfielders warming up before a T-ball game at Field 1 at Hamlin Park in Chicago. It's Spring in 2003.
The infield had been deemed unplayable because of standing water from a recent rain. The grass in the outfield was high because it had not been mowed in a few weeks since it had been too wet.
Industrious dads had figured out how the game could go on by setting up alternate placement of the bases. They explained the change to their players.
My son, Daniel is the lefty. Teammates in the shot include Jennifer, Anthony, Erica, Jack and Matthew. The man holding the scorebook, behind Daniel is his dad and my husband, John. Next to John is a dad from the other team. He will act as the umpire once the game starts. The Diamondbacks were in a league called the Pamper league. The league's players were five and six years old.
Why I saved this picture
Before this game started, a coach from the other team, Dave Williams, stepped into that makeshift outfield and made an impassioned plea to all gathered for the game. He enthusiastically pointed to the tall grass and standing water.
"This is terrible, we can't stand for this; let's make this better" he said. "This park, can be a great place for kids to play and families to come together," he shouted. "We need to improve it!"
That speech started the momentum that resulted in a community coming together to better the fields. The drainage issue was addressed and more updates were made. We even got a score board for the main field.
Spring rains don't damper the games like they used too.
You know what else happened along the way?
The improved neighborhood park and can-do atmosphere of the volunteer coaches like Dave, John and several others, kept people signing their kids up season after season.
Friendships between families were made and strengthened. Together, we watched our children grow up. Many, like our sons, played their through high school years.
And the goodness continues. Drive by Hamlin Park on a spring or summer Saturday morning and you will see youth games going on four fields. Look a moment longer and you will see the families watching the games, enjoying being together and watching their children grow up.
The Long Game
When given an opportunities to invest your time, talent and treasure in a meaningful endeavor, join in! Yes it can be hard, complex and take a while. But know this, those short term sacrifices will pale in comparison to the comradery and fellowship you will experience, as well as the justifiable pride you feel in a job well done.
Key Points
Lasting community improvement often starts when someone speaks up and invites others to take action together—even in imperfect conditions.
Short-term effort and volunteer leadership create long-term rewards: stronger relationships, shared pride, and places where people want to keep showing up.