After being told that the Walt Borla baseball field in Helper was not going to be a part of the Cal Ripken Tournament due to it being unplayable, community members and local businesses gathered together and decided to remodel the field.
Weeds, splinter piercing bleachers and rusted poles used to be seen when attending a ball game at the field. Now, the ground is well maintained, the bleachers are recovered and painted as well as the poles. Tables in the pavilion are brand new, the pavilion itself is repainted and the yellow fencing protectors have been replaced. Such remodels could not have been done without the help of caring citizens, especially Scott Grundy and his wife Joy.
Both Scott and Joy spent countless hours at the ball field trying to get everything ready in time for the tournament so that it would be playable once again. The couple both completed the jobs of repainting the old buildings, washing and scrubbing everything in sight, weeding, and more.
“On any given day, you can see the two of them or Scott and a buddy or two puttering around taking care of the smallest details,” said Kerstina Thayn. “They’ve painted bleachers, edged the grass, filled in the baselines and much more. Too many things to list, actually.”
Carbon County resident Katie Childs headed the effort by gathering sponsorships and donations from businesses in Helper. Childs said that the businesses were more than happy to help and were very generous. In fact, Kate Killpatrick Miller donated her personal time and supplies by painting a mural that now hangs above the field. Childs also said that many families donated their personal time to assist with the remodeling effort.
After a few weeks of hard work, the field was finally in playable condition and was added back into the tournament schedule.
“The place has not looked this good in many years,” explained Thayn. “I love this story because it demonstrates the tenacity and determination of the people of Helper. It portrays the pride they take in their city and how deep it runs.”
