Little league teams without field to play

DIBBLE, Okla. — Little league baseball, softball and t-ball teams are a great way for kids to be involved in athletics; however, in one small Oklahoma community, where the teams have doubled this year, they don’t have the fields or facilities necessary for these kids to host a game.

Now the community is gathering together trying to get support to help build a field of dreams for these kids.

There are 12 little league teams in Dibble.

Their practice field is full of cracks and weeds.

The backstop was donated from the old high school field.

It’s definitely not an ideal situation.

The lack of money is forcing them to play their games on a high school field.

Greg Parks, a little league coach, said, “We just want a place to call our own.”

The city has land set aside for four baseball fields and a multi-purpose field for soccer or football.

They even have people willing to do the labor.

What they don’t have is money for the materials.

Unfortunately with only three businesses in the town, the city can’t afford to fund the fields, bathrooms or lights needed.

Local parent Nathan Dunn said, “Our tax revenue is just not high enough to sustain and help us get something like this.”

They do have one field built but it’s rarely used because there are no lights and, more importantly, no bathrooms.

Parks said, “When we come out here to practice, they’re running out in the bushes over there.”

Dibble Mayor Al Gilreath said, “I’d love to see soccer fields and lit baseball fields.”

The hope is that private or corporate donors will step up and help this small Oklahoma town provide a lesson in teamwork for these kids.

Dunn said, “We want to give the kids every opportunity we can to be successful.”

The members of the community say they believe if someone would step up to help build the fields then the community could potentially fund the upkeep through concession sales and fees made through holding a yearly tournament.

If you would live to help, contact Greg at 905-9315.