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Anxious players high five Newsome’s baseball team at the opening weekend of the FishHawk Sports Complex.
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Surrounded by construction, hundreds of people turned out in March for the first weekend of activities at the FishHawk Sports Complex to celebrate the long-awaited opening of four fields for play.
During the opening day ceremonies, teams dressed in full uniform marched around the bases, high fiving players from Newsome’s baseball and softball teams. County and league officials shared speeches that expressed their joy that the project is nearing completion, the national anthem was sung, prayers offered and the infamous words “play ball” were shouted.
When completed, the more than $9 million facility located west of Randall Middle School will sport eight fields for baseball and softball and four for soccer/football. Conveniences such as bleachers, two concession stands with restrooms, four storage buildings, four picnic pavilions and a maintenance building are also under construction.
“We told the county if they build it then we will come, so they built it and now we’re here,” said FishHawk Youth Baseball board member Carlos Somellan.
Thirty-eight baseball and 18 softball teams will be playing on the fields this season. Some teams will be playing on satellite playing fields until the sports complex is completed, which is expected to happen within the next couple of months.
Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Director Mark Thornton thanked players for their patience. “This is a premiere facility and we look forward working with FishHawk Youth Sports Association,” said Thornton.
Pastor Galen Scott poignantly prayed that sportsmanship would abound, competition be fierce and memories be created.
FishHawk resident and Major Phillies shortstop Gary Infante, who has been playing baseball for as long as he can remember, says he is just happy to have a place to play the game. “I hope we win more games than we lose,” said Infante, who just wants to do his best.
For more information about the FishHawk Sports Complex, visit www.fishhawksports.org.
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