Facility Improvements Underway for the South Baltimore Little League

Thanks to funding from Domino Sugar, significant improvements are underway at the home of the South Baltimore Little League (SBLL) in Locust Point. Construction is taking place at Field #1 as Turf Center Lawns is installing a new backstop, new covered dugouts and a new fence along the first base line. The construction will be completed in time for opening day in the Spring of 2014.

Unlike many recreational facilities around the city, the little league fields are privately owned by SBLL. The facility, which has been there for more than 56 years, was previously on land owned by Coca-Cola, which had a facility where the Phillips Headquarters is now located. In 1997, Coca-Cola gifted the fields to SBLL.

Because of the private ownership, SBLL has relied on strong relationships with corporate neighbors. Under Armour donates a large amount of money every year that is used for field and landscaping services. They also installed a new scoreboard in the early 2000s. Frank Muher, head of corporate fundraising, also said Harris Teeter has been a wonderful in-season sponsor since their arrival to the neighborhood in late 2011.

2014 will be the 57th season for SBLL. The league hosts about 250 kids from ages 4-12, and up to 30 teams, each year.

It has been an eventful few months for recreational improvements in South Baltimore as SouthBMore.com recently learned of Under Armour’s plans for a turf athletic facility at Latrobe Park, as well the likelihood of Baltimore Beach relocating to an 8-court setup at Swann Park in 2015.

Phase II of the Riverside Park improvements are also planned for the near future, which will likely include the renovation of the basketball courts, the expansion of the softball diamonds and a new dog park.

About the Author: Kevin Lynch

Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, father of three, amateur pizza chef, skateboarder, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Kevin@InceptMM.com and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.