Article in The-Dispatch.com

Article in The-Dispatch.com. comments?

http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20090609/ARTICLES/906094044/1012/stormpost&tc=email_newsletter

 

The facilities at Walnut Creek no doubt could use some upgrades, such as better facilities for the umpires. I didn't realize they had to change that publicly. The "press boxes" are actually towers that have windows overlooking each individual field that have phone communication with each dugout from the tower.

The area behind the backstops I believe are intentionally without seating. It seemed to be the favorite place for the college coaches to hang out. They could easily add seating there. The shrubbery behind the backstop is not even waist high.

As far as the slope of the fields that is hardly noticeable. If it's designed to make the fields more playable sooner then it did it's job because we had a really wet day and night before the games.

As far as the lighting, these fields are used by many teams--both TB fastpitch and men's and women's slow pitch. I've never heard any complaints about the lighting. I did notice some lights were out near the entrance walkway. I even made a comment about how dangerous that was. You really couldn't see the steps. That needs attention, no doubt.

The writer must never have been to Dail Stadium at NC State. The seating there would not have accommodated the crowd for the AC/ND game. And parking would not have been as friendly either; although it may have been free.

Carolina's stadium would have been nice, as would UNC-G. The parking would have been as far away or farther than Walnut Creek, though.

What I like about Walnut Creek is you have all the levels, 1A-4A, in the same complex. You can see the various schools with just a small walk to another field. I like the idea of being able to see a Chelsea Leonard pitch and walking less than 50 yards and seeing Chelsea Wilkinson pitch. Would be kind of nice if they staggered the starting times so you could watch a full game and then another.

There were huge crowds this year. I thought Walnut Creek staff did an excellent job for the most part. Even the concessions were somewhat better; but still needs major improvement. The biggest complaint I heard was getting into the parking lot. Traffic was backed up onto the highway. That is dangerous and that needs to be fixed!!!! If they're going to charge $3 for every vehicle they should have shuttle service for those needing it.

If anything, baseball needs facilities like Walnut Creek. Not the other way around.

Let's be thankful for what we do have. And put the effort towards upgrade and improvement rather than scattering the teams all over the place. We brought a lot of money to the area; someone needs to be made aware of that and treat the girls accordingly!!!

If Walnut Creek can accommodate a tournament like the Cardinal Classic scheduled for the July 4th weekend consisting of approximately 75 teams of the finest players in NC and other states I think it should be able to handle our HS playoffs.

 

I agree with the article. The slope of the fields are very noticable. I know the fields are designed to handle rain for all the tournaments and games they have down there. I personally think the girls deserve a better playing field to play the finals on.

 

We have this discussion every year . . .

. . . . already had it this year. The argument that all classifications are there is not a good one since you really can only watch one game at time. The girls deserve the experience of playing in a college stadium. For most of them it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Most of these kids have played at the creek since 12U.

 

Not quite accurate. I watched a couple of complete games but I roamed around a little to see some of the TBR celebrities. I doubt I would have ever seen Chelsea Leonard if the games were scattered. Same with North Johnston, who almost won their class. I also saw some private instructors, who have kids playing on various teams, bouncing from field to field.

For the college coaches it's like a buffet; they can see kids they might have to travel widely to see otherwise. And they can see them in their natural competitive state instead of showcasing.

I think it's pretty appropriate to win the State Championship in the State Capital.

Again, I think we need to use this energy to get upgrades and perks at Walnut Creek for the teams. Maybe we could get a little live tv coverage next year.

 

The incline behind 3rd base is an abomination. It creates a safety risk for the players. The field inclines from the bag to the grass creating a rather significant lip.

 

I agree with the significant lip but I doubt it's because of the slope. I thought they were going to fix that before this season but it's obvious they didn't.

I don't know who can get them to upgrade the fields but I still would like for the games to stay there. Maybe a few calls to the head of parks and rec would help.

 

No Money

Bet it won't happen. The state and counties lay off teachers. You can bet that the lip behind the infield won't get fixed for a long time. Unless some parents take on themselves to do it or any other work at the park.

 

Never posted on this board, but do you work for he City of Raleigh?

 

Nope, I just recognize a good thing. But there is no doubt that it needs improvement. That should be the area of focus; we need to use the power of our numbers to get the Creek upgraded. Or maybe a more appropriate word would be "maintained."