Strathroy Inaugurates Revitalized Baseball Diamond
STRATHROY – Despite a chilly afternoon that felt more like late autumn than spring, spirits were high on Saturday, May 24, as the community gathered at Yorkview Community Park to celebrate the grand opening of a brand-new baseball diamond. The event, which included a ribbon-cutting and ceremonial first pitches, marked the completion of a year-long revitalization project made possible through a $125,000 grant from the Jays Care Foundation's Field of Dreams program, with support from TD Bank.
Hosted by the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, the opening was both a celebration of sport and a tribute to the power of local collaboration.
Paul Lattimore, Supervisor of Recreation, Programs and Community Liaison for the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, opened the ceremony by acknowledging the community's enthusiasm and involvement. 'We are here to share an exciting milestone for the Jays Care Foundation Field of Dreams program,' he said, referencing the initiative that helped make the new diamond possible. He also noted the significance of the project in strengthening local recreation opportunities.
The improvements at Yorkview Park are the result of a successful grant application submitted by the municipality in 2024. The funding enabled the complete renovation of diamond #3, enhancing both the playability and accessibility of the space for local youth and families.
Strathroy-Caradoc Mayor Colin Grantham kept his remarks brief but heartfelt. 'This is a great facility. This is commendable to Strathroy, and it just adds to the compliment of recreation that we have,' he said. He also took a moment to thank Jays Care, TD Bank, and the many municipal staff who brought the project to life.
Jason Turnbull, President of the Strathroy Royals Minor Baseball Association, underscored the importance of the project for local youth. 'Fields like this one are more than just diamonds, they are safe spaces where kids learn confidence, resilience and teamwork,' he said. Turnbull noted that the association chose to hold its inaugural 'Baseball Day in Strathroy' alongside the ribbon-cutting.
TD Bank, the title sponsor of the Field of Dreams program, was represented by Rocco Di Cicco, District Vice President of Three Lakes Counties. 'At TD, we are committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work,' he said. 'Congratulations to the municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, its residents and all other baseball and community associations that will benefit from this incredible space.'
Although representatives from Jays Care Foundation were unable to attend, their presence was felt through Blue Jays-themed hats handed out to children at the event.
The ceremony concluded with three ceremonial first pitches, symbolizing the start of a new chapter for baseball in Strathroy. As players took the field, the message was clear: this diamond is more than a playing surface—it's a home for future memories, teamwork, and community connection.
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New York Times
5 hours ago
- New York Times
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Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame At 6-4 and 220 pounds, Fields sizes up as the kind of possession receiver who can make life a good deal easier for his signal-caller. But it might be the savvy that stems from his days as a high school quarterback that puts him over the top as a safety valve. His knack for coming down with contested catches and finding soft spots in zones helped him record more than 800 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons, which was no easy feat given the extremely poor quarterback play he was saddled with at Virginia. After transferring to Notre Dame, he'll be afforded not only a greater stage but also much better overall support from a team that should once again be in the hunt for one of the College Football Playoff's top seeds. Luke Hasz, TE, Mississippi A change of scenery can go a long way in determining any player's NFL draft trajectory. In two years at Arkansas, Hasz often saw his impact limited by quarterback Taylen Green's erratic ball placement and decision-making. Now set to be a crucial part of the Rebels' high-octane passing attack under Kiffin, the 6-3, 245-pounder should be better positioned to showcase his surehandedness and penchant for boxing out defensive backs, which should make him a fast favorite of new starting quarterback Austin Simmons. Though Hasz looks set to share the workload with Dae'Quan Wright, Mississippi could utilize plenty of two tight-end looks to take advantage of the duo. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon With second-round tight end Terrence Ferguson and top receivers Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden off to the NFL, the Ducks are set for a reconfiguration in their receiving corps. Big things are expected of Evan Stewart as the former five-star recruit enters his second season in Eugene after transferring from Texas A&M, but Sadiq might be the true wild card for the offense. At 6-3 and 245 pounds, he's a more formidable run blocker than his size might suggest. His true value, however, lies in his ability to create mismatches as a supersized receiver with impressive long speed. Sadiq will have to show he can handle being a featured part of the Ducks' offense and develop into something more than a seam threat, but he's one of the most intriguing draft-eligible tight ends to keep an eye on. Damon Wilson II, DE/OLB, Missouri When he committed to Georgia in December 2022, Wilson looked in line to be the next standout pass rusher for a program that produced Travon Walker, Jalen Carter and a bevy of other hyperathletic defensive linemen. But the Bulldogs' rigid rotation up front can box in even the most talented players and leave them with limited opportunities to shine as individuals. While Wilson looked due for a larger role in 2025 for a defense that lost Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker from the front seven, the former five-star recruit instead opted to find a fresh opportunity. The 6-4, 245-pounder could be a cornerstone of a Missouri defense that lost its top edge threat in second team All-SEC pick Johnny Walker Jr., and more opportunities to flash his explosiveness could vault him up draft boards. Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State Having sat out all of 2023 following his transfer from Miami (Fla.), Jackson eased his way back into action last season, recording 3 ½ sacks en route to honorable mention All-ACC honors. With that experience in hand, big things could be ahead for the 6-5, 337-pounder. Few defensive linemen at the collegiate level can measure up to Jackson when it comes to commanding the line of scrimmage, as his sheer size and strength make him a dominant force against the run when he maintains his leverage and intensity. Though he might never post prolific sack numbers, he can create havoc by pushing the pocket and slipping past blockers who underestimate his quickness. Jackson's conditioning and consistency will be heavily scrutinized, but after the similarly built Kenneth Grant went No. 13 overall to the Miami Dolphins this year, it's apparent that massive defensive tackles with abundant athleticism don't tend to hang around long in the draft. Keon Sabb, S, Alabama After helping Michigan win a national championship in 2023, Sabb took on a new challenge last year by going to Tuscaloosa to help the Crimson Tide navigate the post-Nick Saban era. He made a strong early impression, recording two interceptions in his first game for Alabama and notching 39 total tackles before being lost for the season to a lower-extremity injury. The 6-1, 205-pounder blends puts together impressive size and coverage skills to allow him to clamp down on tight ends and patrol underneath in zone coverage. With his strong tackling allowing him to also be a force in the box, he should be coveted for his ability to handle a few key tasks, even if he doesn't fit the mold of a typical single-high safety. If he's able to stay healthy, expect his buzz to build. All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter. Check out the latest edition: Best fits for remaining free agents.
