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August 17 , 1989 C*1- <br />Mayor, City Council, and Staff: <br />As a volunteer coach for the past 7 years, from T -ball through traveling baseball, I would like <br />to commend the City of Mounds View and its staff for the fine youth baseball program and the <br />timely maintenance of the ball fields. The MVAA, with your cooperation, has afforded many <br />young people the opportunity to enjoy the game of baseball at a reasonable cost. <br />After coaching the 12-13 year old traveling team this year, it has become apparent to me that <br />the young adults between the ages of 12-17 have outgrown the available facilities. I realize that <br />Greenfield Ball Park was designed to accommodate this age group, however, it falls far short of <br />their requirements. As a result, I regularly held practice on Shoreview or New Brighton fields <br />which still did not meet all the needs of my team. There is not, at present, a quality major <br />league field in this area. With a few modifications, Greenfield could be the facility so greatly <br />needed. <br />As a result I respectfully request that Greenfield be upgraded. Some major changes would be <br />required to reach this end. They include: <br />moving the outfield fence to a minimum distance down the foul lines to 320 feet and <br />center field to 400 feet <br />- the distance from homeplate to the backstop should be twice what it is now <br />- the infield should be resodded and the outfield reseeded <br />- dugouts should be constructed <br />- a sprinkler system should be installed throughout to maintain a quality playing field. <br />1 feel that investing in a park of this nature today will have long lasting rewards; not the least of <br />which would be the pride in our community reflected in our young people. It hurts me greatly <br />to hear the derogatory comments by visiting teams about the conditions of our playing fields. <br />What hurts even more is knowing that my team hears these same comments. <br />Each year I tell my team that I expect them to give me 100%, and I will settle for nothing less. <br />In return, I promise them that I will use everything at my disposal to help them reach their <br />goals for the year. If I did not bring this to your attention, I would be violating their trust. <br />Therefore, I again request, on their behalf, that we as a community provide a quality facility for <br />them to perform. <br />Respectfully, <br />Neal Valley, MVAA Coach <br />8440 Knollwood Drive <br />Mounds View, MN 55112 <br />