BALL PARK

1. BALLPARK SINCE 1957

2. Baseball wasn't new to kids in the North Jefferson County community of Mount Olive in 1957. Their dads and granddads had played the game wherever a flat piece of cleared land could be found along the ridges and wooded ravines where those men scratched out a living from the rocky soil, or by mining coal from beneath it. But new to Mount Olive kids in 1957 was the place they played baseball. On a few acres of donated land a baseball diamond was laid out, coaches were recruited, and an umpired drafted from the crowd first yelled 'Play Ball!’ Since that time three fields have been grown, and where once only young boys trotted onto the field, now pony-tailed little girls display their playing talents and their parents take their turn in softball leagues. Thousands of kids have passed through the program, now governed by the Mount Olive Youth Association, and many of those have graduated to high school ball, and some to play in Alabama's junior and senior colleges. And many of those who played have returned to coach their own children and grandchildren. But for each child playing on the three lighted fields there are adults working as volunteers to make it possible. They serve on the board, they cut the grass, they coach and serve as team moms. But most of all, they raise money so that the Mount Olive Youth Association can continue to exist. For like the first dads in 1957 who volunteered their time – and sweat – to create the playing field, present day parents volunteer so that it can continue to serve the community. Unlike neighboring Gardendale, Fultondale and Morris, there is no city government to provide funds for the upkeep of the Mount Olive fields and the expansion of programs. There is no Parks and Recreations Department to manicure the fields and clear damage from a violent spring thunderstorm. Work that isn't volunteered is paid for with money from donations, yard sales, barbecues on special days, donations from businesses and individuals, and any governmental or corporate grants available.

3. This is to formally request consideration of The Mount Olive Youth Association for any money available through your company. But our request for funds is not so that we can quit work. Our request is for funds so that we can continue to work. We are committed to the community in which we live, building on the sacrifice, commitment and vision of those who started the program 54 years ago, supporting the more than 200 boys and girls currently using our facility, and bridging the gap to generations yet to come who will continue to play at Mount Olive.

4. What would I do without baseball ?

5. Please Contact:Darren Martin darren@mtoliveballpark.net (205) 631-8185 (205) 296-2103