What happened to field at South Meck High School?

Watched a game today over at South Meck with a neighbor and could not believe the condition of the field...

I have not been over there in a few years since they made the run in the state championship, but what happened? This used to be the best field in the area, and now it has to rank as one of the worst...I felt sorry for the infielders trying to field balls off a field this chopped up...is this due to the drought? No other high school fields look this bad.

 

Awful and Sad

Trying watching game but eyes kept looking toward screen on fence blowing, horrible looking halo and weeds pulling on my legs while sitting in the stands. Sprinklers work as soccer practice field and football field look great.

I was once told that if you want to know how good the program is look at the field. It is a sad day at South Meck.

 

The departure of Coach Hal Bagwell, that's what happened to the field. (no offense to the current man in charge, but if the shoe fits...)

 

Whether its fair or not, the condition of a field, dugouts, fence, etc etc...

... says a lot about the coach. You know what they say about first impressions telling you a lot.

 

Told you so

I hate to say it but I told you so and I saw this coming a thousand miles away.

 

What a shame......was one of the nicest, best playing fields in the State. Hopefully someone will step up........

 

I spoke with their new AD, Kevin Hinson, about this same subject. Let me first say, that I have known Kevin for quite awhile and have always found him to be honest, approachable and trustworthy....pretty good qualities in my book. Kevin, also, is a very hardworking young man. He has been at SM for many years and understands the commitment it takes to be successful. Kevin does not have a HUGE ego and I believe he will try to make the best decisions based on school and community. Obviously, I like Kevin a lot.

Okay, to get back on subject. I asked Kevin, "Wow...your baseball field went from best to worst in a very short period of time. What's up with that? Kevin, it makes no sense. EM and Providence looks great. Hopewell is now one of the best in the state and AK is starting to look better." He said that's because they are watering their fields. I said, "So...why don't you water?"

He looked me in the eye and told me, "Braves, we got fined by parents turning us in for using water for our fields"....he walked away shaking his head.

Think about his position. During baseball season we were in a drought. HS's could only water on Saturday. People were complaining about the fields....while others were calling downtown complaining, being water nazi's. What do you expect!

I am in no way shifting any responsibility from the coach. He certainly does not have the same commitment as Bag's had towards the field...but now you know.

 

one issue not addressed:
nine teams practiced on this fields this past summer. The same last fall and last summer. The field gets Aug. and Dec. to recover. Over use and lack of respect for the facilities is the main issue. If watering is the issue explain the other fields (soccer, football, north utility field). Did they water those at night with buckets?

 

No

It is not the water. It is making an impression with what you have to work with. The weeds are higher then the stands, windscreen is blowing everywhere, I would dig up the halo because it looks worse with it in place, infield is six inches below dirt with a lip that is five inches above the skin etc.

It starts at the top. you can have a drought and the grass look bad but when the entire facility is not safe it is time for an intervention. Can not believe no one cares about the field or the program. Do not have a kid playing there but if I did I would be embarrassed enough to get involved and help this coach out.

 

I told you what was said to me from the SM AD. If you have a problem with the answer take it up with him. I'm sure he has an explanation (like water restrictions have been eased) and you already answered the other part of the issue.

Geez, guys, outside of Bagwell I can't imagine anyone more disappointed in the condition of the field than I am. I know of a lot of families that put sweat, tears and blood into that place trying to improve it every year. There was not a year that passed that we did not add something to the program and to the field......and in two short years it has become an eyesore.

...and do you know who I feel the worst for? Dan Foster and his family. There wasn't anybody that supported the SM baseball program more than Dan. After his untimely death, his family bought the new state of the art scoreboard and donated thousand of $$ to upgrade the field, buy equipment and pay for their new lights. They honored Dan and his life by dedicating the scoreboard and putting a placque of Dan on the field. Since the Foster family live across the street, I'm sure it breaks their heart to see the deteriorating field. I'm afraid to look and see if weeds are growing around his placque.

Yeah, that program and its field is personal for me. There has been a lot of great memories. I, also, trust Kevin. If he can't get the program back to standards, he will make changes.