“Take me out to the ball game” is going to be one of the phrases heard in Saugerties all summer long starting in 2015. The Saugerties Stallions, our own franchise of The Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, is on its way to Cantine Field. As we watch the players, we’ll be able to see the beginnings of what might become professional baseball careers at field #11.
Deputy Supervisor Fred Costello began the April 19 Town Board meeting by announcing what he deemed “really great news.” He, Supervisor Helsmoortel, and Parks and Recreation Superintendent Greg Chorvas met with representatives of the franchise over a three-day period here in town. Costello called it “exciting” to see the level of enthusiasm from the powers behind the team.
“They showed a real commitment to Saugerties as well as to a quality program of baseball,” said Chorvas. “The Stallions director and his wife actually volunteered to staff the Kiwanis Club booth during next year’s Garlic Festival.”
To pave the way for the new team, the town Department of Parks and Recreation obtained a $66,000 grant from the state for lighting. Corporate donations from the community and individual contributions were also employed.
The highway department worked with the parks department to begin the excavation needed to install lighting cables and other infrastructure. Benson Steel, Mullen Construction, Riozzi Construction, Richards Electric and Jack Warns Carpentry, among many other local firms, contributed both in-kind labor and materials to reduce the cost of this project. Markertek installed a state-of-the-art sound system last year that provides PA services to the field. Still to come will be upgrading the bathrooms, providing a changing space for the players, and possibly building a clubhouse, all done with local labor and contributions of time and resources.
Join the family! 
