Copper City Softball prepares for Field of Dreams Campaign

love the Longfellow-Ed Austin Fields.

When I think about growing up, those fields are at the center of me. I went to Longfellow 1st through 3rd grade, then hopped over the Oregon ave. overpass to Emerson from 4th-6th grades. So, if I wasn’t spending hours at the diamond while walking home from Longfellow, I was loading my gear in a backpack and riding my bike over every damn day (unless my dad loaded the team up in the back of his green Chevy truck, which I don’t think we can even talk about anymore.)

What I am getting at, is that Longfellow was HOME. It was ours, and we were incredibly proud of it. So, when the fields stopped being used for Little League Baseball, it hurt. Those fields should never be quiet.

Luckily, they didn't stay quiet long. In 2017 Copper City Softball got its start as the first dedicated softball little league in Butte, and the Longfellow fields would be their home. In that first year, less than 100 girls would sign-up and play. That first year was an incredible success, made possible because of dedicated volunteers and fantastic sponsors. The bedrock for future success was built in that first year.

Copper City Softball teams and players. Photo used with permission from CC Softball.

In five years time the number of girls in the league has grow to over 270 girls playing on 26 teams.

These young ladies have a great home that is in need of some significant work. Let’s be honest, Longfellow needed a lot of work 30 years ago and hasn’t received any significant improvements, maybe ever. The time for those improvements is now.

Copper City District 2 Champs 2021. Photo courtesy of Copper City Softball

Anyone who has ever slid on Ed Austin field, probably still has the scars to prove it! The surface of all 3 fields is incredibly hard, and the fields are overgrown with weeds. The fences around all 3 fields need to be replaced, the concession stand roof needs to be replaced, and I haven’t even gotten to the biggie, there are no working restrooms.

Copper City Softball is a non-profit entity, so any and all donations will go directly to the rehab of the fields. And, as the end of the year approaches, they are tax deductible!

You can read more about the Field of Dreams fundraising campaign, and the different ways you can help, via their webpage. Coppercitysoftball.com

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