League needs community support
BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Martin County Cal Ripken League’s Opening Day is on hold after flooding severely damaged Frank Horn Field on April 4.
The floodwaters struck just as the youth league was preparing for its April 5 kickoff. Muddy water from Rockcastle Creek swept across the fields and into the facilities. The concession stand and bathrooms took on at least 4 feet of water, resulting in a total loss of equipment and supplies.
Once the creek receded, thick silt and debris were left behind, covering much of the park.
The devastation is especially disheartening after the Martin County Fiscal Court, alongside the league, invested in a major renovation of the park last spring.
“This is absolutely heartbreaking after all the time spent getting this ballpark to the shape it was in,” league volunteer Jesse Reed said. “It’s a major loss—not just the equipment and the work, but for the kids who were so excited to play this weekend.”
League organizers are now calling on the community for help. They need volunteers are needed to assist with cleanup along with monetary and material donations to replace essential items.
Some of the supplies they need are freezers, coolers, cooking equipment, chalk, field dry, fencing, windscreens, and poles.
“As many of you know, we are a nonprofit organization that serves our youth,” volunteer Zach Callaham said. “We operate simply from sales from concessions.”
Supporters can help by donating supplies, volunteering their time, or contributing financially through the following links:
Venmo: venmo.com/u/jessereed200
GoFundMe: gofund.me/a7244a83
For more information about how you can help, follow the league on Facebook:
facebook.com/MartinCountyKyCalRipkenLeague
Or contact league president BJ Endicott: facebook.com/BJEndicott
