Buddy Pellerin Ballfield Project Raising $250,000 for Field Improvements| 04:05PM / Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | |
 Proponents of Buddy Pellerin Field make a presentation to the Parks Commission last month. The group hopes to raise $250,000 to improve the ballfield. |
George 'Buddy' Pellerin.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The committee behind the naming of Buddy Pellerin Baseball Field at Clapp Park has set a goal of raising $250,000 in the next three years to improve the ballfield.
The Parks Commission in April unanimously approved renaming the Clapp Park ballfield after longtime baseball coach George "Buddy" Pellerin. The committee for the Clapp Park Project had applied for the naming and presented the commission more than 150 letters of support.
The committee is comprised of former players and friends of Pellerin who are committed to recognize the large impact he has made in the city during his more than 40 years of coaching. With the renaming approved, the committee has now turned its efforts to making improvements to the ballfield and raising private funds to do so.
It has created a website, pellerinfield.org, that describes Coach Pellerin's achievements and the history of baseball in Pittsfield. The website also has a link to accept donations for the purpose of constructing the proposed improvements. The first phase of the improvements includes installing an electronic scoreboard, temporary outfield fencing, improved viewing area along the right field fence and a new batting cage. Future phases include the construction of dugouts, bleachers and a new building for restrooms and a press booth.
Support for the project has been overwhelming from the outset, say committee members, and money was raised even before receiving the Parks Commission's approval. The fundraising has been directed to former players to date but is now being expanded to the general public as well. Donations through the website have continued and the committee is optimistic that it can proceed with future phases. It is working with city staff on a master plan for the field and the park and will be seeking donations from local businesses and state grants.
The Clapp Park baseball field is the home of the Pittsfield High School varsity baseball team and the Post 68 American Legion Team.
The committee believes that Pittsfield deserves a baseball field that has amenities and improvements consistent with communities of similar size and that exemplifies its rich tradition and support for the support of the sport of baseball. The improvements for the park are well timed as Clapp Park will celebrate its 100th year anniversary in 2019. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1966 Pittsfield High State Championship Team that Pellerin coached to victory.
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