There is something missing here in Bend: As you look around and see the play parks, open spaces, dog parks and (oh so many!) soccer fields, you will not see one Little League field, one place the Little Leaguers can call their own. A place where a family can take their kids to play the all-American, much-loved sport of baseball, where dugouts can shelter our kids from a storm, where a hot dog and soda can be found. A place where a person can wander to and be encouraged and uplifted by a great game of ball. A place where a family can come to, one place where younger siblings can watch with joy as their older siblings play this marvelous game we call ”ball.” One place where parents can drive to and catch both of their children’s games by looking across a field, not missing one because one is on the east and the other on the west side of town. ”A field of our own” where friends and families can watch dreams come true, watch children learn to become part of a team and look into their eyes and see big plans being made.

No, this place we call home, Bend, the fastest growing community in the state of Oregon, cannot seem to find the importance of Little League, cannot see the dreams and memories being made, cannot support the great tradition of baseball Little League! Bend parks and recreation has said sorry we cannot provide the land, we cannot support your dream, because there will be no money made! Our patrons want dog parks instead! I have to question the purpose of a community that supports the need for dogs to run freely instead of our children. And where is the money to be made with a dog park, anyway? Yes, parks and recreation dole out fields to Little League after all their plans have been made. For that one is grateful, but they are scattered all over town, and Little League games are the lowest priority around.

In Bend, the new communities popping up abound! Millions are being made stuffing homes into every square inch of ground. Yet, when these developers making their money and then taking flight are approached and asked if they can contribute some of their land to making Little League memories and fun, all reply sorry we have none. Your community is making us rich, but we have no roots here, we have no desire to provide a space that will be used for years! Our homes we are building to ruin your town will be here filled with families whose kids might benefit from a field of their own, but it is the great mighty dollar that matters most of all. The Little League kids, they matter none at all.

I am sure all the many families who are moving here remember the Little League fields of their younger years, and how there was always one near. I wonder though as you move to this new town, is there anyone out there who wants to create those memories here? Anyone here who wants to help to make this dream come true, this far-fetched dream of ”a field of our own?” A place where your children can play the all-American game of baseball, too!

Bend Little League North and South have Web sites you can go to. Check them out to see what they do, and if you know somewhere, some way or someone who might be able to help with this great dream of ”a field of our own,” I am sure they would love to hear from you!