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Getting In League For Kids

Crystal L. Lauderdale/Tampa Tribune

Jeff Jacobsen, left, and Tim Pitaniello from the Devil Rays groundskeeping crew tidy up the field at West Tampa Little League ballpark in preparation for a ceremony honoring the park's refurbishment.

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 29, 2007

Additional Photos

WEST TAMPA - Leo Alvarez knew there were problems that had to be fixed at West Tampa Little League.

When a foul ball hit the old steel roof, rust would sprinkle fans in the bleachers below. The concession stand was built in 1962, and its restrooms had pipe problems and a 'sewer scent,' said Alvarez, a former league director and player.

Last year, he met Tampa Bay Devil Rays President Matthew Silverman and took the opportunity to mention the league's needs.

It started a conversation that ended Tuesday with the dedication of a new concession stand, a stainless steel roof over bleachers and enhancements to the four baseball fields in the park, 2000 N. Jamaica St.

'It gives a place for families to be,' said Alvarez, 46. 'It attracts new families.'

The Devil Rays ground crew removed 25 tons of sod, installed new sod and added 40 tons of clay to the infields. The crew improved the pitching mounds and bullpens and added bases with safety features.

The work was estimated at $100,000 and included donations and free labor from J.O. DeLotto and Sons, Metro PCS and Bryant Heating and Cooling.

The small inner-city league has about 250 to 300 boys and girls who pay about $50 to $80 a season.

Its history is hard to match. Former and current Major League Baseball players and coaches played there, including Tino Martinez, Lou Piniella, Dave Magadan, Tony La Russa, Fred McGriff, Luis Gonzalez, Ken Suarez and Arnaldo 'Nardi' Contreras.

League President E.J. Leto hopes the improvements bring back the pride of old.

'It really makes a big difference,' said Leto, 32, who played in the league for 11 years and managed for 14.

Devil Rays star outfielder Carl Crawford was on hand for the dedication and said the upgrades will motivate children and increase their pride in their neighborhood park.

'It makes the kids want to come out more,' Crawford said. 'They know they have a nice place to play.'

Mayor Pam Iorio said the city needs partnerships with the private sector to improve youth baseball fields. The city installed new lights at West Tampa and other baseball fields, she said, but can't get involved in major projects such as building a concession stand.

Iorio hopes the investment in West Tampa will motivate other businesses to lend a hand.

'This affects people right where they live,' she said.

Along with the improvements, a turf tractor was donated for leveling the infield clay.

Carlos Teijelo Jr., the league's maintenance director and former president, said the league was using a riding mower with a homemade dragger weighed down with bricks. Someone had to walk behind the mower to adjust the contraption that leveled the clay.

'It's a gift from heaven,' Teijelo said.

PITCHING IN

The West Tampa Little League is seeking donations of supplies and equipment for its new concession stand, including freezers, microwaves, cabinets and a hot dog cooker.

To make a donation, call (813) 872-6430.

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 835-2110 or jpatino@tampatrib.com.

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