The Claremont Youth Baseball & Softball Association (CYBSA) has approached the city council with a request to reconfigure Field No. 2 at Monadnock Park, aiming to create a space that can host both 40/60 and 50/70 sized diamonds.
A Charter on the Line
Retaining the organization’s charter with Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken hinges on having at least one field that meets the 50/70 specification by the 2027 season, a benchmark already adopted by the majority of New Hampshire leagues.
Funding the Project Without Taxpayer Dollars
The upgrade is being financed through a combination of private donations, a $5,000 grant from the Byrne Foundation, and existing association funds, ensuring that the city’s budget remains untouched.
Why the 50/70 Dimension Matters
The larger field size introduces rules and gameplay elements that prepare young athletes for middle school competition, and 38 of the state’s 42 Cal Ripken leagues already operate under those dimensions, leaving only a handful, including Claremont, at a competitive disadvantage.
Community Implications and Timeline
CYBSA President Valerie D’Aloia has gathered two contractor bids—$13,532 and $13,000—and is finalizing discussions with a third firm, with the goal of breaking ground before winter so the field can settle and be ready for the next season’s play. The association also intends to host this year’s district tournament in Newport, where the current field dimensions require the games to be held away from home.
Political Response
Mayor Dale Girard did not immediately respond to inquiries about the council agenda, leaving the timeline for a vote uncertain as the association hopes for a swift approval.