A Team Steps Up
The Pittsfield Franks, a youth baseball program for children aged seven to eleven, took on the daunting task of bringing Springside Park’s baseball field back to life after three years of neglect and drug‑related debris had left it unusable.
Evan Swan, co‑founder of the Franks, organized a crew of volunteers who scrubbed graffiti from the concession stand, hauled away trash and installed new security cameras to deter future vandalism.
Partnerships that Made It Possible
Berkshire County Sheriff Thomas Bowler coordinated a work‑release program that brought inmates into the park, where they repaired the batting cage and restored the press box, adding structural stability that had been lost.
Local businesses stepped up without hesitation. Berkshire Fence Company and Berkshire Tiling donated fencing and tiles at no cost, while Local Appliance Repair contributed a refrigerator to the concession stand as a tribute to Brodie Slonski, a former player who was killed in a shooting.
The collective effort has already restored roughly two‑thirds of the field. Plans are underway to finish upgrades to the batting cage, add new bullpens and further improve the concession area, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for the growing roster of players.
With more than 70 children now registered, the Franks emphasize inclusivity, offering opportunities for all ability levels. The revitalized field stands as a testament to community generosity, hard work and the enduring memory of a young athlete whose legacy continues to inspire.