WEYMOUTH, Mass. — Players say the new Libby Field in Weymouth really is a Field of Dreams. But some of the neighbors say they are in the line of fire.
One man says his home has been bombarded by balls.
We spoke to T.J. Keefe as he was giving young ballplayers a lesson in hitting Wednesday afternoon.
He's a catcher on the Weymouth High School team and a big fan of the newly renovated Libby Field.
“It's just awesome playing on a field that you can really enjoy and love the game again,” Keefe said.
Augustine “Augie” Petrus loves baseball. He even played it as a kid, but Petrus' home is one of several in foul ball territory by Libby Field.
He’s lived here since 1977 and the field has always been next door. But the after the town spent millions on upgrades -- youth and adult leagues use it nightly.
“I get line balls straight at me, straight at my house, anybody who is over, and it is nerve-wracking," Petrus said.
He collects the balls that have bounced off his house, turned up in the pool and on his back deck.
“It is rattling. My bedroom window is right there,” he said. “I lay in bed thinking is a ball going to come through the window? I have several neighbors with the same type of issue."
The backstop behind home plate is already fairly high. Some of the locals are wondering if they added safety netting off the backstop -- If that would help catch more foul balls.
“I think a pretty tall net strung from here to first base would do the trick,” Keefe said, pointing out the space along the first base line.
Weymouth Mayor Bob Hedlund told Boston 25 News, they are “actively working with the project engineers and contractors to find a reasonable solution to address the concerns of the neighbors.” And the city “strives to be a good neighbor on every project. Through the increased popularity of the improved facilities, it is not unexpected that we may encounter some difficulties along the way.”
Petrus and many we talked to say the field is beautiful and they love that it is being used so much -- but hope there can be one more upgrade.
“It's not rocket science, what to do to come over here and protect this neighborhood," Petrus said.
Statement from Mayor Hedlund below, regarding the subject above:
"Baseball has been played at Libby Field for decades. Although the layout and orientation of the improved field have not changed in a way that would adversely affect the abutting neighborhood, there appears to be a significant increase in the concerns over foul balls since the park has been renovated. The Town is actively working with the project engineers and contractors to find a reasonable solution to address the concerns of the neighbors. As with all of our recent park improvements, the Town strives to be a good neighbor on every project. Through the increased popularity of the improved facilities, it is not unexpected that we may encounter some difficulties along the way. The Town is committed to finding a viable solution as quickly as possible."
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