Adam Watkins is author of next 2015-2016 MLHS senior student editorial
Light It Up
A baseball fan goes to a game at the varsity baseball field at Munson Field at night and complains that he cannot see the baseball because the complex is too dark. A baseball player cannot see the ball when the sun goes down and gets hit in the face by a line drive. Having lights at the baseball field would prevent these problem and allow us to host playoff games, which raises money for our team supplies, and host doubleheaders.
If the baseball field did have lights, we could have home field advantage during playoffs instead of going to other towns to play, which limits our fan support since some people do not like driving. If we did have lights, the games could start later, so more people could come since most people do not get off work until five o’clock. Also, the school could host tournaments if we had lights, and we as a team could make money off the concession stand and entry fees.
The main reason we should have lights, however, is for the safety of the players. When the sun goes down, the baseball diamond and the baseball get harder to see, making injuries more likely. Even though a game might be in only the third or fourth inning, the umpires have to call a game if it gets too dark to continue playing in order to protect the players. This makes the players mad because nobody wants to play half a game and not see a winner. I also like playing at night because then I can see the baseball more clearly.
Another reason to have lights is that playing under the lights is simply more fun. I like playing under the lights because I seem to be more focused than when I play in the afternoon and the sun does not get in my way like the afternoon sunlight does. Similarly, at night the field is not as hot as when we play in the afternoon. Once in awhile, the temperature during games is over ninety degrees; with lights we could wait one hour or two to play the game. According to mlb.com, Ryan Howard, said, “I think it’s just the overall atmosphere: to be able to come out in the summer, nice weather — you can bring your kids and make it a family event. People just can come out and have fun.
Understandably, lights cost money – over $100,000 – but somehow we could find ways to afford them. According to mlbcommunity.org, baseball programs are eligible for a grant for renovation and construction, a grant that would help us pay for lights at Munson Field. Another good idea is to start a fund for getting lights at the field so that people can donate money to the cause. Selling food or drinks at the concessions could also help pay for the lights.
We need lights for the varsity baseball field because of safety reasons, to allow us to host tournaments or playoffs, and for the love of playing under the lights. The tennis courts, softball, and football fields have lights, so why cannot the baseball field? To sum up, having lights is beneficial in many ways and worth the price.