Four base-plates form the diamond shaped field, encircling a mound of dirt as the pitcher concentrates heavily on the batter a couple dozen feet away. The batter, tense and poised, waits in silence, focusing solely on the ball and the person throwing it. For what seems like ages, no one moves. Then, a slight twitch of the pitcher's finger signals the imminent throw, and in a flash, the ball is whipped with ferocious intent. Faster than the eye can see, a sharp ding echoes around and as both spectators and players look up, the ball is soaring back, high in the air. Players scramble to situate themselves to receive and throw the ball as the batter sprints towards first base, hoping to reach safety before the ball does, and with the roar of the crowd, he does just that.
A game of strategy and precision, baseball has solidified itself as a defining characteristic of America's culture. Each pitch and swing carries game changing implications, requiring utmost focus and hunger to beat out the competition. Strategic plays like steals are necessary, and coordination is key, but the game is also home to moments of individual brilliance, the most iconic being electrifying home run hits. On the less competitive side, the crack of a bat and the soft thuds of the ball hitting the leather-wrapped glove, the sport is also popular amongst friends and families, whether it be going to games in packed stadiums in hopes of catching a ball or throwing the ball around, it promises to be a fun and memorable time. However, accompanied by lush green fields, the atmosphere of baseball games is the real allure. Some may say the sport itself is not the most exciting, but between the hot dogs and iconic scoreboards, it is hard to resist the charm baseball brings.
Hardly ever are baseball fields rundown, and that is due to extreme efforts by groundskeepers to make sure the pitch is in top shape. Likewise, the City of Sacramento is requesting a contractor to improve the existing baseball field at Sim Park at 6207 Logan Street. Improvements include demolition, clearing, installation of fencing and foul poles, player's benches, bat racks, baseball bases, reconstructing of the pitcher's mound, painting of the baseball and bleacher boards, turf sod and repairs, and field signage replacement. The renovations will improve the quality of the experience and the happiness of those that play there, as well as improve comfortability of spectators that attend the games held. If interested in improving the experience of Sacramento citizens for America's greatest pastime, click here for more information. The bid due date is September 11 at 2:00 PM PDT.