BRIDGE CITY —
A metal “clink” rings out as a baseball soars far into the outfield and fans rise to their feet cheering — baseball season is here.
On one field at Bridge City baseball park, league president and coach of the Minor League Twins, Brigg Patterson, first rakes the infield sand then chalks the field as parents, players, coaches and fans begin to pour into the park.
A total of 905 boys and girls, ages 4 to 15, play on 79 teams at the park. Each team typically plays two games per week making for one busy set of fields.
As ball players of various ages began warming up, umpires, score keepers and concession stand workers arrived.
Umpire Kris Wedekind is in his first year officiating.
“I like to be around the kids and for me it’s more fun to umpire then to play,” the Bridge City High School senior and former Little League Baseball player said. Wedekind often sees some of the second graders he’s met while participating in a special tutoring program in the district.
Inside the concession stand workers scurry to make everything from hamburgers and fries to chicken strips. While it’s still about 30 minutes until game time a number of children and adults are already lined up.
“When people come out they usually eat their dinner here,” Deanna Thibodaux said as she scooped up an order of French fries.
Nearby Michael Boegeli quickly flipped hamburgers and removed buns from the grill. Still clad in his U.S. Post Office shorts, Boegeli said he enjoys spending time at the park because he loves the kids.
The concession stand is well known in the city for their tasty burgers— but don’t ask Boegeli his secret.
“I can’t divulge my secret,” he said with a laugh.
Thibodaux explained that on a weeknight they will sell about 100 burgers. That number triples on weekends. The stand also goes through about 150 pounds of fries per night and 30 bags of cheese sticks, she added.
Thibodaux has three children playing ball, two boys ages 8 and 9 and a daughter playing softball, age 9. Boegeli has a child playing in the major league division. Like the concession workers, Pat New volunteers his time with the park and has children playing the sport.
“Having the fields so close together helps,” the father and assistant coach said of the uniquely designed park.
A typical day of parenting and coaching is a busy day for New.
“Today we have a game at 5 p.m., another game at 7:45 p.m. and one child has practice,” he said.
Soon, everyone is in their designated place and ready — play ball.
Multimedia
Related Photos
-
Ryan Boone
Discussion
April 19, 2008
Take me out to the ball game
Parents, fans make Bridge City ball park a success
- Multimedia
-
-
Viral video: Announcer goes nuts after full-court shot wins game
One college basketball play-by-play radio host likely needed some throat lozenges when he woke up Sunday morning, a day after his shocked, screaming reaction to a game-winning basket.
-
SLIDESHOW: Study reveals 15 scariest jobs
CareerBuilder recently asked workers to rank the most frightening jobs. In celebration of Halloween, here are the 15 professions that have people quaking in their boots.
-
7 germy surfaces you touch every day
New tests in busy U.S. cities have revealed which everyday surfaces are among the most germ-ridden, just in time for the cold and flu season.
-
Steve Jobs in 2005: Death is life's 'change agent' (VIDEO)
Following the news of former Apple CEO Steve Jobs' death, the video and text from a speech he gave at Stanford University several years ago are making the rounds on the Internet.
-
SLIDESHOW: Best hospitals in the U.S. for 2011-12
When someone is sick or injured, they want to know they're getting quality care. According to U.S. News & World Report, the following rank as the nation's top 13 hospitals, with high scores in six or more of their specialties.
-
List of richest people in America released
The economy may be down, but the wealth of America’s richest is up by 12 percent, to nearly $1.53 trillion, Forbes magazine said this week in unveiling its list of the 400 wealthiest people in the country.
- SLIDESHOW: Pecan Festival 2011 Parade
-
Who will win Emmys? See most-nominated TV shows
Some epic HBO dramas along with a few popular comedy staples lead the way in nominations for the 63rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards, which air Sunday night.
-
SLIDESHOW: 10 states with highest poverty rates
The country’s overall poverty rate increased in 2010 to its highest level since 1993, according to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau this week. So which states are among the nation's poorest?
-
SLIDESHOW: 10 states where you can make a better living
In a tough job market and down economy, you'll want to make the most of your paycheck as possible. These states make it easier to earn a better living.
- More Multimedia Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
