Cherokee County High School baseball supporters are looking to build their own version of “Field of Dreams.”

CCHS has never had a baseball field that it could truly call home and is one of the few teams that do not actually have a home field at their school. The school has shared facilities with the City of Centre for as long as the school has fielded a baseball program, and the program is grateful for the city’s assistance.

CCHS has a rich tradition of excellence, winning the 1980 and 1981 state baseball championships, and CCHS baseball program supporters feel that now is the time to build a permanent home field.

CCHS is asking supporters to consider assisting in this project, a project that has been discussed, debated and considered for over 40 years. CCHS has rarely asked for assistance of such proportion. In every community, many opportunities occur for people to serve, invest and give to noble causes.

A baseball field would also serve as a multi-faceted facility to host other CCHS events. More student/athletes sign baseball scholarships in Alabama then in any other sport. While not every high school player is a major league prospect, every player needs the opportunity to develop and participate with the same type of facilities that most schools in the county and the surrounding area offer.

Many CCHS alumni and friends have “shared the wealth” of their love for the school by contributing to various program needs in the past.

Tax-deductible gifts may be given directly to the school or the Upper-Deck Club. Donations may be made in recognition of the memory or honor of loved ones.

Donations and gifts may be recognized in the following manner: Upper Deck Club ($25-$99) - program recognition; Warrior Upper Deck Club ($100 - $499) - Program/Booster and plaque; Black/Gold Upper Deck Club ($500-$999) - Pro-gram/Booster, plaque and sign; Cherokee Warrior Upper Deck Club ($ 1000 or more) - program/monument/brick/sign.

Project Director Ricky Ray outlined project plans at a recent Cherokee County Board of Education meeting. In-cluding lights, dugouts, backstop, and infield grass, cost estimates are projected to be $50,000 or more. Matching funds from various public officials, clubs, and individuals are being sought. In-kind labor from parents and supports also will be utilized.

The Upper-Deck club is asking for people willing to support this project to send a donation to the Upper Deck Club treasurer Kay Bandini Arnold at: CCHS Baseball Field Fund, c/o Kay Bandini Arnold, 2355 Big Nose Drive, Centre, AL 35960.



For additional information, contact Mike Lockridge at (256) 475-5540, Ricky Ray at (256) 927-3699) or Tom Curry or Paul Hyche at (256) 927-3625