Needham leads fundraising effort for new Garrison Middle School backstop

Walla Walla Valley Select Baseball program begins fundraising effort for new Garrison Middle School backstop
The Walla Walla Valley Select Baseball program, under the direction of fundraising chair Peggy Needham, is taking donations to replace the aging baseball backstop at Garrison Middle School.

The backstop was originally installed by the Rotary Club of Walla Walla in 1958 for use as a Pony League field. Needham says the current condition of the backstop, including the rusty poles, wires and holes, pose a safety hazard.

"This backstop is in desperate need of replacement," Needham said. "Not only is the Garrison field utilized by the middle school, it is utilized by summer ball as well. It would be wonderful to have an additional field to use for summer and fall baseball programs."

The Walla Walla Valley Select Baseball program is seeking $8500 to pay for the materials for the project. Walla Walla Public Schools has agreed to pay for the cost of the installation. The new backstop will also be moved forward to enhance competitive play, allow for additional fan seating, and improve safety by increasing the overhang to lessen the chance of cars and spectators being hit by foul balls.

Needham said in addition to the backstop, her group would like to raise money to install shelters over the dugouts to keep the players protected. She said a sign will be provided by Key Technology and installed on the backstop recognizing financial contributions of $500 or more.

Needham says an account has been set up at Banner Bank titled "Garrison Backstop Project" and donations will be accepted at any branch. Donations are tax deductible. Funds may also be mailed to:

Walla Walla Valley Select Baseball
129 East Alder Suite 201
Walla Walla, WA 99362
FED ID # 27-0387105

About Walla Walla Valley Select Baseball
- Walla Walla Valley Select Baseball was originally started in 1998 as the Cub's traveling baseball team (which was actually part of the Babe Ruth program).
- Then they added the Blues (originally called the Royals who were coached by Ryan Carter) a younger team coached by JC Biagi and Luke Hamada to cover a younger age group (13-14).
- Both teams have been active based on the number of kids wanting to play year-to-year.
- This year they held a fall baseball program for youth ages 13-16 at Murr FIeld. We had 23 kids participate and would have had more, but lack of time to advertise hurt the program. We had kids coming into the complex halfway thru the season wanting to play.

The mission for Walla Walla Valley Select Baseball is:

WWVSB is to provide opportunities for the youth in our community to participate in a progressively competitive and increased skill level of baseball competition. WWVSB is designed to provide those players of competent skill level and attitude the opportunity to develop and compete at a higher level of play. We will strive to instill in each player; discipline, hard work, accountability, sportsmanship and fair play.

WWVSB - Manager Mike Needham
Coaches Kevin McNeil
Zach Armijo
Thayne Stone

2010 WWVSB Board Members
President - George Flippo
VP - Wes Hibner
Accounting - Thayne Stone
Secretary - Carla Haen
Fundraising - Peggy Needham