Local adult amateur baseball team coach, Jason Kidd, is making a significant contribution to the Liberty Local School District by funding the renovation of the former Liberty High School baseball field. Kidd, who manages and plays for the Mahoning Valley Dragons in the Mahoning Valley AA League, has pledged $35,000 towards the restoration and maintenance of the field. In exchange for his generous donation, Kidd’s team will have access to the field for practice and games when students are not using it. This partnership between Kidd and the school district is a win-win situation, benefiting both the community and the baseball team.
The decision to renovate the baseball field came about when Kidd and his teammates were in search of a practice space during the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon discovering the field at Liberty High School, they developed a connection to it and saw the potential for its revival. The field, which has been unused for 15 years, is in need of repairs such as new dirt, mound support, bullpen mounds, fence repairs, and dugout improvements. Kidd’s financial contribution will ensure that these necessary upgrades are made, bringing the field back to its former glory.
Liberty Athletic Director Todd Smith played a crucial role in facilitating the partnership between Kidd and the school district. Through discussions with Kidd and DuraEdge Products, a company that specializes in sports field construction, plans were put in place to revitalize the baseball field. Smith and Kidd share a vision of not only restoring the field but also increasing youth involvement in baseball within the community. By creating a safe and well-maintained space for young athletes to play, they hope to reignite interest in the sport and foster a love for baseball among the next generation.
Kidd’s commitment to the project goes beyond just the initial $35,000 investment. He has expressed a willingness to contribute more funds if needed and has aspirations of further improving the baseball field and potentially the softball field as well. With the support of the community through fundraising efforts, additional enhancements such as lighting for night games could be a possibility. Kidd’s dedication to the project and his desire to see the field utilized to its full potential demonstrate his passion for baseball and his commitment to giving back to the community.
The agreement between Kidd and the Liberty Local School District is set to last for five years, with renovations beginning on August 1st. This partnership represents a positive step towards revitalizing a neglected space and creating opportunities for both the Mahoning Valley Dragons and the students of Liberty High School. By working together, Kidd, Smith, and the community are paving the way for a brighter future for baseball in Liberty and inspiring a new generation of athletes to take to the field.