MARY MEAUX
The Port Arthur News
BRIDGE CITY
April 19, 2008 10:04 pm
—
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.
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