YOUTH BASEBALL: A ‘New Era’ for An-Jo

By John Isherwood

LOCKPORT — When An-Jo League youth baseball players step on the field this spring, it’s going to be a whole new experience, thanks to an exciting partnership with New Era Cap Company.

“It’s a grand slam for Lockport, now that An-Jo Baseball is partnering with New Era Cap Company,” said 16th District Niagara County Legislator Keith McNall.

“Through this partnership we are expecting great things for our region.”

New Era, headquartered in downtown Buffalo and committed to the surrounding community, is the official on-field cap of Major League Baseball (MLB). The company manufactures MLB caps as well as caps for many the NBA, NHL and over 200 college teams. Through the new partnership, they’ll bring a wealth of resources to An-Jo Baseball, including a substantial commitment to renovate the facility and fields.

“We are very excited about the opportunities created through our relationship with Niagara County, Lockport and the An-Jo Organization,” said Neal Turvey, Business Manager for New Era Park.

“The Niagara Region is a great destination for teams and families participating in the first class events supported by this new partnership.”

New Era plans to make An-Jo Park and Sports Complex on Davison Road their home for more than 10 summer tournaments and numerous future events.

“The economic impact of the tournaments only will be very substantial,” added McNall.

“This partnership will be bringing in families to eat in our restaurants and sleep in our hotels. This is great news for area businesses. They are also upgrading the facility, making An-Jo Sports Park a great place for children to play and have fun.”

New Era’s investment in the development of the An-Jo Baseball League complex includes a total of 15-to-18 fields, plus supporting the facilities. Field improvements also include four baseball/softball fields and three scalable fields with 60-to-75-foot baseline diamonds.

Each newly redesigned field will be of tournament quality, with fences, new landscaping, professional dirt, and the installation of new bases. A dedicated full-time professional grounds crew also will be supported by the New Era sponsorship.

“I can’t wait to throw out the first pitch at the new and improved ball fields later this spring,” said Senator George Maziarz, R-Newfane, who is officially scheduled to throw out the ceremonious “first pitch” of the An-Jo League season.

“New Era is a great local success story. Their support of An-Jo Baseball will have a positive impact on the Lockport community for a long time to come. There is no doubt that this new partnership is a ‘home run’ for all the kids who will play at the An-Jo Complex.”

The An-Jo Baseball League was first established in 1951. Along with New Era’s generous commitment to renovate the facility and fields comes a new look and logo for the league, one that’s sure to get players and spectators excited.

“We invite people to get involved. Whether coaching or cooking hotdogs, people make a difference,” said Todd Fragale, An-Jo president.

“You’ll notice our new saying ‘Play Hard; Have Fun!’ This is our motto at An-Jo Baseball — a philosophy that our board of directors and coaches firmly believe in. This is an important message that we want to instill in our children, and it’s our blueprint for success.”

Preliminary development of a 90-foot showcase field is on the agenda for 2010. Additionally, the snack shack will undergo a major service expansion, with a dedicated manager and an extensive service line.

Renovations at the park also will include attractive and appropriate signage and the existing sets of bleachers will be refurbished with five new sets of bleachers provided. For the 2011 season, full flush bathrooms are proposed.

Also excited about this new venture is Tony Nemi Jr., 15th District Niagara County Legislator and the son of Tony Nemi — a founding father of An-Jo Baseball.

“It’s great that we are bringing more baseball to Lockport. This is great for our community and adds to the rich heritage of An-Jo Baseball.”

“Baseball is such a great game. It can teach kids the proper skills for handling tough situations,” says Fragale, who strongly believes that the An-Jo Baseball Summer League offers an extraordinary athletic program in which children can learn many of life’s valuable lessons and have fun in the process.

“As a summer-time league, we provide an avenue for kids to keep playing after many of the youth baseball leagues in Western NY end after the Fourth of July. Our program keeps them active until school starts.”

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