Little Leaguers Fight to Save Field

Plans to turn a baseball diamond at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Pacoima into a parking lot drew protests Sunday from scores of parents and children who want the field for Little League games.

About 50 people carried placards and marched outside the parish hall at the church’s 10 a.m. Mass, and another 30 picketed at the 2:30 p.m. Mass. Protesters said they would demonstrate at each of the church’s nine religious services Sunday and at tonight’s Mass. The protests centered on the decision of the Rev. Fernando Iglesias, head pastor of the church, to replace the 25-year-old baseball diamond with 75 parking spaces.

One of the protest leaders, Javier Romero, said the field has served as a positive alternative for youngsters. “We’re trying to keep these kids off the streets, off the drugs, off the gangs,” said Romero, who has had two sons play for the Mary Immaculate Little League.

But Iglesias said Little League officials have only themselves to blame for the loss of the field behind the church at 10390 Remick Ave.

According to Iglesias, the league’s board of directors was unable to meet a series of requirements adopted by the parish’s advisory board in December, 1985, to improve management of the program by February, 1986, Iglesias said.

The problems included $2,000 in missing funds and the deplorable conditions of the baseball field because of improper maintenance, Iglesias said.

Untrained Volunteers

Romero explained that Little League volunteers were not trained in managing finances. He said that the field was cleaned this year and that new league officials are willing to do whatever the parish wants to save the field. Romero, who served variously as umpire, team manager and league president from 1962 to 1982, said he remains optimistic that Iglesias will change his mind.

If need be, the league’s 17 teams and 200 youngsters can play the season at a nearby park, Romero said. For now, the gate to the field remains locked.