Little League Playing Hardball in Field Fight

Young sluggers who play in the San Juan Capistrano Little League are requesting a new baseball field at the city’s recently opened Sports Park, but some residents say they fear that the plan would squeeze out other local sports groups.

The City Council on Tuesday will consider a request from the league to share the estimated cost of $35,000 to build the new field, which would be used exclusively by the senior and major Little League players 10 to 15 years old, city officials said.

Under the proposal, the park’s existing softball field would be converted to a baseball field from February to June, the length of the Little League season.

That part of the plan has raised concerns from supporters of other local sports groups.

“The fact that this city would consider such major deviation . . . without seeking the approval of the community is outrageous,” said Jim Lowe, whose three daughters play youth soccer. “I think it should be put up for a public hearing first.” Groups such as the Capistrano Valley Bobby Sox and adult softball leagues would not be allowed to use the fields until after the Little League season is over, according to the proposal.

But Little League supporters say that their teams should have top priority because they now play at a deteriorating field at San Juan Elementary School and are the only sports group without access to a city-maintained field.

“We have had coaches from other communities refuse to play at our fields because of the conditions,” Little League President Dennis Narlinger wrote in a letter to the city.

Tuesday’s meeting is set for 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Information: (714) 493-1171.