Ravaged by age and often assaulted by vandalism and burglary,Cap’n Sam Brown American Legion Field marches on in Exchange ClubPark. Once a Mecca for baseball in the early 1950s, the nearly70-year-old facility still provides a playing surface for youngteenagers who love the game of baseball.

Legion Field’s future appears secure but the ancient warriorrequires annual maintenance and upgrades to stay presentable. Ithas a new scoreboard this year but urgent needs like fencing andlights beg for attention.

Weldon Smith, commissioner of Lincoln County Youth Sports, trieshis best to share the finances with three other fields locatedbehind the old Seneca Screen Wire building in Brookhaven’sIndustrial Park. The pecking order often leaves pressing needs on aback burner, especially because of the recent burglaries ofconcession stands at both locations.

The Exchange Club of Brookhaven donated money two months ago tohelp finance new lights. An estimated cost to replace poles andlights is $25,000.

However, the 12-foot tall, chain link fence surrounding thefield requires immediate work. There are holes to close in thedugout walls and sagging fences that need support orreplacement.

The City of Brookhaven, once under the leadership of the latemayor, Doug Sullivan, deeded Legion Field to the Exchange Clubabout 17 years ago.

Smith, who has been in charge of the summer league for 15 years,said one of the first improvements was to remove most of the oldfence. “We took the old existing fence down. That fence was behindthe (light) poles. We brought it (fence) in to about 280 feet.”

The field currently serves as the home for the Lincoln CountyDixie Boys Baseball League. It includes 7 teams, featuring players13 and 14 years old.

Smith said coaches and teams have dealt with the lighting fornight games. “There was zero complaints on lights this year. OurNo. 1 goal for the field is to erect a new fence. Especially downthe right field line.”

The restroom facilities, located beneath the covered grandstand,have been vandalized and are inoperable. Blue-colored portajohns,located down the left field line, have been trucked in toaccommodate players and fans.

Smith said vandalism and burglaries have become a weeklynightmare this season. “That concession stand has been broken intoseven times.”

Burglars made a recent, record raid on the concession stand.Smith said, “The crock pots, the microwave, grill, drinks,hamburgers and hotdogs were cleaned out. We got broke in twice thispast weekend.”

He said Lofton Field’s concession stand was broken into twiceand vandals hit Keystone Park, too. “We are trying to survive andfinish the season.”

Smith said brick walls and concrete cinder blocks don’t deterthe invasion. “We lost over $2,400 dollars. They are chopping holesin the wall.”

Increased police patrols have been recommended. “It has beensuggested that we put razor wire on the fence,” said Smith.

While Keystone is in a more secluded area, Legion and LoftonFields are visible from all sides. On the bright side, Legion Fieldis providing an important baseball facility. “Everybody we talk toout there is glad to have the field and league available,” saidSmith. He anticipates 10 teams instead of seven next season.

Currently, two teams from Brookhaven, two from West Lincoln, onefrom Loyd Star, one from Wesson and one nonaffiliated team arecompeting in the league.

Often, players of lesser talent are cut from a junior varsity orhigh school roster. The summer league gives them a chance to growand improve their skills.

“If there are kids who want to play (ball) but they are notaffiliated with a school team, they are welcome to come play.” saidSmith. “We try to accommodate them somehow.”

Dixie Boys Baseball League president Terry Britt appreciatesLegion Field and its long history. He coached the 2007 all-starteam that won state and advanced to the World Series in GrandPrairie, Texas.

“There’s a lot of character in the old park,” said Britt. “Ilike the idea of kids getting to know other players from otherteams.”

Britt said many of the league’s players would continue improvingand eventually become high school stars on their varsity teams.

Currently, the pitching mound is at the standard high schooldistance of 60 feet. When all-star action begins, the mound will bemoved 4 feet closer to home plate and the base paths will beshortened from 90 to 80 feet.

“The coaches like keeping the pitcher’s mound at the high schooldistance,” said Britt. “They want their players to get used toit.”

Overall, Britt and Smith agreed. Coaches and players enjoyplaying on Legion Field and have few complaints.