Frank Dougherty is a baseball lifer.
In Middle Township, the long-time educator has dedicated a great deal of his retirement time to bolstering the skills and abilities of young ballplayers.
About three years ago Dougherty was talking with parents and friends of Middle Township softball and baseball players. They were looking for ways to enhance the facilities and teaching opportunities for local youngsters.
On March 11 the dream came true with the opening of state-of-the art indoor batting cages at the Clarence Davies Goshen Complex. The 6,400 square foot training center is equipped with four pitching machines with retractable cages, portable mounds, and turf infield simulation.
The machines whip baseballs at up to 100 miles per hour while softballs fly by at 75 miles per hour.
“It’s truly amazing to stand there and watch a 100 mile-per-hour pitch and then imagine someone actually hitting it,” said Dougherty with a chuckle.
As Dougherty speaks, the pride and joy in his voice and his love for baseball and softball comes through.
“When I came on board I talked to the Middle Township Baseball/Softball Association about improving our facilities to give kids and adults opportunities to improve their skills and enhance their love for the game,” said Dougherty. “It’s been worked on ever since and now it’s happened.
Dougherty was quick to credit Middle Township businessmen Tom and Bill Feraco with their generosity and leadership.
“Tom and Bill really spearheaded the fund-raising for this thing,” said Dougherty, adding that Stone Harbor businessman Gary Blum and local physician Dr. Michael Saltzberg were also highly instrumental in making “The Cages” happen.
“There are no taxpayer dollars involved in this project,” said Dougherty. “Sturdy Savings gave us the loan and we’re planning now for long-term financial stability through more fund-raisers.”
The Baseball/Softball Association will host a wine tasting, 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 23, at Stone Harbor Country Club. Tickets are $65 each with proceeds going to the cages. Dougherty is also selling four by eight foot sponsorship signs to be placed on the walls of the building. A $400 donation puts your name or company insignia on display.
Middle Township children through high school can use the facility for free. Adults and non-residents are charged $5 for 30 pitches or $20 per half-hour and $40 per hour. The entire facility can be rented for $100 per hour.
A group of volunteers continue to work on the facility almost daily, including Middle police officer Steve Novsak, contractor Bill Camp, youth coach Dave Hand and Frank’s brother, the Panther varsity baseball coach, Chuck Dougherty.
“Chuck’s a baseball nut,” said his sibling. “He loves this stuff. He sees the tremendous value in it.”
As this new venture continues to take shape, Frank and the volunteers regularly discuss improvements and changes as more users offer feedback and they observe the operations for themselves.
“People around here are accustomed to driving to Millville, Hammonton or Vineland for personal instruction, particularly for indoor off season training,” said Dougherty. “We want them to come here instead of driving up the road.”
Dougherty credits the steering committee with unending support and devotion to the project, including Glen Wyatt, Alicia Bright and Nancy Sittineri. He said Township Committee and Recreation Director Chuck McDonnell have also been very supportive.
“Our goal is to steady the funding so we can be sure future children will have this place to train and make their baseball and softball experiences more fun,” said Dougherty. “Use of this facility will translate into better play and more interest. The game is a lot more fun when you know how to hit.”
For more information about the Middle Township indoor cages, call 465-8743, ext. 1138.
Reach Rossi at joerossi61@comcast.net
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