Edison's field of dreams

BERLIN HEIGHTS — A major league-like renovation at a youth baseball field completes the triple play for Edison Youth Sports. One, it ensures a safe playing space for children learning the fundamentals of the national pastime. Two, it addresses sorely needed upgrades on these grounds that have been required for years. And, three, it allows the youth organization, a nonprofit, to continue operating without draining its already shallow cash reserves since a local trust covered all costs. Help from the Hinman trust On Friday, a pair of 12-and-under youth teams representing Edison Youth Sports — squads sponsored by Great Lakes Electric and Simply Vitality — squared off in the inaugural game at Berlin Heights Field No. 1 behind Edison Middle School and its new playground. Players, coaches and fans marveled at the many enhancements, fully paid for by a $30,000 grant provided by the Thomas R. Hinman Family Charitable Trust. From Berlin Heights, the Hinman family always remained proud of the village. Members took great honor in the community, donating to many causes focused on improving quality-of-life standards for residents. This would include helping area Boy Scouts and assisting the conservation club. Regarding the baseball field, this grant mainly paid for all new: • Dirt to create a fresh infield paired with a special topping agent to maintain its integrity • Bases, home plate and a pitching rubber • Paint for the dugouts, now decked out in blue and orange shades, an homage to Edison's primary team colors; A plaque behind the third base dugout thanks several other project supporters. Many children from the Milan-Berlin Heights community and beyond — including those involved with Firelands Inter-League Baseball, such as Huron, Port Clinton, Willard, Western Reserve and others — play there. In past years, those affiliated with Edison Youth Sports maintained the field as best as they could. But, prior to the 2025 season, they reached a tipping point, requiring outside assistance. In a grant application, they also stressed the need for money due to higher costs for materials combined with more children playing baseball and other sports overseen by Edison Youth Sports. The nonprofit also offers softball, basketball, soccer and cheerleading. 'It's surreal' Dustin Sharp serves as the youth sports organization's president for baseball operations. He attended Friday's game and even arrived about an hour before first pitch for some last-minute preparations. "A new field like this provides numerous health and skill improvement opportunities for our local athletes," Sharp said. Sharp expressed his deepest appreciation to the trust, underscoring how this field facelift "will benefit the families and children for future generations." "It is an investment in our community where locals can gather for a family game or a group of friends can meet for a pickup game," Sharp said. "It's a field where kids/athletes will learn sportsmanship, perseverance, how to be a good teammate, make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime." Brendan Butler represents one of the coaches for the Simply Vitality team. As the team's first base coach, he received an up-close view of the upgrades. "This is great for the community and the village of Berlin Heights not only for the kids who are blown away by how beautiful it is but also for the parents who have grown up here. It's surreal," Butler said. "It's really great to feel the aura when they all take the field. It's filled with excitement and community passion."