Titans open in grand style
By STU MERRY
It was a home opener that was two years in the making. The grand opening of the newly refurbished Titans American Legion Baseball Field on the north edge of Garrison.
With crowds filling the new grandstand and adjacent picnic tables, the home team didn’t disappoint, defeating Surrey 14-4 in come-from-behind fashion.
The reborn facility received a grand opening on a grand scale Monday that included check presentations, first pitches by dignitaries, presentation of colors, live singing of the National Anthem and a ribbon cutting ceremony. To celebrate the grand opening of the updated field and stadium, there were also free hotdogs.
Since last year, a multitude of improvements have been made. Those enhancements include new infield grass, the addition of agri lime, sprinklers, new pitcher’s mound and batter’s boxes.
Also added is a new concession stand/shop/crows nest and media center, handicapped restrooms, scoreboard, concrete and bleachers. The improvements were possible through a helping hand from Better Living for Garrison who made field improvements its signature project last year. The fun isn’t over. A celebration is planned for later in the summer.
On the field, the Titans had the fans cheering throughout the home opener. Luke Gehring scattered four runs early to put the Titans in a hole, 4-0 after two innings.
The first hit at the new field was by Dylan Finken. Dylan also scored the first run on the refurbished diamond. Dylan seemed to take a liking to the new digs, going 3-3. Gehring did, too, fanning eight. Gabe Lassila also found the home field to his liking, going 2-3. Noah Sloka was also 2-3.
