Polished gem for Camas and Washougal

Visit www.cwbaberuth.com for more information about the Saturday, March 29, opening ceremonies.

Thanks to good, home cooking and lots of tender love and care, Louis Bloch Park is ready for it’s grand re-opening to Camas-Washougal Babe Ruth Saturday, March 29.

“I grew up and played ball here. My goal is to bring back that community and family feel around the ballpark,” said League President Jaycop Collins. “We want people to come on down and have a burger and enjoy a game. Have this become their restaurant for the summer.”

Collins played baseball at Louis Bloch Park between 1993 and 1997. He also served as a coach for a few seasons after graduating from Washougal High School in 1997.

Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. There will be a series of 2-inning games between the league’s eight teams. Players will then try to hit baseballs onto Third Avenue and beyond during a home run derby. Raffles and prizes will be given away throughout the day.

Treasurer Randy Potter said Louis Bloch Park will host 96 Babe Ruth games between March 31 and June 14. There will also be four tournaments at the ballpark.

For more information about the teams, players and schedules, visit www.cwbaberuth.com.

“I once heard this was the most under utilized field in Camas. That doesn’t happen anymore,” Potter said. “We have a total of 99 kids playing ball right now. They’re working hard here to make their high school freshmen teams, and beyond, in Camas, Washougal and Vancouver.”

A new grill and fryer will give fans an opportunity to enjoy ballpark burgers and fries. They were purchased at Lowe’s by an anonymous donor.

The first pitch of 2014 will be thrown at Louis Bloch Park soon. Players can feel the fresh grass and the soft soil. League board members and the field crew can already smell the barbecue and hear sounds of the bats pinging, the gloves popping and the fans cheering.

“This is my passion and what I love to do,” Collins said. “Take care of your field and be proud of your home.”