By Marcus Woodruff
Northside News
On any given night from April to October, the four fields of the East Madison Little League (EMLL) are ablaze with activity. Five-year-old kids are swinging at Tee Balls, future college stars are honing their softball skills, 10-year-olds have graduated from a machine pitching the ball at them and now pitch at each other, and on the big field, the juniors routinely launch screamers over the outfield fence. One of these fields is facing a dark future.
“We’re the underdogs in the area,” said Juan Lopez, president of the league for the last two years. “We don’t have the financial resources of the west side or Waunakee, but we’ve kept this league serving the community since 1958.”
When the EMLL was formed, the land was owned by Oscar Mayer. It’s now held by the City of Madison Parks Division. For more than 60 years, the league has creatively scrimped and saved, begged and bowered, to produce the quality facility we enjoy today. The wooden poles and mercury vapor lights that surround the Major’s Field were a gift from Warner Park when they were decommissioned in 1999. The last big donation push in 2011 produced more modern lights for the three other fields. With these advancements, the number of players, teams and games dramatically increased.
“The old Major’s Field lights are dying,” said Lopez, “and the Little League of America no longer allows wooden poles because of safety concerns. We must replace them.”
Lopez has big plans for the future. “We want to partner up with Madison East High School so their baseball team can finally have a home field. There are plans to expand the complex to include an indoor training facility. And we intend to aggressively reach out to other schools and communities to increase our player rosters.”
Community action is needed as the 2025 season is on the horizon. If you want to register your child for Tee Ball, Machine Pitch, Minors, Majors, Juniors or Softball, the deadline is April 20.
“Our ‘Brighten the Night’ campaign is reaching out to any individuals, organizations or corporations to help us keep the lights on,” said Lopez earnestly. “There are many donation levels, each offering sponsorship and recognition which increases with the dollar amount. You could see your name or business displayed at our facility for up to five years. More importantly, you will share in the pride and joy that comes from watching these youths grow.”
To donate, or register your budding baseball superstar, please go to emll.org.
