2023 RHLL Field Improvement Campaign

Rochester Hills Little League was formed in 1964, focusing on baseball and softball players in Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Auburn Hills (since also growing to include Shelby Township, Lake Orion, Oxford, and parts of Troy).

Rochester Hills Little League is operated by a board of directors, our volunteer coaches, and players from within our community. One crucial piece of information that we want to communicate to those who may not be aware is that this league is self-funded financially, receiving no financial support from the cities our league represents. RHLL’s funding comes from the Spring and Fall registration fees from player participants and annual Sponsorship donations.

To continue to grow and evolve as a Little League, we need to match where youth sports are going in our area to remain relevant, and it is time to invest in our home fields at Avondale Middle School. The goal is to provide a safe and fun playing experience with upgraded infrastructure by making our fields state-of-the-art! In addition, we are responsible for funding the maintenance and repair of these fields each year. The Board of Directors balances the need to enhance the infrastructure of the fields while keeping registration fees at a competitive level with other recreational sports. Significant field improvements have not been made with increased costs across the league. Instead, we prioritized our ump program, team equipment, high-quality MLB replicate uniforms, and materials needed to maintain our dirt infields.

With that said, RHLL is pleased to announce that Fields 3 and 4 will be going through significant improvements as we kick off our campaign!

The fields will be receiving the following:

1. Concrete pad dugouts (8’x30’) (not only will the players enjoy this, but it will create more seating closer to the diamond for the fans!)

2. The dugouts will have covered weather-resistant top to help protect the players from the sun and rain

3. Each dugout will include a 21’ “Players two-tiered bench”, giving them an MLB dugout feel!

4. In-fields will be re-graded and material added to improve the drainage system – this will help in quicker rain recovery and loss of field usage.

5. Each field will have the infield/outfield transition (lip) ground down to assist with drainage and playability

6. Fields will receive new backstop fencing along with treated wood panels where the fence and ground meet to help protect the fencing and control unpredictable pass-ball situations

7. Fields will have reinforced clay brick pitching mounds and batter boxes to help slow the decline of wear to these areas. (this is not a permanent fix but will assist with the field crew’s maintenance program)

8. Fields will receive Flag poles to represent our great country’s American Flag

To fund these enhancements listed above along with the remaining ball fields (1,2, and 5), we are launching a 2023 Field Improvement Campaign. This is where your family and League supporters come in. We ask you to consider making a tax-deductible donation to our RHLL Field Improvement Campaign to raise funds necessary to complete the complex. Our Rochester Hills Little League is a certified Non-Profit Organization, 501(C)(3) (Little League ID is 1220415).

In closing, our mission is to provide the youth in our community with an environment that promotes the enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of the game of baseball and softball while teaching the virtues of teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship. Rochester Hills Little League is more interested in producing top-quality citizens than top-quality athletes. We operate under the principle that, first and foremost, Rochester Hills Little League exists for the benefit of the kids. Our Little League is designed for entry-level and advanced players looking to compete against neighboring leagues at the end of the year through Little League's District tournament. This gives our kids a chance to represent us at Williamsport, PA, in the International Little League Championship, televised each August on ESPN. We have had one of the most extensive Little League programs in the state of Michigan for many years and take pride in offering this program to the kids and families of our community.

Thank you for your consideration,

Board of Directors

Rochester Hills Little League