Rotary Club members and project supporters hope the new field will give Junior Division players a permanent home while easing the demand on existing facilities. Image by photoangel on Magnific

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - A new baseball field honoring longtime youth coach Baldemar "Balde" Torres is one step closer to becoming reality as the Gridley Rotary Club, Gridley Little League and community supporters work to raise $75,000 for the project.

The proposed Junior Division baseball field, planned for property at the Butte County Fairgrounds, would provide much needed playing space for older Little League players while honoring Torres' more than 40 years of volunteer coaching and dedication to local youth.

The project began when Brett Rogers and Amanda Schohr sought grant funding through the North Valley Community Foundation and the Aaron Rodgers NorCal Fire Recovery Fund. Although the request was not approved, supporters quickly shifted their focus toward raising the funds through community donations.

The Butte County Fairgrounds had also applied for grant funding to improve lighting throughout its campus, including lighting for the proposed baseball field. While that request was also unsuccessful, project organizers remain committed to moving forward.

Gridley Rotary Club President Efren Del Rio said the proposed field fit perfectly with the club's goal of supporting youth and improving recreational opportunities in the community.

Gridley Rotary had already pledged its support before learning the grant application had been denied.

"It was unfortunate that the grant did not work," Del Rio said. "But there are so many gracious people out there who may be able to help. Sports is such a healthy outlet for kids, and this will provide them another space to compete, have fun and make memories."

The new field has been dedicated to Torres, whose decades of volunteer coaching left a lasting impact on generations of young athletes. Supporters hope the project will not only meet a growing need for additional playing space but also serve as a lasting tribute to a coach remembered by many throughout the community.

Rogers said the need for a dedicated Junior Division field has grown as participation continues to increase.

Junior Division includes players ages 13 and 14, who compete on regulation baseball fields using 90-foot base paths and a 60-foot, 6-inch pitching distance, the same dimensions used in high school, college and professional baseball. None of the existing fields at Manuel Vierra Park meet those specifications.

Gridley Little League currently rotates teams through three baseball and softball fields at Manuel Vierra Park, along with a smaller grass field used primarily for T-ball. With nearly 500 players registered during the 2026 season, field space has become increasingly limited.

Junior Division teams also share the Gridley High School junior varsity field, but the school team receives scheduling priority. Because the field does not have permanent lights, practices early in the season are often shortened or delayed until daylight lasts longer.

Rogers said the league has borrowed portable lighting from the Gridley Titans organization to extend practice time, but the temporary setup creates glare that makes it difficult for players to see the ball.

To help ease scheduling challenges, some teams have also practiced at what has become known as Humble Field on the grounds of Christian Life Church.

Rotary Club members and project supporters hope the new field will give Junior Division players a permanent home while easing the demand on existing facilities.

The fundraising campaign seeks to raise $75,000 for site preparation, drainage, irrigation, grass, fencing, backstops, dugouts, bleachers, restrooms and a batting cage.

Donations may be made by check payable to the Rotary Club of Gridley with "Little League Field" written in the memo line or by Venmo.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Del Rio at 408-722-5433.