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Fields of dreams

Newly renovated South Hill Softball Complex energizing Minot area softball teams

Alex Eisen/MDN Paige Ackerman throws a pitch to catcher Taylee Hertz on the new turf field at the South Hill Softball Complex.

Smiles have been prevalent this week at the South Hill Softball Complex.

Bundled up in sweatshirts, members of the Minot High School softball team and the Minot Storm fastpitch program have been breaking in the two newly renovated softball fields. Artificial turf, new dugouts and upgraded fences have transformed the once dirt diamonds into gems to be proud of.

“It’s come a long way since the 70s when the diamonds were built, and I know they were upgraded at some point with new infields,” said Thor Nelson, a spokesman for the Minot Storm and Magic City Youth Fastpitch Softball League. “I think you would have a tough time finding a nicer pair of ball diamonds anywhere in driving distance from here. For our girls, for the community and the area, to have these diamonds available to play on is going to help the game of fastpitch grow.”

While a new scoreboard, dugout benches and small details are left to be installed, the fields were used for the first time on Monday to break in the turf with a fielding and batting practice.

It’s going to take some time to get used to the new surface under their feet.

“The ball gets on the ground faster,” MHS softball coach Gerard Cederstrom said. “It’s not going to sit and spin in the dirt like some of those dusty fields. You got to be on your toes, be quick and get after things because it’s going to get to the fence in a hurry. The balls travel fast on this stuff.”

Base running and sliding will be affected as well. But, fielding is where things will change the most.

“It’s going to be a lot smoother fielding the ball. But, when they get hit to the outfield, they just keep rolling. It won’t stop in the grass anymore,” Majettes pitcher Marisa Andrysiak said. “It will be different pitching in it because there is not dirt and you won’t have to fill in your holes or anything. But, we will see. I haven’t really got to pitch on it, so I don’t know what it will be like.”

The hard part now is the waiting game with winter fast approaching and the spring season months around the corner.

“We haven’t really got to play on it. But, from what we have got to do, it looks a lot better and easier to play on than sand,” Minot High catcher Jaycie Rostad said. “It’s going to be fun just to get out here. I’m always excited for softball. I’ve been waiting since last season got over.”

The South Hill Softball Complex is the home of Minot High, Bishop Ryan, the Magic City Youth Fastpitch Softball league, the Minot Storm and soon-to-be Minot State. The updated fields will also help in bids for bringing in collegiate, high school and summer softball tournaments to Minot.

“For all of us, this is our home,” Nelson said. “A place the girls can take pride in and call home. I can’t wait for the first season.”

Across the city, in conjunction with the softball fields getting a remodel, Corbett Field has also completed similar renovations to an artificial surface.

Alex Eisen covers Minot High School, Minot State athletics and high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @AEisen13.

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