Smithfield Of Dreams: Field Built, Waiting For Games To Come Back

SMITHFIELD, RI — All that was missing were the players.

The Smithfield High baseball team was set to play on a new field this spring with the help of district funding and donations from the baseball boosters and others, Department of Public Works workers and volunteers engaged by Rep. Bernie Hawkins. But because of the coronavirus health emergency the Smithfield High players were never able to enjoy the new field, dugouts and backstop fencing.

Smithfield Public Schools said the field was ready to go in advance of the 2020 season, but will now have to wait until next spring when high school sports are hopefully in full resumption.

"The cancellation of spring sports, unfortunately, postpones the inaugural use of these facilities. A formal 'thank you' to all contributors will be included in the June district newsletter," Smithfield Schools said in a statement.

Gov. Gina Raimondo said on Wednesday: "I want to enable youth sports. There will be youth sports this summer in Rhode Island."

But it's unclear if any resumption of youth sports would allow play on the field this summer.