A talented team with top collegiate prospects from around the country is not the only new part of Y-D this season. From MLB quality netting and field improvements to tasty new donuts for the popular donut burgers, Y-D carried out one of its largest scale revisions in years according to Elaine Lacey, Y-D’s Executive Secretary and Director of Game Day Operations.
“I've been on the board for 10 years—and this is probably the biggest transformation I've seen,” Lacey said.
These improvements come under the leadership of Y-D President Paul Izzo. In the offseason, Izzo, Lacey, and the Y-D organization worked on and completed many new upgrades to both the baseball diamond and fan experience at Red Wilson Field.
“The most exciting change is our new netting from dugout to dugout,” Izzo said. “We now have major league quality netting and down the foul lines we have netting on a par with the finest minor league ballparks.”
With the new net from Netting Professionals, Izzo added that fans will be able to feel more comfortable in their seats. This net is thinner than the previous netting, allowing scouts and spectators to see the game better. The bleachers have also been repositioned around the field, giving fans a prime view of the action on the field.
In addition to the netting, a new brick wall from TS Masonry and padding have been installed on the walls inside the field and around the dugouts to protect the players. According to Izzo, the padding on the inside of the wall will prevent the ball from bouncing back too quickly and help the catcher avoid injury.
It wouldn’t be a true Y-D season without the renowned donut burger. After returning to the menu last year, donut burgers are back again this season and better than ever. Y-D is now partnering with Hole in One’s new bakery in Yarmouth to provide delicious donuts for the burgers.
Fans can also expect a heightened game-watching experience with quality speakers and an upgraded broadcast system in place. The media team has worked to produce graphics, social content, a pregame show, a postgame show, various video specials, and more for Y-D.
“I'm very excited that we're going to see improvements in the broadcasting of our games on the internet,” Izzo said. “Throughout the year, Director of Media Jim Russo and his intern team have done a great job putting together a plan for our media coverage—and we think our fans are really going to enjoy it.”
Come experience these exciting upgrades on opening day Saturday, June 15. The first pitch will be thrown at 5 p.m. at Red Wilson Field.
Photo by Sophie Solarino
