Bakersfield.com

   Since 1961 families have been playing baseball and softball at a place known as GBA — the Greenfield Baseball/Softball Association.

"We have 2nd and 3rd generations of families playing out here."

Sometimes they will come clear across town just to play at GBA. It used to be way out in the middle of no where. Surrounded by cotton fields on the corner of Cottonwood and Panama roads near Taft Highway. We are still surrounded by fields, but houses keep getting closer and closer.

The Greenfield Baseball/Softball Association has been dedicated to the youth of our community, giving them somewhere to have some fun, meet new friends and maybe enhance their skills. We've encouraged the dreams of thousands of kids throughout the years. Some have even made their dreams come true and made the big leagues.

No, we don't have a lot of fancy things like a paved parking lot or electronic scoreboards or premiere manicured fields or a National Championship Team. However, we do have something better, like family traditions, the love of the game, community support and dedicated people who care about kids staying off the streets and out of trouble. We have parents willing to take the time to spend coaching, not only  for their own children but for many other children as well. Our main concern is  the kids have fun and have a positive experience. As time goes by things always change, but the GBA will be here as long as there are kids wanting to play ball.

The Greenfield Baseball/Softball Association is a non-profit organization. We have no city or county connections or help. We operate solely on the donations of our sponsors and with the support of the community. If anyone is interested in sponsoring a team or even a child,  or donating materials please contact Stacey Hernandez @ 661-343-8938 or GBA  @ 661-833-6058.

Sign-ups for the 2008 spring season will be held at Rusty's Pizza, 3221 S H St., on Dec. 1 and 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Boys and girls ages 4 to 16 are welcome. Cost is $90 per child until January, then cost goes up to $100. Verification of age such as birth certificate or an immunization record will be required.

Volunteer coaches, team sponsors and certified umpires are needed! For more information, call Kylie Garza at 619-5397 or Vicki Darringer at663-7682 or Greenfield Baseball Association at 833-6058.