“If you build it, he will come.” – The Voice, “Field of Dreams” - By 29

 

 

In 2009 Ohio Sports Park will open in North Ridgeville, Ohio.  In today’s economy a project of this stature is seldom seen.  When was the last time any of us heard of a softball complex being built in Northeast Ohio?  In my opinion the time, energy and dedication to sports in our area by the Ohio Sports Park team is unbelievable. The following is a brief interview with Larry Vassil who is one of the guys deeply involved with this huge undertaking.

 

29: How did the idea of Ohio Sports Park come about?

Larry Vassil: Knowing that the lease at Softball World was expiring, Tony Ballachino, Softball World park director, approached the City of North Ridgeville about some land in 2005.  He had worked out the details with the city on a lease, coordinated with them the bond to assure the funds for an access road, and put together a business plan to proceed on a multi sport year round facility. 

Tony brought the project to me in March of 2008.  I have had experience as the owner/operator of Ohio Nets Sports Complex and was looking to expand my business to Boston Heights.  I looked over the plans, new it was a winner, fell in love with the property, made some overall changes, and we broke ground in September.

 

29: What are you hoping to do with Ohio Sports Park? 

LV: We want to establish Cleveland as a destination spot for amateur sports.  We want to create a great venue to entice others to come to Cleveland instead of having to take our business to other cities.  I am sick and tired of taking my kids to Columbus, Indianapolis, Toledo, etc. 

We are creating a place to be proud of.  A place that once people play here they will leave and tell everyone “you have to see what they built in Cleveland”.

 

29:What types of leagues are you planning to have?

LV: We are planning to cater to everyone from the recreational player to the premier player.  We will offer leagues and tournaments in slow pitch softball, baseball, and fast pitch softball for adults, youth, and seniors.

 

29: What umpire association will you be using?

LV: With all the different tournaments, sports, and levels of competition we will have to use a number of umpire associations.  Suburban Umpire Association will be our exclusive baseball umpire group.  They will also be part of our fast pitch and slow pitch group.  The North Coast Umpire Association and the Great Lakes Umpire Association will also be a big part of our slow pitch and fast pitch umpire groups.

 

29: Do you have a tournament schedule?

LV: Our tournament schedule for baseball, fast pitch, and slow pitch are all posted on our website at www.ohiosportspark.com.  The response to the tournament schedule has been overwhelming.  We are very proud of our schedule that includes the NSA Men’s Class E World Series, The Nation’s Baseball World Series, and the NSA Girl’s Fast Pitch State Tournament.

 

29: How did you pick the location?

LV: When Tony started this project he looked for land that would accommodate everything the park would offer (at least 60 acres) and a community motivated to the project.  He contacted the City of North Ridgeville about a 67 acre parcel they had that was right off the highway.  He fell in love with the property.