Field of Dreams players go indoors to register

OAKWOOD - Special athletes at Hall County's Field of Dreams had to register indoors Saturday for their inaugural season.

Field of Dreams Director Marci Summer said the kids wanted to play indoor games despite the rain, and registration went on anyway at South Hall Community Center in Oakwood.

"When they signed up today they received a baseball, we put their name on it and they're responsible for their own game ball, so we're keeping that baseball mindset," Summer said.

Children and parents enjoyed basketball, billiards and ping-pong while looking forward to playing baseball at the Field of Dreams at Alberta Banks Park in Flowery Branch.

Eight year old Kasey Higginbotham found billiards challenging.

"Sometimes it's hard to hold the stick right but the rest of it is fun," he said.

Kasey's dad Greg Higginbotham provided pointers on shooting pool, saying Field of Dreams means a lot to his children.

"They're excited to just to be able to play anything and to be part of a group that sees them for who they are," he said

Around 20 youngsters registered for the Field of Dreams baseball season, which continues through October 24th. Field of Dreams is equipped with a special surface to accommodate athletes with special needs.

Hall County Parks and Leisure Services cut the ribbon last November for the Field of Dreams "Phil Niekro" Field; the Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and former Atlanta Braves pitcher supported the sports facility project not far from his home in Flowery Branch.