New Rochester Ballpark unveiled Saturday

It’s been thirty years since the community of Rochester, Kentucky had a ball park. After two years of work, much of it from hardworking volunteers, the Rochester Ball Park was unveiled Saturday.
“Today we are here to celebrate the official opening of our ballpark and to recognize those who made it possible for us to reopen this ballpark after being closed for 30 years,” Amber Smith said as she welcomed those in attendance.

The day’s events began with a ribbon cutting ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance, a blessing delivered by Pastor Derek Benton, and the singing of the National Anthem, performed by Paylin Smith, daughter of Andy and Amanda Smith of Rochester. Various officials, volunteers, and individual supporters took the field to be recognized for their hard work and contributions as well. Among those recognized was the Rochester Ballpark Board, whose members include; Pastor Derek Benton, Danielle Darsey, Martha Roe, Sandy Priddy, Sue Hammers, Chad and Amber Smith; and Johnny and Shannon Austin.

Amber Smith recognized Johnny Austin and the Muhlenberg Co. Job Corp for the groundbreaking, Allen Smith for providing endless loads of dirt and fuel, Magistrate Chad Tyree and Judge Executive David Fields, Butler County Road Department, former Greenville Mayor Ed DeArmond, Muhlenberg Judge Executive Rick Newman, Muhlenberg Parks and Recreation Director Tommy Barton, Pennyrille Electric Terry Joiner, Jeff Wright and his crew, Kentucky Utilities (KU) Todd Cartwright, Logan Telephone Don Sullivan, Bobby McGuyer Andrew Gabbard, Wally Carroll, Bo Patton and his crew for building the dugouts, Horace Hammers for keeping the park mowed, Andy Smith, BVI for funding our lighting project and buying the scoreboard (George Barber, Mike Lamb, Jim Russell, Philip Hyatt, Ralph Carnathan, Randy Snyder, Cynthia Simpson, John McCay, Jan Jenson, Robert Steffy) and Paradise TVA chapter of retirees who did all wiring and the scoreboard: Barry Barnard, Tom Calvert, David Clark, Stanly Fulkerson, Gerald Joines, Charles Perry, Keith Putnam and son Shawn, Danny Renfrow, Darrel Sisk, Gary Southerland, Terry Southerland, Terrill Snodgrass, Louis Travis, Danny Walker, Robert Whitmer and son Evan, Steve Layne and grandson Stevie, Neil Poole, Sue Bartlett, Byron Groves and Darrell McClellan, local electricians Timmy and Kimmy Givens. BVI was presented a plaque of appreciation. Steve Abbott and Greg Baxter (aka The Crew of Two) were also thanked for all the hard work they’ve done. The dedication of all of these individuals is greatly appreciated.

After all of the business was concluded, it was time to play ball! First up was the Ole Timers' game. Former players who spent their youth playing baseball and softball at the former Rochester Ball Park were recognized and spoke of fond memories created on the ball field. First was the introduction of the players and the year in which they originally played. Various community members who played baseball on the Rochester teams of the ‘60’s, ‘70’s, and the 80's. J. Vanfleet, who played and saw his parents play in the late ‘50’s said “we’re blessed” to have such a facility. After introductions, it was time to play. The field was open to anyone who wanted to bat or play.
“If I didn’t catch the ball believe me I would be dead because all these girls could throw the ball harder than any man,” Payne said with a laugh.
Payne delivered the first pitch to Sue Hammers.
Following the first pitch, former players took to the new field for an Ole Timers Game.