It’s been more than two decades since Bridgeport’s Ricky Johnson donned the red and white for what turned out to be not only the first state championship baseball team in Bridgeport High School history, but in Harrison County history as well. Since that time, Johnson is quick to tell you that the field that his team won that title on looks nothing like what it appears today.

 

“There’s just so much work that’s been done here,” said Johnson. “Most people wouldn’t notice it because it comes in phases, but it’s been done. The community has done a great job of getting involved whenever something is needed and, right now, we’re reaching out to the community again.”

 

The reaching out, this time, involves a little of fun. Coach Robert Shields, who will be starting his 28^th year as head coach, will be working with Johnson – who has also been at his side for nearly 20 years of elimination dinner events – for the team’s first-ever golf tournament.

 

Before getting to the particulars of the event, the background on why it’s being held is in order. For Shields, the money that will be raised at the Oct. 11 event will go directly to the latest project.

 

“We’re planning on putting in a much-needed sprinkler system. With all the work that is done with putting down the infield mix, the new drainage that’s in and the sod upkeep that’s required, a sprinkler system is something that’s desperately needed,” said Shields. “It’s certainly nice to have that mix, but when it’s not dried out properly it gets carried away on uniforms and cleats. This system would allow us to keep the mix watered down in the proper fashion.”

 

The system would be activated by a switch, Shields said, similar to what you see in Major League parks. He said the system will be used for the entire infield and the foul territory.

 

“We’d like to get done before the start of the next season. We want to run the line and then when spring comes we plan on hooking all the lines up,” said Shields. “A lot of whether that happens is dependent upon getting the funds needed.”

 

Shields said the project will be several thousands of dollars. He estimated it to be in the $6,000 range and hopes the golf tournament can cover a large chunk of that. Shields also said, as in the past, community donations are welcome.

 

“We’ve always had the community step up here, and not just for baseball and not just for sports,” said Shields. “Take a look at our field and there’s probably well over a quarter of a million dollars in upgrades since I’ve been here and that’s thanks to the community help, what we raise and the constant support of our administration, which has continued under (Principal) Mr. (Mark) DeFazio.”

 

Shields’ number could actually be a little low when it comes to upgrades. In the last 30 years, major projects have been done including brand new lights, a new outfield fence, a warning track, new seats in the dugouts, dugout renovations, installation of a bricked backstop, two large batting cages, a concession stand and numerous other improvements.

 

“We’ve always done an elimination dinner, but with the golf event it’s a little more than that,” said Shields.

 

What it is, said Johnson, is a chance for anyone who loves golf to come out for the Oct. 11 event. It’s also a chance for supporters of the program and – in particular – BHS baseball alumni to get together.

 

“I would love to see the alumni come back, if for no other reason we can explain to them how far the field has come since they’ve played. The golf scramble idea is a way to do that,” said Johnson. “We want anyone to come so we can kind of give them an education to everything that’s happened there. It’s also a chance for us to consider starting an alumni baseball game and hold it the first weekend of the scrimmage the high school team has.”

 

Johnson said the game, he hopes, will feature “the older guys.” He said past games primarily featured recent graduates of the school.

 

“I may not be able to walk after playing, but I think it would be a lot of fun,” said Johnson. “They can learn about what we’re thinking at the golf event. If nothing else, come out and support a good cause because the money goes back into that field and that field benefits our youth.”

 

So how can you get involved and what can you expect?

 

The Oct. 11 event will be held at Bel Meadow at 9 a.m. – that’s a week from Saturday. It will feature a shotgun start. The event is in a four-man scramble format. The cost to compete is $60 per person or $240 per team.  It will be a shotgun start.

 

Prizes will be awarded at the event. Anyone looking to enter can contact Johnson at 304-669-0685 or Shields at 304-677-6313. 

 

Editor's Note: BHS Coach Robert Shields shows areas that will be impacted by the planned sprinkler system he hopes money can be raised for.