Dilapidated ball field inspires fundraiser
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ARLEE – Montana Teacher of the Year Anna Baldwin is packing around a professional baseball hoping it will improve her pitching skills before she throws out the first pitch at the Osprey game in Missoula on Saturday, Aug. 2.
“I can throw a really nice slow underhand,” she said. “But it’ll probably bounce four times before it gets to the plate.”
Baldwin is facing the pitcher’s mound to raise money for Arlee youth baseball and softball teams before the next season.
“These kids need some money. Can you imagine sliding into this stuff,” Baldwin said looking at the Arlee field covered in knapweed. She shook her head at the concession stand highlighted in graphite, and tested out the decaying bleachers before sitting down.
“I don’t know if they will get enough money to fix this but we need to try,” Baldwin said. “I want these kids to feel pride when they play. I can’t imagine how they feel having the apposing team show-up to this field.”
Baldwin said she has done many things as the Teacher of the Year but raising money through this event for the kids has been especially important to her.
“I’ve done a lot of stuff this year but the money for this will directly affect youth,” she said.
Baldwin is selling “special” tickets to the Osprey game at $10 each. Half of the money goes to the Arlee baseball and softball teams, but the tickets need to be purchased directly from Baldwin.
“I will totally deliver the tickets if someone calls me,” she said. “People have to buy these special tickets. They can’t just get them at the game.”
The tickets can be purchased from Baldwin at (406) 239-4289 or at the Hangin Art Gallery. Donations can be made at Valley Bank.
