To the Editor:

How many local high school softball fans know about the new building under construction behind the backstop at the Grant Union softball field? Already the ballfield is one of the most fan-unfriendly fields I’ve ever seen, with above-outs (not dugouts) blocking views of the infield.

Fans, including parents and grandparents, young children and elders, typically sit behind the backstop to watch the game. Not anymore. A large two-story change room and press box is under construction there. The press box building at Malone Field is set back to allow bleachers in front, but there’s no room to do that at the softball field. A little bit of viewing space will remain between the new press box and the two above-outs.

One wonders how a decision was reached to build this fan-unfriendly structure — did they ask any fans? It’s worth noting that the winning softball program has a strong fan base. I predict an uproar.

Richard Hanners

John Day