The Latrace Baseball Diamond in Richmond, BC, Canada is more than just a field; it's a part of our Canadian history and a beacon of hope for many young athletes who play and practice there free of charge throughout the year.

However, this treasured space is under threat by renegade athletes who dismantle the fencing and disrupt our baseball games moving nets and fencing on the field during games and practices. 

Moving the fencing that is city property is not only dangerous but it's wrong. The fencing is there to keep people safe from potentially getting hit by fly balls and to create a clear divide between baseball and non organized sports this usage that must be respected. Sadly this divide has been breached since the inception of the multi use turf field. 

Unfortunately, it has come to my attention that this space is being monopolized by private trainers, who claim it is booked for highly profitable private training activities. This situation is concerning, as it deprives our children of the opportunity to utilize this space for its intended purpose.

It is important to clarify that the infield fencing is not exclusively designated for soccer activities during the off-season. Rather, it is intended to protect the infield and provide a space for baseball practice, which is essential for the development of young athletes in our community.

Despite having over four turf fields dedicated to soccer in Richmond all year round, the fences have been repeatedly dismantled to repurpose the only turf baseball diamond for soccer use without permission, proper insurance and safety measures taken. 

We encourage all youth sports to be played at the appropriate locations and dedicated field spaces. We would like to educate our youth to respect our public parks and keep them safe for generations to come.

Baseball has been proven to foster discipline, teamwork, and perseverance among its players - qualities that are invaluable in life.

Moreover, a recent report card on physical activity for children and youth shows only 35% of 5-17-year-olds are reaching their recommended physical activity levels in Canada. Having access to facilities like the Latrace Baseball Diamond can help improve these statistics by encouraging more children and adults alike to engage in sports.

Located in Minoru Park, Latrace Field was home to the Richmond AutoBody Budgies Senior Men's Baseball Club, and now The Lower Mainland Baseball League. It is also home to the Delta Blue Jays, The Richmond Chuckers, The Richmond Athletics, The Richmond Rainiers and the The Richmond Redsox.

Latrace Field stands as an enduring monument to the rich tapestry of Canadian baseball history, its roots entrenched deeply in the soil of the early 1900s. Official photographs from the mid-20th century capture the essence of this hallowed ground, where the crack of the bat and the cheers of the crowd echoed through time. As a cornerstone of Canadian baseball lore, Latrace Field preserves the legacy of generations past who played and celebrated the sport on its sacred diamond. To uphold its significance is to honour the countless players, fans, and moments that have contributed to the colourful narrative of Canadian baseball. As custodians of this cherished piece of history, it is our duty to ensure that Latrace Field remains an integral part of the Canadian baseball landscape for generations to come.

We believe that preserving the Latrace Baseball Diamond exclusively for baseball will not only honour its historical significance but also continue providing an essential service to our community by promoting physical activity among our youth.

As we celebrate the heritage and diversity of baseball in Canada, let us also recognize and honour the contributions of the Asahi baseball team and Indigenous Canadian players to the game we all love.

I would like to emphasize that my comments are not intended as an attack on soccer or any other sport.

As a youth, I had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports, including Baseball, Soccer, Hockey, Football, Basketball, Badminton etc. Each sport offered its own unique challenges and rewards, and I cherished the experiences and lessons learned from each one.

Currently, my children are actively involved in Baseball, Kendo, Soccer, Ballet, Basketball and love all sports.  I wholeheartedly support their interests and endeavours, as I believe that participation in sports fosters valuable skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience.

I recognize and appreciate the passion that many individuals have for soccer, and I respect the sport and its dedicated athletes, coaches, and fans.  Moreover, turf fields serve as versatile spaces for a wide range of sports and recreational activities, fostering community engagement and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Let's work together to make more turf fields accessible to everyone in our community and ensure that the love of sports continues to thrive.

Please join us in urging local authorities not just preserve but dedicate the Latrace Baseball Diamond exclusively for baseball use all year round. Sign this petition today!