Local players react to $3 million investment in Byer Softball Complex

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - A $3 million dollar “change up” is on deck for the westside.

The City of South Bend is stepping up to the plate to use $3 million from the statehouse to make improvements to the Byer Softball Complex in hopes of attracting more tournaments to the region.

ABC57 touched base with local players.

One team from the 62 and over league held their first batting practice of the year Thursday evening.

They shared their thoughts on the "grand slam" news they received to start up the season.

"I played here... at times when... before I got old,” said David "Snookie" Ferency laughing.

Ferency, who has gone by the nickname “Snookie” long before the Jersey Shore, says he's been playing ball for the Michiana Senior League since 2000.

Some players on his team have been teammates since the 70s and they say Byer Softball Complex, built back in 1997, is the perfect home field.

 “It's a good place to play. You can have five games going on at the same time and it works out pretty good,” added “Snookie”.

From recreational leagues during the week, to nationally ranked fast pitch tournaments, the fields have seen all skill levels.

"Byers Softball Complex on the westside of South Bend is just truly a gem,” said Jeff Jarnecke, Executive Director of Visit South Bend Mishawaka.

Jarnecke says the five fields don’t just give teams somewhere to play but also give a huge boost to the local economy.

Of the events over the last year alone, Jarnecke said, “Those 20 events brought in people from all over the region, and generated more than 7000 room nights, 35,000 people with them, and had an economic impact of more than $4.7 million and the idea that I’m doing all of that before the improvements come to Byer Softball Complex is just incredible."

The complex has aged over the years, which is why the $3 million will be used to rebuild the diamonds, update the concessions, restrooms, press box, lighting, parking lot, and beyond.

“I’m shocked. I didn’t know there was any money coming here and then all of a sudden…it’s good because everything’s pretty good, but the drainage has not been really good over the years, and early in the season. The fact that they’re gonna put the money in and work on that is gonna be really good,” said “Snookie”.

So, they can continue playing the game they love, for years to come.

“The biggest thing... you have very serious people which you always do. The biggest thing is continuing to play a game we love and have fun,” said “Snookie”.

Opening day for the leagues at Byer is just around the corner, May 5.

There’s no timeline for the project yet, but construction is not expected to impact this season.

You can find more information or to get involved with a league here.