Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • June 3, 2009 Franklin Lakes Upgrade of Tommy John Field now complete by Frank J. McMahon The major upgrade of the Tommy John Field, located behind the Franklin Lakes Public Library on DeKorte Drive, has been completed and games are now being played there one again. The field is primarily used for girls’ recreation softball. The cost to upgrade the field is $225,000, but half of that cost is being funded by two Bergen County Municipal Park Improvement grants totaling $111,000. The balance of the cost will be funded by the issuance of a bond by the borough, which was authorized by the borough council last July. The upgrade includes the re-grading of the infield and new black chain link fencing around the outfield and infield that is approximately 12 feet high with chain link fencing in front of and behind the player seating areas and batting cages which are set on concrete on the first and third base sides of the field. A large black chain link backstop was installed over the home plate area, and two spectator stands, also set on concrete, are located on the first base side of the field just past the home team player area. In addition, four new steel light poles carry the lights that illuminate the field during night games and the entire field now has an irrigation system. Retaining walls were installed, and the field was regraded by the borough’s department of public works in late 2004 using topsoil from the borough’s leaf compost pile on DeKorte Drive. New sod was laid in the outfield at that time. Originally dedicated in 1984, the field was named after former New York Yankees pitcher Tommy John, who was a resident of the borough at the time and who was very supportive of the town’s recreation programs. John used to give pitching clinics for the kids on the recreation department’s teams, and he helped raise money for the town’s recreation programs. John’s played major league baseball and his career spanned 26 seasons from 1963 when he made his debut with the Cleveland Indians until his final game in 1989 with the Yankees. He played in four World Series and was selected as an All-Star four times. Although John had a career record of 288-231 with a 3.34 earned run average, he is perhaps best known for undergoing revolutionary surgery on his arm in 1974. The surgery was successful, and saved his career, although he spent a year and a half in rehabilitation and missed the 1975 season. He then compiled a 10-10 record in 1976 that earned him the Comeback Player of the Year Award. His surgery has become known as the “Tommy John surgery” and other players have since extended their careers because of it. John won 20 games in three of the next four seasons and helped the Los Angeles Dodgers to get into the World Series in 1977 and 1978, although they lost to the Yankees both years. John then came to New York and signed with the Yankees as a free agent before the 1979 season. He won 21 of 22 games in his first two seasons with the Yankees. John was traded by the Yankees in 1982, but he returned to New York in 1986 and led the club in innings pitched as a 44 year old in 1987. He was released by the Yankees early in the 1989 season. Helpful Hints Helpful Hints from Peter Says... ome “Remove hairspray from mirrors by rubbing with denatured-alcohol on a soft cloth.” Patricia’s Coiffures PERMS • COLORING SHAMPOO & SET CUTTING & BLOW DRYING Out of the way, but worth it. Major Credit Cards Accepted ��������������������������� 27 Franklin Tpk, Waldwick Open Sundays 9-3 201-652-5666 Tues, Wed & Thurs 8 Godwin Plaza • 644 Godwin Ave.• Midland Park Tuesday-Saturday 9:00-4:30: Open Thursday Evenings 201-652-9608 85 Hillside Ave, Midland Park • 201-444-4760 • 201-445-1164 Open Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5, Closed Sunday Schweinfurth Florist SPEND YOUR ���������������������� TRAINING $$$ WISELY! ������������������������������� • EDUCATED - MA in exercise science • CERTIFIED - ACSM, NASM, Post Rehab Specialist, MAT Specialist �������������������������� ����������������������������������� Sheila Keane 2 Locations Glen Rock & Passaic PASSAIC LOCATION NOW OPEN SUNDAYS! We Offer Line Of Credits And Financing Plans • EXPERIENCED - 15 years one-to-one personal training • QUALIFIED - to work with geriatric, bariatric, Parkinson’s as well as weight loss, fitness and wellness In your home or comfortable, private training facility 201.345-5621 Offering Muscle Activation Techniques ������������������������������������� Keane Fit & Wellness Ridgewood 201-488-4314 or 201-341-0183