Second baseball diamond proposed for Breitlow Field

A second baseball diamond at Breitlow Field was proposed at the Wauwatosa School Board meeting Tuesday.

The single diamond at Breitlow Field, on the grounds of the Fisher Building, 12121 W. North Ave., is not adequate to meet growing demand for playing time by an increasing number of players, said buildings and grounds manager Tom Kulczewsi.

The $1.3 million proposal would create a second diamond, with the infield made of FieldTurf, a durable artificial surface that dries quickly even under heavy rain, resulting in fewer canceled games. The turf also would allow base paths to be adjusted to create a smaller diamond for softball and youth leagues. Both the existing diamond and the planned new diamond would have the artifical surface.

As this was a first hearing, the board took no action, but board members and Superintendent Phil Ertl reacted positively to the plan.

Board member Phil Kroner noted the cost, saying the district could fund a $50,000-a-year incentive program for teachers for more than 20 years for that much money.

A formal proposal will be drawn up and presented for board action at a future meeting.