Millis Youth Baseball proposes batting cage replacement at Memorial Field

The Select Board meeting held on April 28, 2025, in Millis, Massachusetts, featured a significant discussion regarding the Millis Youth Baseball batting cage project. Pete Perubi, treasurer of Millis Youth Baseball, presented on behalf of the organization, outlining their plans to replace the existing batting cages located near the pickleball court and Memorial Field.

Perubi emphasized that the project has been in the works for the past two to three years, involving extensive planning and fundraising efforts. He noted that the proposal for the new batting cages would maintain a similar footprint to the current structures but would utilize modern materials designed for improved safety and maintenance.

The existing cages, supported by aging galvanized poles, have been deemed unsafe, with the netting sometimes coming into contact with the poles, leading to dangerous ricochets during use. Perubi highlighted that this has resulted in injuries, including incidents involving town employees. The proposed new system would feature a design that suspends the netting from steel cables, reducing the number of poles to six—three on each end—thereby enhancing safety for users.

Perubi assured the board that he would send the detailed proposal for review shortly, reiterating the importance of modernizing the facility to better serve the community. The discussion underscored the commitment of Millis Youth Baseball to provide a safer environment for local youth and families engaged in the sport.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the next steps for the batting cage project, as the board considered the proposal and its implications for community safety and recreational facilities.