Local baseball groups urge council to reorient Big Rock field 3, citing sunlight and player safety

Two local baseball and softball organizers urged Duvall leaders on April 15 to change the orientation of a new field at Big Rock Ball Fields and to correct the alignment of existing Field 3, which they said creates dangerous glare for pitchers and catchers.

Shelby Botmiller and Greg Naflin, speaking for the Cedar Crest Diamond Club and several area leagues, said the proposed new field would line the pitcher’s eyes directly toward the setting sun, creating a risk of serious playing‑field injuries. They requested that the city consider rotating the field layout or otherwise reorienting home plate and the pitcher’s mound to reduce sun exposure during typical game times.

Why it matters

Field orientation is a standard safety item in athletic design; glare can impair visibility for pitchers, batters, catchers and umpires and has led to canceled games and safety incidents at Field 3 in the past, according to the speakers.

What speakers asked the council to do

Botmiller requested a 90‑degree rotation of the new field’s alignment so that the pitcher and catcher would not face the setting sun. Naflin submitted a written letter and said he was delivering a petition with about 30 signatures from local league leaders and parents who have witnessed glare‑related incidents at Field 3. Both speakers asked staff to check orientation before final construction, and to consider interim fixes such as tree plantings where rotation is not feasible.

Council response and next steps

Council members asked staff to acknowledge the safety concerns and said they would forward the request to the parks and public works team for review. Public works staff indicated they would coordinate site evaluation and report back with technical options before major construction or turf installation begins.