America's pastime is taking Manhasset by storm, and on Friday, Sept. 5, you can be part of it. Celebrate the popularity of baseball in your own town and get together at Strathmore Vanderbilt Country Club (8 -11 p.m.) to raise money for the new Varsity Baseball Field at Manhasset High School.

As you may know, members of the community have formed the "Field of Dreams" Team to raise funds to plan and build a new Manhasset Varsity Baseball Field. This team will be working under Indians Rock Community Foundation. This is the second project from Indians Rock - the first being the athletic fieldhouse which is under way and should be completed by Fall 2008.

The Field of Dreams Baseball Project will support the quality of the existing school baseball program which has expanded in popularity since the inception of the Manhasset Baseball League 10 years ago. Manhasset's multi-year investment in developing a more competitive baseball program has paid off with three consecutive trips to the playoffs and with this year's 2008 varsity baseball team clinching its first conference title in 32 years.

This was accomplished despite many deficiencies in the Manhasset Varsity Baseball field including uneven playing surfaces, poor drainage, an insufficient irrigation system, deficient batting cages and inadequate space for relief pitchers to warm up and for fans to safely enjoy the game.

Planned renovation of the Manhasset Varsity Baseball Field includes the installation of a new infield, backstop, sideline fencing, batting cage, bullpen, team dugouts and spectator bleachers. The goal is to raise funds by Sept. 15, begin construction in November 2008 and be completed by opening day in March 2009! When not in use by the Varsity and JV teams, the field will be available to youth leagues and softball.

They hope you will participate in their fundraising by making a donation to support this local community effort. To donate, please contact bbvarsityfield@aol.com and they will send you a sponsorship letter, or you can donate online at www.irockfundhome.org. Or, certainly, in person, at the cocktail party!

The "Field of Dreams" team hopes you agree this is a worthwhile investment in the children and community, and that you will be able to join them at the Indians Rock Cocktail Party. For more information, please contact bbvarsityfield@aol.com. All baseball fans are welcome!