Home base for girls

At the unveiling of FDR Park’s two new softball fields Tuesday afternoon, Phillies general manager Ed Wade tossed the ceremonial first pitch to his furry green catcher – the Phillie Phanatic.

The real action will be left to the neighborhood’s female athletes.

"These new fields are going to be such an asset to the softball community," said Meghan Leary, Phillies manager of fan development and educational programs. "These fields will host a number of different softball opportunities."

The state-of-the-art digs were donated by the Fairmount Park Commission, Phillies Charities and Phillies Wives, Turkey Hill and Phillies outfielder Pat Burrell.

The Phillies RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) softball team will use the fields for practices and, in June, the site will host the inaugural Women’s Carpenter Cup.

The two new fields are part of an $885,000 facelift to FDR Park that also features the addition of 10 tennis courts.

Council President Anna Verna gave the project the thumbs-up during Tuesday’s ceremonies.

"I am delighted to say we have 10 new tennis courts and two new ball fields," Verna said from the pitcher’s mound. "I am delighted to hear that the tennis courts are being used on a daily basis."

The five tennis courts located near the Interstate-95 overpass are currently being repaired.

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THE WOMEN’S CARPENTER Cup, taking place June 20-27, will give top high-school players from across the Delaware Valley the opportunity to test out the fields.

The double-elimination tournament will feature 16 teams from South Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, and will include the best athletes from Philadelphia Public and Catholic League squads.

The Carpenter Cup Classic is named for former Phillies owners Bob and Ruly Carpenter, and was developed in 1986 as a vehicle to promote high-school baseball players. This year’s single-elimination tournament will be held June 9-17. The University of Pennsylvania will host the first two rounds and Citizens Bank Park will be the home field for the semifinals and finals.

Leary, a former softball player, said she wanted the girls to have the same opportunities that the boys have enjoyed over the last 20 years.

"The best softball players from the area will be able to show their talents to college softball coaches," Leary said. "[The project] took a lot of dedication and teamwork."

Women’s Carpenter Cup games will be seven innings, versus the nine-inning format used by the guys. Every athlete must play a minimum of three innings a game, and will be assured of playing at least six innings over the course of the tournament. Rosters will not include designated hitters. The teams will be selected later this spring.

Northeast High junior shortstop Amanda Glutmaker, who also plays for the Phillies RBI team, is hoping to earn a spot on the Philadelphia Public League roster.

"That’s pretty exciting," Glutmaker said. "I can’t wait to play in it."

On Tuesday, she helped break in the fields with senior schoolmate Courtney Fontaine, who also plays for the Phillies RBI team. They enjoyed a friendly catch prior to the ceremonies, and presented plaques to members of the Phillies organization and other dignitaries for their contributions. Both athletes gave favorable reviews.

"This field is a lot more even," said Fontaine, a Northeast High senior. "There are no divots and you don’t have to worry that you’re stepping on draining."

Glutmaker, who plays shortstop for Northeast, added that the fields are a favorable playing surface.

"There are no grass bumps, so it’s easy to run on," she said.

The location is ideal for free softball clinics, like the one taking place next Saturday that will be instructed by National Pro Fastpitch members. Registration is full for the event, which is being held in conjunction with the Women’s Softball Celebration before and during the Phillies-Marlins game at Citizens Bank Park. The night will include interactive softball activities with National Pro Fastpitch members.

Leary said softball players from around the city now have a field they can call home.

"These new fields give women the chance to develop and take their softball skills to the next level, as well as provide a place for competitive play."