GOODSON FIELD -- SANTA CLARA

LOCATED: At intersection of De La Cruz/Greenwood in Santa Clara.

DIMENSIONS: n/a; portable BAB fence used.

DANGER FACTOR: 2½/5. Nearby De La Cruz and picnic area pose some danger, as does playground beyond LF fence. Parked and passing cars have been banged.

BOOT FACTOR: 1/5. Cricket games have caused delays, but nothing that would force BAB to another diamond.

This old Little League baseball field became the regular BAB home in '06 and permanent home in '07, mostly because of its availability--thru August, only the Vintage League once a month held any right to it on Sundays (eventually, they found somewhere else to play). Discovered by Greg Minor, the league didn't like what it saw at first (poorly-kept grass and dirt, low dugouts, and above all else two poles in the middle of LF). But as weeks went by and BAB didn't have to struggle to find a place to play, it ended up there full-time. And the maintanence improved dramatically---although the outfield grass has its' share of dry patches and the dirt can rock up badly if not properly tended to.

In its' early use it played mostly as a "pitcher's" park--the grass infield slowed down balls, while the outfield fences were difficult to reach. It still had its' moments as a hitter's park--backstop overhang prevents foul pops, and unmowed grass in the OF kept balls from rolling to outfielders and allowed extra bases. With the addition of a short porch (initially the fence was brought in front of the poles; now a taller tarp known as the "Blue Monster" is posted between them) and the repositioning of fences, offense at Goodson increased in 2007. Beginning in 2008, foul poles were added.

There is some foul ball danger with De La Cruz running behind the 1B dugout, as well as an often-populated picnic area behind the 3B dugout. Down the LF line lies a long concrete road which makes for very easy fence transport. Most 2006 mornings Tom Goodson, the former ump whom the field is named after, would make an appearance and chat it up with players, but he has not been seen since the end of that season. (Mr. Goodson was even videotaped for the BAD ASS website; click on the Videos link to your left to see it)