By Kevin Aldridge
The Cincinnati Enquirer

CHEVIOT - A plan to restore a historic ball field here is closer to reality thanks to a $15,000 donation Thursday from the Cheviot Savings Bank Charitable Foundation.

The money will be used to complete the final phase of the 2004 Cheviot Memorial Baseball Field project. The project, with an estimated price of $40,000, calls for improvements to the ballpark's dugouts, press box, grandstands and drainage system. New grass will be installed next weekend.

"This is our way of being able to give back to the community what they've given to us all of these years," said Kevin Kappa, chairman of the foundation's board.

The ballpark on Robb Avenue was built in 1936. It is the home field of the Cheviot Patriot Baseball Club, a semi-pro team started in 1912.

The field, which seats about 1,000, has also been used for charity events, youth baseball games and other community celebrations. But the ballpark had fallen into disrepair in recent years.

Tim Oakes, president of the Cheviot Patriots Baseball Club and project leader, said the goal of the restoration project is to bring the glory days of America's pastime back to Cheviot. Oakes said the project would be privately funded - with no city money involved.

"We have always dreamed of doing this," Oakes said. "Our intent is to bring baseball back at all levels, especially with the Little League teams. We want to see the kids out, and we want to see this place packed on weekends."

Oakes called the ballpark an "unpolished gem" that could become one of the top municipal ballparks in the Midwest. Oakes, who had a brief career in the minors, said he never would have gotten a crack at professional baseball without the baseball club.

"We are giving back to the community for all the players who have gone on to sign professional contracts," he said.

Oakes said public support for the project has been overwhelming. So far, area sporting goods, lawn-care and other businesses have donated thousands of dollars in money, services and equipment to the project.

One organization, which Oakes declined to name, has donated 155 seats from the old Riverfront Stadium to be installed at the ballpark. Oakes said a $15,000 scoreboard is also being donated to the restoration project.

"The response has been tremendous," Oakes said. "The only way this happens is if the folks come out and support us like they have. It reflects the community and how they feel about their kids."

The Cheviot Patriots Baseball Club will host its first Veterans Game on Memorial Day, where fans can catch a glimpse of some of the new improvements.

For more information or to make a donation: 310-1663 or www.eteamz.com/cheviotpatriots.

E-mail kaldridge@enquirer.com