Something special about Hens park

4/15/2006

Recently I traveled to Toledo to share another opening day at Fifth Third Field. My son, Joseph, the Mud Hens general manager, was to participate in the opening ceremonies to celebrate last year s championship season.

I could not have been happier to be there.

The people of Toledo have accomplished a remarkable transformation of the downtown area. When it was first planned and decided that the new Mud Hens field would be built at this location something new seemed to happen. I was impressed with the enthusiasm and support of all involved with the project.

The commitment of the city leadership, the fans, the community, and especially the Hens dedicated staff, was obvious.

As I compared that first opening day with this year s ceremonies, I realized that I was witnessing something extraordinary. I was greeted by old friends that I had made from when the park first opened, but what thrilled me more was the look on the happy faces and enjoyment of the many people I do not know; it was obvious that there is something very different about this ball park.

Toledo has accomplished something many cities would envy. The community and city administration have done a tremendous job, the sponsors and fans who come to support the Mud Hens continue to have the same enthusiasm as they had that first day they came through the gates, and behind the scenes the staffers convince themselves that they have not done enough.

Toledo has made Fifth Third Field, home of the Mud Hens, a very special place for us.

Dom Napoli

Brooklyn, N.Y.

After reading his April 8 Saturday Essay, I would like to nominate Max Gerber to the University of Toledo s Board of Trustees. UT s current board members more specifically the ones with Medical University of Ohio ties need to look at the significant accomplishments that we ve made by supporting our athletics programs.

The landscape of UT s main campus, a focal point for aggressive development over the past 25 years, has changed dramatically. The number of traditional students living on campus has more than doubled since the 1980s.

One of the benefits of going to UT has always been accessibility; most of our colleges, main library, student recreation center, and sports facilities are centrally located.

This is a tremendous selling tool when you re marketing your university.

Now more than ever it makes sense to support the renovation of Savage Hall and also the development of an indoor practice facility for football.

Thomas Joyce

Ottawa Street

Sounds to me as if some developer is trying to fill up his empty building, and he found someone at the University of Toledo Law School to listen.

I hope President Lloyd Jacobs spares us from such a stupid and costly move.

H. Richard Hanson

Beverly Drive

In my honest opinion, Richard Nixon was a saint compared to George W. Bush.

ROLAND SCHARER

Holland