Summary
The document outlines planning details for the "Buster Dame Baseball Event" featuring the Traverse City Pit Spitters, proposed for July 19, 2025, at Buster Dame Ball Park in Leelanau Township. The plan, submitted by Eric Potes, covers logistics for parking, road closures, food service, and use of township-owned facilities. No formal board votes or decisions are recorded in this document.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The event is planned to take place entirely at Buster Dame Ball Park, described as Township owned, with organizers noting no Village approval appears necessary. Activities include a Pit Spitters exhibition game/practice, a Home Run Derby, player skills clinics organized by age group, photos and autographs, a merchandise tent set up on the former green cement pickle ball space, and a closing tribute to Buster Dame read by the Pit Spitters. The adjacent dog park will remain open for public use during the event and will be cleaned and cleared of toys beforehand. The concessions booth requires cleanup along with repairs to its window and countertops before the event.
Infrastructure Projects
Parking is planned along 8th Street adjacent to Buster Dame Park and the length of Kitchen Rd. Chris Holton has offered to assist with parking arrangements. Warren, 7th, and Ransom streets adjacent to the park will be closed for the duration of the event to allow spectator movement. Emergency preparedness planning has been initiated with Matt, the Leelanau Emergency Manager, at the suggestion of Hugh Cook.
Other Business
Event itinerary includes a Pit Spitters welcome and introduction, a child-led national anthem (with outreach made to Amanda Kruk/NPS for assistance), and an appearance by "MONTY." Food service will be provided by the Antojitos food truck, located in the dog park area, and the Buster Dame concessions booth, offering hot dogs, popcorn, water, and soda; the Northport Lions Club may help organize concessions. A few picnic tables are proposed to be brought in to support the event.
Financial Summary
Event insurance is noted as possibly provided through the Township's insurance company, with costs paid for by Antojitos. No other budget figures, funding sources, or expenditures are specified in the document.
Action Items
Organizers request that concerns or suggestions be directed to Eric Potes (ericarthurpotes@gmail.com, 313-622-1794) or Scot Wack of Northport Trading Post (231-944-0161). Outstanding tasks include finalizing the official event flyer/name, completing cleanup and repairs to the concessions booth (window and countertops), clearing the dog park of toys and equipment before the event, and coordinating with the Leelanau Emergency Manager on the emergency preparedness plan.