Major renovations have begun at David Wells Field, the baseball stadium at Dana Middle School named after the former star major league pitcher.
The ballpark serves as the home field for nearby Point Loma High School, which the Torrance native attended. He is now the Pointers’ head baseball coach.
“This project represents a successful partnership between our public schools and community,” Mayor Kevin Faulconer said at a groundbreaking ceremony. “David Wells’ work both on and off the field is an inspiration, and I am proud this field will be a lasting tribute to his focus on improving our community.”
Wells said he is proud of growing up in nearby Ocean Beach and hopes to return the Pointers’ baseball team to prominence.
Hans Becker, the principal, said the project will result in a top-notch stadium.
“You build a world-class facility, add a world-class coach, you create a world-class opportunity for our students,” Becker said. “When you have great academics, you create great students. When you have great academics with great athletics and/or arts, you create great citizens.”
Wells and another ex-Yankee – another Point Loma High alum – Don Larsen, 84, share the unusual distinction of throwing two of the three perfect games at Yankee Stadium.
Larsen’s came in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series against the then-Brooklyn Dodgers. Wells retired all 27 Minnesota Twins batters in a May 1998 game.
A three-time All-Star, Wells pitched in 660 major league games for, along with the Yankees, the Toronto Blue Jays and the San Diego Padres, among other teams, over his 21-year career. He had a won-loss record of 239-157. Nicknamed “Boomer,” he was 10-5 in post-season games.
When the $1.4 million Point Loma project is completed, the synthetic-turf field will be shared by the middle and high schools. The bullpens will be rebuilt and a new centerfield fence will be installed, according to the school district.
Also, a track will be placed around the field for use during physical education classes.
The work is scheduled to be completed in the fall.
– City News Service
