November 17, 2012

Just because it's football season doesn't mean you can't round the bases. The Carson Raymond Foundation, with the help of the UVa baseball team has freshened up three area baseball fields in honor of the 9-year-old who died in 2009.

Broadus Elementary School is the latest school to receive a field of dreams.

"With every one of these fields, my son is looking down and proud of the work we're doing," said John Raymond, Carson's father and the President of the Carson Raymond Foundation.

The foundation strives to give every child the opportunity to love baseball like Carson did.

"Well, part of what limits kids from playing, is having somewhere to play so, we're providing great open spaces for kids to play baseball," he said.

The three new fields around Charlottesville would not have been possible if it weren't for the support and helping hands of the UVa baseball team.

"It's amazing. We got here at 9 o'clock this morning and there was no field. Three hours later and we're almost done," Raymond said.

And some of the players have experienced helping lay down the dirt at each of the foundation's new fields.

"Not only are we building these fields, but these fields will be here long after all of us are gone. So, it's kind of leaving a legacy with a great cause. We're really happy to do it," said first baseman Jared King.

Even though Jared and his teammates never knew Carson, the love that brings them all together is baseball.

"i mean this is just one little thing we can do to give back to the community and hopefully give kids a great new place to play baseball," Cavalier's baseball coach, Brian O'Connor said.

"Every year it's just gotten better and better. One day every fall we love coming out here to give back to the community for such a great cause," King said.

For the love of the game and in the honor of Carson Raymond, opportunities are born on another brand new baseball field.