By Madison Russ
The South Jersey Field of Dreams is celebrating three new wheelchair-accessible picnic benches along the third baseline, thanks to the hard work of a local scout.
JT Schenker, a Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 77 in Smithville, designed the benches to accommodate two wheelchairs on either end and lower seats for children who use crutches.
“I heard a while ago, like last April, they were looking for somebody who’d be willing to build benches because they already had them down on the first baseline, and they were looking for some more,” said the Absegami High School junior. “It took about two months to actually get everybody together and build them.”
Schenker’s project, which will count toward earning his Eagle Scout rank, took about 112 hours from start to installation. He enlisted the help of friends, family and fellow scouts and reached out to local businesses for donated materials.
Schenker, who is passionate about woodshop and hopes to pursue a career in carpentry, said the toughest part wasn’t building the benches — it was stepping back and leading the process.
“I’m a very hands-on person, and this is something I was really invested in. So, it was hard not to do the work,” he explained. “I felt really accomplished, not only for myself being able to get closer to the milestone of Eagle but also to help these guys out and provide a nice area for families to sit.”
The benches were installed in April, just in time for South Jersey Field of Dreams’ upcoming baseball season. The Absecon-based field provides a place for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities to play baseball.
Established in 2003, the organization was born from an idea Chairman Barry Hackett’s wife brought home. Hackett explained that the organization’s core board members have worked together for over 50 years, bringing the Special Olympics to South Jersey in the 1970s and supporting children with disabilities through a range of projects and fundraisers.
“One day, my wife came home with a magazine about The Miracle League in Atlanta, Georgia, and she said, ‘You guys do so much. Do you think we could do this here?'” said Hackett, explaining that their interest was also personal, as Hackett’s grandson, Jacob, has cerebral palsy, and they were interested in starting something for children.
“Here we are. Her idea, our work and 22 years later, we’re playing,” he said.
Over the years, the organization has seen steady support from the surrounding community, whether through generous local donors and sponsors or helping hands from first responders, schools, residents and scouts like Schenker, among many others.
Today, the complex features a concession stand, a covered picnic area, an accessible playground, a souvenir shop and a miniature golf course and is supported through volunteers — a far cry from what Chuck Dhyne, founder and games director, remembers of the field’s early days.
“None of this was here when we were given the field,” said Dhyne, referring to when the city first donated the baseball field at the Dr. Jonathan Pitney Recreation Park. “It was just a dirt infield a backstop and dugouts.”
The program now serves more than 300 players from 33 cities across seven counties in the southern third of the state.
“We just had 45 brand-new registrations just this spring,” said Dhyne, noting that the league isn’t just for children. Some players are in their 30s and 40s, with the official sign-up age ranging from 6 to 35.
Notably, the organization doesn’t charge registration fees, and every player receives a uniform at no cost. Even food at the concession stand is free.
“There’s no way a child is turned away here because they can’t afford to be here,” emphasized Hackett.
With the help of volunteers who assist the players on the field, parents get a chance to relax and fully enjoy watching their children play.
Hackett said the parking lot is often overflowing on game days, and the stands are “packed” with cheering families. For many parents, it’s the first time they’ve seen their child participate in an organized sport.
The field has been the site of many meaningful moments — like a player speaking for the first time at age 15 — and a place where lasting friendships are formed. It allows players the chance to connect with peers who understand their experiences, fostering a strong sense of community for players and their families.
“That’s really important,” said Hackett. “We like to say that baseball is the vehicle to get the kids here, but it’s the socialization that happens once they’re here and they’re with their buddies.”
However, the founders stress that the field is a place that the community can enjoy, and they encourage all to attend one of their games, especially those who may not have heard of the organization.
“If you want to come to baseball, where you have free parking, free miniature golf, a free playground and free food — go to South Jersey Field of Dreams,” said Larry McCarty, one of the organization’s founders.
But the founders’ one piece of advice? Bring sunglasses or tissues — you’ll likely need them for all the touching moments that unfold.
As Hackett puts it: “You gotta see this.”
For more information about the South Jersey Field of Dreams or to learn how to volunteer, visit southjerseyfieldofdreams.com.
Madison Russ is an award-winning journalist, copy editor and adjunct professor of communication based in Atlantic County. An Ocean City native, Madison is passionate about telling stories that matter to locals, often spotlighting nonprofits and exploring the area’s vibrant arts scene.
