Neighbors frustrated by damage from baseballs after fields added to park
By Pamela Comme
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DELTONA, Florida (WESH) — A baseball that smashed through a car windshield and landed inside is just the latest example of what neighbors say is a growing safety problem near Manny Rodriguez Park.
For the past four years, Wanda Torres says foul baseballs from the nearby field have repeatedly landed on her property, in one case damaging her car, smashing a window and even hitting her.
“See, these are the balls! I have more balls,” Torres said, showing a collection she says she’s gathered from her yard.
Torres said the issue began after the baseball field was built at the park.
“The second time, I was playing with my grandbabies over here with the truck, and hit the car, and they both hit me,” she said.
She says one of those incidents happened while she was outside with her grandchildren. Another close call came when a ball landed just inches away from them.
The problem, she says, isn’t going away.
Just last week, a foul ball struck a neighbor’s windshield, shattering the glass.
“When I saw what happened to my window, I became concerned that it could happen to people who are driving by on this road, and it could cause a more serious accident,” said neighbor Ann.
Neighbors say the issue has become more than just property damage, raising concerns about safety for families and drivers nearby.
Torres says she has contacted the city multiple times, but so far, no action has been taken.
She and other neighbors believe adding netting around the field could help prevent further damage.
“I think the problem is also that the park is being misused. I was told that it was really supposed to be for younger children so that the foul balls really wouldn’t make it over the fence, as it does constantly right now,” Ann said.
Until changes are made, neighbors say they no longer feel safe, especially when letting their children play outside.
WESH 2 News reached out to a city spokesperson to ask whether there are plans to add netting. They said property damage is rare, but the parks department is looking into possible solutions.
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