Teddy Ebersol’s Red Sox Fields

at Lederman Park  

Named in memory of an avid young Red Sox fan, Teddy Ebersol's Red Sox Fields are a great gift to those who love youth sports. We are proud to announce that after an 18 month construction process, they are now open to the public!

Located along the Charles River on Boston's famed Esplanade, the new youth athletic fields are the result of a groundbreaking public-private partnership between the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA), the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and three very special local nonprofit organizations: the Red Sox Foundation, Hill House and the Esplanade Association. Working together, these three charitable organizations are a symbol of the Commonwealth's "new model of stewardship" for our open space resources. The nonprofit groups raised more than $1.8 million in private funds for the rebuilding of the fields, located in Lederman Park. The repairs were required to correct persistent flooding that frequently prevented play in the past.  In addition the state's taxpayers contributed $175,000 through the EOEA Office of Public Private Partnerships (OPPP) towards the reconstruction of this well loved state park.  The Ebersol family recently pledged an additional $500,000, through a matching challenge grant program, to create an endowment for field maintenance that will protect the capital investment in this vital public resource.

Field Opening Information

In the Fall of 2006, the fields are open for youth soccer only to allow the new sod to take root on the infield areas. In April 2007, the three new playing fields for youth baseball and adult softball and one T ball field will open. The installation of new lights will also allow night games to be scheduled. (A small additional electric fee for use of lights is required). The fields are open for permitted uses from April through November.

Field Use Permits

As with all DCR athletic field facilities, field users must reserve the fields in advance and obtain a permit. Permit applications should be mailed to MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, Athletic Field Reservations, 4 Woodland Road, Stoneham, MA 02180. For more information about permits, please call 617-727-4708. Permits for the spring and summer seasons will be accepted between December 1 and January 15. Permits for the fall season will be accepted between March 1 and April 15.  In the event that more than one party requests the same date and time to use the fields, DCR officials will work with the Teddy Ebersol’s Red Sox Fields Advisory Committee to resolve the conflicts and schedule time according to the field use guidelines established for the fields.

Field Use Regulations

Teddy Ebersol’s Red Sox Fields may not be used for organized walks, staging of concerts, tents or other events and uses that may damage the fields or new irrigation systems underneath the sod. The use of metal cleats, motorized vehicles, alcoholic beverages or fires is also prohibited.

Advisory Committee

DCR’s Commissioner has appointed a Teddy Ebersol's Red Sox Fields Advisory Committee on Scheduling and Permitting to assist the state agency in the wise use and equitable distribution of playing time on the fields by youth and adults. The advisory committee meets to review permit requests for the fall and spring/summer seasons.

Information
For further information on working with the nonprofit partners on maintenance and other issues at Teddy Ebersol's Red Sox Fields, please contact:

The Red Sox Foundation

4 Yawkey Way

Boston MA 02215

email: redsoxfoundation@redsox.com

Hill House

email: info@hillhouseboston.org

Esplanade Association

email: info@esplanadeassociation.org  

Directions:
Parking is extremely limited at Teddy Ebersol’s Red Sox Fields. Please use public transportation.

By public transportation:

MBTA Green Line to Science Park station. Cross street and walk to the left along Storrow Drive with the river to your right. Fields are on right.

MBTA Red Line to MGH/Charles Street station. Cross footbridge over Storrow Drive toward river. At end of bridge, walk with river on your left. Fields are approximately 50 yards from footbridge.

By private vehicle:

The fields are located on Storrow Drive in Boston.  A limited amount of parking is available at the fields for groups holding field-use permits.  Please call 617-727-1058 to make advanced arrangements for parking.  Paid parking may also be found in the area.