Projects

Goal #1: Replace the Batting Turtle for Safety and Training

A batting turtle is a protective cage used during batting practice to shield players, coaches, and bystanders from foul balls. For the Zephyrhills High School baseball team, it is especially critical—there are currently no safety provisions in place to prevent foul balls from entering the nearby parking area along SR 54.

The turtle currently in use is old, worn out, and no longer provides the level of protection our athletes and community need. For the safety of players, fans, and everyone who supports the team, replacing this equipment is a top priority.

The cost of a new batting turtle ranges from $9,000–$10,000, and with your help, we can make this essential investment in both safety and player development. Every gift brings us one step closer to protecting our team and our community while giving athletes the tools they need to succeed.

Goal #2: Replacing the Batting Cage Turf 

Last summer’s hurricanes destroyed the batting cage at the Zephyrhills High School baseball field. While the team was able to make do with temporary provisions and eventually secured a replacement cage on the existing cement pad, the turf from the original cage was lost.

Thanks to the generosity of Sunlake High School, used turf from their renovation project was donated to help fill the gap. However, the pieces were not sufficient to fully cover the batting cage area, leaving the team without a safe and complete training surface.

Our next project is to replace the damaged turf with a new, upgraded product that will fully cover the batting cage floor. This investment is vital not only for player training and safety, but also for extending the life of the baseballs used during practice.

The estimated cost of this project is $5,500–$6,000, and with community support, we can provide our athletes with the safe, high-quality facility they deserve. Every contribution brings us closer to making this vision a reality.

Goal #3: Outfield Fence Windscreens 

A critical next step in improving the Zephyrhills High School baseball facility is the addition of windscreens to the outfield fences. Windscreens serve multiple purposes—they reduce distractions for players, create a safer playing environment by minimizing wind interference, and give the field a polished, competitive look that matches the standard of other programs in the county.

Currently, the outfield is fully exposed, which impacts both play and player safety. Installing windscreens will not only improve game conditions but also create a more professional and welcoming atmosphere for athletes, fans, and the community.

The estimated cost of this project is $3,500–$4,000, and community support will make it possible to provide these much-needed upgrades. Every gift, big or small, helps move us closer to completing this important step in enhancing the baseball experience at ZHS.

Goal #4: Replacing the Field Tractor 

Proper field maintenance is essential to keeping the Zephyrhills High School baseball field safe, playable, and ready for competition. Unfortunately, the current tractor is so old that replacement parts are no longer available, leaving the team without reliable equipment to drag the infield, level surfaces, and prepare safe playing conditions.

To keep pace with daily maintenance needs, the program urgently needs a dependable, high school–appropriate tractor or sports turf groomer. This equipment is not just about appearances—it’s critical for player safety, preventing hazards like uneven infields and poorly maintained clay.

The estimated cost for a replacement tractor is $8,000–$15,000, depending on the model and condition (new or refurbished). With community support, we can provide the ZHS baseball team with the tools they need to maintain a safe and competitive playing environment for years to come.