By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
Mayor Dorinda Borer on Sept. 18 announced an exciting new partnership between the city and The Grind LLC, a premier travel baseball program across Connecticut and the Northeast.
The Grind, which also owns a training facility and is based in Orange, has entered into a long-term mutual licensing agreement with the city where it will make significant investments and maintain the fields at Morse Park on Beach Street and in turn host games and tournaments in West Haven.
The agreement covers batting cages and fields 2, 3, 4 and 6, according to city Human Resources Commissioner John M. Carrano, who helped negotiate the new partnership.
“This is a win-win-win for the city, the Grind, and the young residents who deserve quality fields to play on and be proud of,” Borer said. “The Grind has the professional reputation for delivering the results we are looking for.”
Under the licensing agreement, the Grind will transform the city-owned ballpark into a first-class tournament destination for teams from around the Northeast.
“This partnership is about more than just baseball; it’s about building something lasting for the next generation,” said Michael Moras, who owns the Grind. “We’re excited to help transform Morse Park into a place where young athletes can compete, grow and take pride in their community. If you build it right, they don’t just come — they stay, they thrive and they come back!”
The seasonal tournaments are expected to drive thousands of players, ranging in age from 10 to 18, and their families to the West Haven shoreline during the season, which will boost the local economy, Borer said.
“Having an attraction that brings nonresidents into our city for sports programs will benefit our businesses, which benefits all of us at the end of the day,” the mayor said. “In addition to creating quality fields for our athletes, this area will go from a drain on resources to a revenue driver.”
Under the agreement, Carrano said the Grind will invest in capital improvements to the seaside ballpark, including reconditioning and resurfacing all infields and outfields, updating the sprinkler system, and drill-seeding and fertilizing all fields. The Grind will also install artificial turf pitching mounds, maintain all fields, and renovate and resurface all batting cages, he said.
The city will continue to maintain fields 1 and 7, along with areas adjacent to the fields.
“Our Public Works Department lines, trims and mows the fields; but it’s hard for them to mow dirt, and that’s what these fields have become — dirt and rocks due to lack of investments over the years,” Borer said. “This has not only resulted in poor aesthetics but can cause unsafe playing conditions. That’s all about to change with this partnership.”
Borer said the agreement will not affect the West Haven Little League, whose teams have played on the Morse Park fields for decades. The Grind will work around the Little League’s seasonal schedule, she said.
Games, practices and tournaments will all conform to city ordinances regarding times and lights, Borer said, and additional parking spaces are being created to allow for ample parking.
Founded in 2012, Grind Baseball has grown into Connecticut’s premier travel program. Grind travel teams are coached by a professional staff of former collegiate and pro standouts. Teams begin at age 10 and continue to the age 18 college showcase team.