Softball Comes Home to Taylor Field
On Tuesday, May 16, 2023 Gilmour Academy held a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at its newly renovated softball field, named Taylor Field in recognition of the generosity of Bruce and Virginia Taylor. Other major supporters include the O’Rourke family and the New York Community Foundation as well as Jim ’67 and Mary Conway, and Jose and Rita Rizo-Patron. These supporters and other donors provided the funding for the $380,000 field as part of Gilmour’s Campaign for Lancer Athletics.
 
The renovation project was led by the steadfast efforts of current Gilmour parent Chris Paradise, Trustees Joe Ciuni ’77, Rob Miavitz ’87 and Jose Rizo-Patron, and others. Paradise was instrumental in determining how best to address the much-needed improvements for the field and managed the project from start to finish.
 
The program’s existing field had become unusable and the program had not played a home game since 2017. In recent years, they have played home games in Mayfield, at Ursuline College and at Notre Dame College.

The renovations were completed in time for the team to play their first playoff game at home on their new field on May 8. They defeated Massillon Washington High School 12-7.

Head of School Kathy Kenny said of the project, “We are so grateful to Chris Paradise, Jose Rizo-Patron, Joe Ciuni, Rob Miavitz and our community of donors, who came together to make this field a reality, ensuring that the Gilmour girls softball program could return home to play on one of the best grass fields in town.”
 
The improved field and complex now includes:
  • sub-surface drainage system to reduce water collection and rainouts
  • infield made of a premium ball field mix of drying agents and red crushed brick mixture (what premier ballparks in inclement weather regions use)
  • backstop with increased height and length
  • fully enclosed home and away dugouts
  • outfield and sideline fencing connecting to the rest of the structure (now a fully enclosed ballpark)
  • full batting cage and bullpen
  • new scoreboard
 
Phase II renovations include:
  • scoreboard installation and electrical power to the site
  • outfield drainage installation
     
    RAY MURPHY
    Chief Advancement Strategy Officer
    (440) 473-8089
     
     
     Contact for more information about naming and sponsorship opportunities still available. Additional funds raised will be applied to extending the outfield drainage system and future maintenance and field improvements.
    Sponsorship Levels
      Stands/Seating   SOLD
      $40,000
      Infield
      $35,000
      Outfield
      $35,000
      Home Dugout
      $25,000
      Visitors' Dugout
      $25,000
      Home Bullpen
      $25,000
      Away Bullpen
      $25,000
      Batting Cage   SOLD
      $25,000
      Backstop
      $25,000
      Warning Track
      $10,000
      Outfield Fence   SOLD
      $10,000
      Windscreen
      $10,000
      Pitcher's Mound   SOLD
      $5,000
      Home Plate   SOLD
      $5,000
      First Base   SOLD
      $5,000
      Second Base   SOLD
      $5,000
      Third Base   SOLD
      $5,000
      Home Batter's Box (Right)  SOLD
      $2,500
      Visitor Batter's Box (Left)  SOLD
      $2,500
      First Base Coach's Box   SOLD
      $2,500
      Third Base Coach's Box   SOLD
      $2,500
      Left Field Foul Pole   SOLD
      $2,500
      Right Field Foul Pole   SOLD
      $2,500
     
     

    Mailing Address

    34001 Cedar Road, Gates Mills, Ohio 44040
    phone: (440) 473-8000

    Campus Addresses
    An independent, Catholic, coed, day and boarding school in the Holy Cross tradition. Toddler-Grade 12.