At Coplay Borough Council’s regular meeting Jan. 12, Councilman Stephen Burker announced a deal with Coca-Cola to revive Sam Balliet Stadium and Ball Field.

According to Burker, Coca-Cola agreed to provide $10,000 to erect a full nine-inning scoreboard at the stadium. “It’s a great opportunity for Coplay and can revive the baseball field,” Burker said.

Coca-Cola officials were at the ball park Jan. 13 to look over the situation and set up a plan. The scoreboard will be set between two poles on the site across from stadium seating.

Coplay Sports has a field behind the baseball diamond. “Coplay Sports will also benefit from this plan,” Burker said.

The plan requires concessionaires to sell only Coca-Cola products during events. Coca-Cola has promised to raise an additional $5,000 using various fundraising events.

The good news continued as Burker explained that the Iron Pigs will match contributions from Coca-Cola.

“The Iron Pigs will have a special day during their season to support Balliet field,” Burker said.

At one time, Balliet field and stadium were the area’s mecca for baseball. Thousands packed the stadium to see local baseball games at its finest.

“With what we are doing here, we can get back to hosting district championships for the top high school teams,” Burker said.

Although the scoreboard is the first step, more is planned. Sam Balliet Stadium was one of the first in the area with lights for night games, but that distinction was taken away by hurricane damage and a decrease in funding.

Larry Gutleber, commander of American Legion Post 426, added to the details.

“Any agreements to improve the field will be made with the legion. Fundraising will go through a separate organization,” he said.

Gutleber noted that Fullerton is closing its legion baseball facility.

“We will expand our facilities to keep legion baseball active in the area,” he said.

The demands of teams have changed significantly since the stadium opened in 1963.

“We need better playing conditions now. Teams expect to have manicured fields and good running paths,” Gutleber said. Field conditions need to be upgraded to meet expectations and attract the district tournaments.

“The matching contribution from the Iron Pigs is a big boost to getting the field back on track,” Burker added. “There are no restrictions on how the money is spent. Some of the funds might be used to bring back lights. We can have local fundraising events to get money for lights,” Burker said.

Legion baseball participants have declined some, but Gutleber expects to see an increase as the field conditions are improved.

“We will draw from a bigger base too with the new field,” he said.