Opening day of Beautiful People baseball season at Daniel Fratto Field held May 19

After two weekends of rain, there was summer-like weather on Sunday, May 19, a perfect time to "Play ball!"
It was opening day for the Beautiful People adaptive baseball on the Daniel Fratto Memorial Field at Wickham Woodlands Town Park.
The field was dedicated last year in memory of the son of Mike and Danielle Fratto, who had organized a walk and raised $15,000 to help fund the project.
Daniel passed away in December 2012, shortly after he turned 19.
On the Wednesday before opening day, volunteers employed by Key Bank, which has an annual Neighbors Make a Difference Day, choose Beautiful People for their volunteer service by cleaning and sprucing up the baseball fields and facilities.
This was the first full season for the new field.
Roaring Graphics
And it was also the dedication of the "All Star Walkway," made up of 86 engraved pavers that represent contributions by families and friends.
The walkway design was a gift from architect David Crawford, a member of Beautiful People's Board of Directors.
Many of the bricks are messages of praise and acknowledgement by the parents of Beautiful People athletes. Some represent corporate support and others were simply donated by local residents.
Most unique is a lion's head logo, created by Daniel Fratto for the design company he began as a teen called Roaring Graphics.
There is still an opportunity to offer engraved paving stones for future installation at: http://www.beautiful-people.us/donate/
160 athletes
Specifically designed for children with disabilities, the field has a fully rubberized safe surface and enlarged dugouts to accommodate wheelchairs, service animals and other assistive devices.
"It was a tremendous opening day and 160 kids participated along with another 80 to 100 volunteers," reported Executive Director Jan Brunkhorst. "We are extremely grateful to the Town of Warwick and all our supporters for this beautiful field in Wickham Woodlands."
Essentials
For additional information about Beautiful People Adaptive Sports or to make a donation or volunteer visit www.beautiful-people.us.
- Roger Gavan