We’re Building Tomorrow's Field of Dreams, Today.
Join us in creating a safe, vibrant home for our young athletes.
More Than Just a Baseball Field
The Field of Dreams Initiative aims to transform the unsafe, unusable, and aging area at Tyler Beck Memorial Field (near Tommie Barfield Elementary) into a state-of-the-art complex where Marco Island's youth can develop athletic skills, build character, and create lasting memories for decades.
This isn't just about athletics—it's about leaving a legacy through building community, fostering teamwork, and investing in our children's future.
The Field of Dreams Initiative will provide a safe, accessible, and vibrant space for Marco Island youth to come together, learn, and grow through the love of baseball and softball.
Our impact extends beyond sports:
Physical Health: Regular exercise and outdoor activity
Mental Wellbeing: Building confidence and reducing stress
Character Development: Learning teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship
Community Pride: Creating gathering spaces that strengthen island bonds
Life Skills: Developing discipline, goal-setting, and time management
Coach Courtney
“As an experienced player and coach in the game we all share a love for, I’ve seen firsthand how softball and baseball build confidence, teamwork, and discipline in young athletes. A diamond is more than just a field—it’s a space where kids learn life lessons, create memories, and build a sense of community. Investing in this Field of Dreams is an investment in our youth and in the future of our city. With a proper facility, we can ensure safe, consistent play and inspire a new generation of players to grow, compete, and thrive together.”
Our Kids Deserve Better
The Field of Dreams will be a premier youth athletic facility that serves as the heart of Marco Island's baseball and softball programs with plans to lead into other sports.
Today, our youth athletes are unable to safely play on this field. They face uneven surfaces, dying/dead grass, limited playing hours, inadequate lighting, no secure fencing, and no facilities.
With your support, we can replace these conditions with safe synthetic turf that prevents injuries, reliable lighting for evening practices and games, and nice facilities accessible to all families, friends, and visitors.
The Field of Dreams complex will include:
Regulation-size diamond with proper drainage systems
Modern, safe dugouts with proper shade and seating
Spectator seating with accessible pathways
Energy-efficient lighting for evening games and practices
Concession stand and restroom facilities
Batting cages and bullpen areas for skill development
Scoreboard and public address system
This facility will not only support athletic development but also nurture the next generation of leaders, athletes, and community members, offering a bright and hopeful future for all.
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Transforming the field with high-quality artificial turf will provide a safe, durable, and consistent playing surface for our young athletes. Unlike natural grass, turf requires minimal maintenance, withstands heavy use, and offers year-round usability. This upgrade ensures that players can focus on developing their skills without worrying about uneven surfaces or weather-related interruptions. The new synthetic turf more than triples the number of usable hours of the field each year and reduces the cost of maintenance by more than 50% every year over its projected decade long lifespan
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Installing state-of-the-art LED lighting will extend playing hours and enhance visibility for players and spectators alike. LED lights are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and designed to minimize glare and light spillage. With proper lighting, we can create a safe and vibrant atmosphere for evening games and community events.
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New fencing and netting will improve safety and functionality by keeping balls in play, protecting spectators, and defining the field’s boundaries. Durable materials will ensure longevity while maintaining visibility and accessibility. This essential infrastructure will foster a secure environment for athletes and fans to enjoy the game.
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Restroom facilities are crucial for the comfort of players, families, and visitors. Clean, accessible bathrooms will make the field a welcoming space for all, ensuring everyone can enjoy games without inconvenience. By prioritizing hygiene and accessibility, we’re creating an inclusive space that meets the needs of our community.
Youth Athlete Spotlight
monroe Gentile
Age: 10
Position: Pitcher
Years in Marco Island athletics: 4
Impact of Marco Island athletics:
“Playing softball with CJ fastpitch has been so much fun! I’ve made a lot of friends and learned how to be a good teammate. My coaches always cheer me on and help me get better. I’ve learned to never give up and always try my best.”
Favorite softball memory:
“My favorite memory is when I threw my first strikeout— everyone was cheering, and I felt so proud! I’ll never forget how happy my coaches were. I love being part of something that makes me happy!”
Our blueprint for success
We're making incredible progress toward bringing our Field of Dreams to life!
As of April 9, 2025, we've raised $515,000 of our $1.5 million goal—that's one-third of the way to making this dream a reality for Marco Island's youth.
Fundraising Timeline
Current Status: $515,000 raised ($985,000 still needed)
Fundraising Deadline: May 31, 2025
Project Milestones
June 1, 2025: Construction begins
June-July 2025: Field development and facility construction
August 2025: Grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony
Partial Matching Gift Currently Available
Your donation will be partially matched thanks to generous community donors!
"For the past several years as a Marco Island youth coach, I've had the privilege of watching kids transform through team sports. My players learn discipline by showing up to practice on time, discover accountability when their teammates depend on them, and develop confidence that extends far beyond the baseball diamond. They're building lifelong friendships, learning to handle both victory and defeat with grace, and gaining physical fitness habits that will serve them for life. Sports teach our youth that hard work pays off, that perseverance matters, and that being part of something bigger than themselves creates character.
But I've also witnessed their disappointment when practices get canceled due to flooded fields, when we have to transport them off-island for proper games, or when they have to share inadequate facilities.
The Field of Dreams Initiative is about giving our kids what they deserve—a proper facility that matches the quality of their dedication and the size of their hearts.
When a community invests in quality sports facilities, it's investing in that child's future. This field will be where countless future leaders discover their potential, learn to work as a team, and create memories that define their childhood. My own sons have grown up playing multiple sports on Marco Island, and I know firsthand how much a proper field would mean to every family here.
Please join us in making this vision a reality. Our kids deserve a home field they can be proud of—a place where they can develop as athletes and as people."
— Coach Mike McGuire
Youth Athlete Spotlight
gracie grimshaw
Age: 10
Position: Shortstop
Years in Marco Island athletics: 4
Impact of Marco Island athletics:
“I have so much pride when playing softball with my teammates. It teaches us to never give up and always work hard! I’m so happy to hang out with my friends while learning more about softball!”
Favorite softball memory:
“My favorite softball memory is when I achieved a double play while in center field. I caught a fly ball and then threw a girl out at second base! It was awesome!”
Make a donation.
you are Building More Than a Field — you are Building Futures
Your support today will help us meet our crucial May deadline and ensure construction begins on schedule.
Every donation brings us closer to creating a space where our young athletes can develop their skills, build lasting friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Join the growing community of supporters who are making this field possible. Whether you contribute $25 or $200,000, your generosity will help transform an empty lot into a vibrant hub of youth athletics and community pride.
Together, we can hit this home run for Marco Island's youth!
Meet the founding Donors
Joe Oliverio
Fundraising Chairman
Entrepreneur, long-time Marco Island resident, esteemed restaurateur, and dedicated community leader & developer.
Rene Champagne
Honorary Chairman
Philanthropist, entrepreneur, Naval officer during Vietnam War - served between 1963-1967, and Marco Island resident of two decades.
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$200,000+
Legacy naming rights to a major facility component
Permanent recognition at main entrance
Custom dedication ceremony
Recognition plaque at field entrance
VIP status at all Marco Island Youth events
Personalized commemorative gift
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$100,000-$199,999
Recognition plaque at field entrance
Inclusion in all promotional materials
VIP access to grand opening ceremony
Custom recognition item
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$50,000-$99,999
Recognition plaque at field entrance
Special recognition during opening ceremony
Commemorative item
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$25,000-$49,999
Recognition plaque at field entrance
Special recognition during opening ceremony
Commemorative item
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$10,000-$24,999
Recognition plaque at field entrance
Special recognition during opening ceremony
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$5,000-$9,999
Recognition plaque at field entrance
Special recognition during opening ceremony
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$1,000-$4,999
Name listed on website
Recognition in opening day program
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$100-$999
Name listed on website
Donor Recognition Levels
3 ways to give
pledge online
Fill out a pledge form online by clicking here.
Or click here to download a pledge form.
2. By Mail
Send check payable to "Marco Island Youth Baseball, Inc."
to: 257 N. Collier Blvd Marco Island, FL 34145
3. in Person
Email miyouthball@gmail.com or call 239-499-BALL (2255) to arrange a meeting and field site visit.