By Derek Thompson
The Selma Times-Journal

A new centerfield fence will restore the memory of the old barrier at Bloch Park as it reaches completion in time for the Alabama Dixie Major State Tournament.

Lebo Jones, interim director for the Selma Recreation Department, said the fence needs a few finishing touches before it is completed Tuesday or Wednesday.

“They just got to cut it and shape it up some at the top,” Jones said. “It’s not just going to be flat across at the top. It’s going to have some rounded off edges. After they stain it they should be done.”

The historic park’s highest outfield wall was blown over by a hurricane around 10 years ago, and replaced by a chain link fence.

Before its departure, people who knew Bloch Park called the fence the “Green Monster,” a term coined from the left field wall at Fenway Park in Boston.

Years later, a new “Green Monster” will play a significant part in the outcome of future games.

“It was a challenge for all batters,” said Fred Striedieck, a private contractor. “If someone ever hits a ball over the ‘Green Monster’ at Bloch Park, they are really something. That’s an athletic accomplishment. We’re building the ‘Green Monster’ back.”

While the 16-feet-high and 48-feet-wide wooden wall will certainly make it harder for batters to hit home runs, Jones said it will also be a tempting target.

“It gives the hitter something to look into and a backdrop,” Jones said. “When you go up there to bat it kind of gives you that imposing figure and makes you wonder if you can hit the ball over that wall.”

The fence was rebuilt to honor the late coach Elton Reece, who served as the director of the Selma Recreation Department for the last two decades, at the tournament Thursday, before Selma’s game at 7 p.m.

“We need a big representative crowd because the city of Selma has been awarded this opportunity,” said Ronnie Mac Sherrer, who is helping with the project. “As long as we can make a good showing, they’ll keep coming back.”

Sherrer said he wants to see the ballpark thrive because of its rich history.

The Selma Cloverleafs of the independent Southeastern League of Professional Baseball played there before folding prior to the 2003 season. Professional baseball was also played at Bloch Park in the 1940s-60s as part of the Alabama-Florida League.

“That fence was always a part of the field for all those years,” Jones said. “We just thought it would be a good idea to put it back up. Everybody was used to seeing it up there all these years.”