The saying goes, “the grass is always greener on the other side,” but in this case, it’s the turf that’s greener, right here at North Atlanta High School. The Atlanta Braves announced the Hank Aaron Diamonds initiative, which will provide brand-new turf infields and major upgrades for the baseball and softball programs at all operating APS schools. Luckily for the Dubs, North Atlanta is one of the four schools that will receive the upgrades first, along with Mays, Washington, and Jackson. 

This news is groundbreaking for the baseball and softball programs here at North Atlanta for many reasons. First off, the addition of turf will allow for far fewer practice and game cancellations for both teams. In the past, the baseball team would often have to cancel and reschedule home games due to inclement weather and poor field conditions, causing frustration and lost playing time. Hopefully, the new upgrades and turf fields will change that this season and in the years to come, helping players train and compete more consistently.

This project represents a turning point for the athletic facilities and programs here at North Atlanta. The baseball and softball teams have worked tirelessly in recent years to build strong, competitive programs despite limitations with their natural fields and unpredictable weather. Now, the new turf will not only improve performance but also reflect the excellence, commitment, and determination that student-athletes display every season. Head coach of both the baseball and softball programs, Ricky Plante, was ecstatic to hear the news. “These new turf fields are going to help elevate our student-athletes’ play,” he said. “I can’t express how grateful all of us are for the Hank Aaron Diamonds Project.”

Student-athletes are especially eager to see the transformation. Senior pitcher for the baseball team, Jackson Pechter, and his sister, sophomore pitcher for the softball team, Sydney, can’t wait for the upgrades to their respective fields. They have both been on varsity since their freshman year and have faced many canceled games and limited practice time due to weather, but with the new turf fields, they will no longer have to worry about that. “It’s all super exciting. I just hope the turf is installed in time for my senior season,” Jackson said.

Although there is no official date yet for when the installation will begin, plans suggest the fields could be ready in time for the upcoming baseball season this spring. For North Atlanta, the grass isn’t just greener, it’s a whole new field of opportunity for the Dubs community.