Collins Field to receive electronic scoreboard

The donation is part of Safeco’s “Play Ball” program, in which the company will donate $1 million over two seasons to help improve 62 youth baseball fields across the country.

Thirty-two fields were upgraded in 2002, and another 30 — including Jackson Park’s Collins Field — will be completed this season.

“We’re thrilled to be able to help improve Collins Field,” said James Boyce of Bisnett & Associates/Scott Insurance. “And we are proud to have a company partner like Safeco that values community spirit.”

Collins Field was chosen for this special donation through a competitive process in which independent agents and financial advisors like Boyce nominate baseball or softball fields in their community that could benefit from new scoreboards.

The Play Ball contribution is just one component of Safeco’s ongoing “Strengthening America’s Neighborhoods” program. Scoreboards around the country will be installed throughout the spring and summer.

“Play Ball is one way of supporting the neighborhoods we serve through our network of independent agents and financial advisors like Scott Insurance,” said Mike McGavick, Safeco president and CEO.

“Play Ball is a great way to honor our agents and advisors in the communities they care about.”

The Collins Field scoreboard will be officially dedicated in early July, to coincide with the opening of the 2003 Oregon State Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament. The event is free and open to the public.

Scott Insurance has been providing insurance solutions for families and businesses in the Hood River Valley since 1914. The agency is now part of seven agencies known as Bisnett & Associates Insurance.

Safeco’s “Strengthening America’s Neighborhoods” program has successfully supported other community gathering places around the country. Baseball is now part of Safeco’s national identity through Safeco Field in Seattle, Wash.