Gene Maclay was man passionate about baseball and the positive impact it had for him. After his passing, Gene's wife Terri wanted to give back to the community and sport that he loved so much.
In her own words:
"The Gene Maclay Memorial Fund originated in 2005 through generous donations from many friends, family and the Macdaddy Picnic of 2005. The donations and picnic profits amounted to nearly 27,000. Three $5000 scholarships were awarded to Cedar Cliff students. The fund had been invested with the Foundation for Enhancing Communities, Harrisburg.
When the project to revitalize the Hillside Field came to the attention of the Maclay Family, it soon became clear this was a perfect match for the remaining funds.
Gene was a graduate of Cedar Cliff High School having grown up in Lemoyne and later Fairview Park. As a child, baseball was the neighborhood sport and his heart always remained with it. His mother told stories of retrieving baseballs from neighbors who were annoyed and were keeping his ball. He slept with his glove and told me more than once how great a new glove smelled.
Gene was voted the outstanding athlete for the Cedar Cliff Class of 1965. He was a three letter man for all three years at CC. All those facts are great and he is very deserving but I know he wouldn't be happy with that as the emphasis. He would want this to be a field where everyone can play and have fun.
This project is being supported by several New Cumberland businesses as well. Naming the field Maclay Field is a great tribute and I hope it is a reminder to pay it forward when you can."
Terri Fischer Maclay,
CC Class of 1968
The New Cumberland Youth Baseball Association's field located on the Hillside Elementary School grounds has been in need of upgrades and repairs for many years. Thanks to the The Gene Maclay Memorial Fund and Terri's efforts we have been able to invest over $12,000 towards a complete refurbushment of the field, new dugouts, and an upgraded concession stand.
BUT THERE IS STILL MORE TO DO!
Our last big hurdle is putting in new fencing along the foul lines, dugouts, and batter warmup areas to protect our players, friends, and family. Please consider donating to this great project by going to our GoFundMe page:
https://www.gofundme.com/MaclayField
Your donation will go directly towards these costs and the completion of the project, which is slated to be done in time for our Opening Day Ceremonies in April.
The newly christened Maclay Field will be a testament to Gene Maclay's love of baseball and his hometown, as well as provide a safe, quality facility for the youth of New Cumberland to enjoy the great game of baseball for many generations to come!