The torrential downpour over the weekend has caused the Cumberland River to overrun its banks and Shelby Park is now flooded. Old Timers ballpark currently is underwater to an unbelievable depth.

Images have been posted that may be viewed by clicking on this link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/81803126@N00/sets/72157623985434088/

You may also view video footage of Shelby Park here (the Old Timers baseball complex view begins at 1:30 minutes):

www.youtube.com/watch

Belmont University's baseball team, which uses the park as its home field, was able to remove many of their items from the clubhouse on Saturday. Old Timers member Mickey Hiter, who has painstakingly kept the Old Timers ballpark field at an immaculate level, is obviously devastated.

Mickey was unable to remove the tractor and 'gator', an all-purpose vehicle used for hauling dirt and tools to manicure the field and ballpark area. Those items, the tarpaulin, and implements used to landscape, nurture, and prepare the field for play are now under water with no way to determine the loss.

The concession stand, stored food supplies, dugouts and ground-level clubhouse items will probably be a total loss. The outfield wall had shown damage on Saturday night.

The new backstop that was installed earlier this year is not visible nor are the batting cages.

The scoreboard is still visible, but certainly there is damage to the electrical supply. With water levels on the Cumberland River still rising, it will be several days before the area can be fully assessed for complete damages.

Structurally, the press box and Old Timers meeting room seem to be intact but until the water level goes down it is impossible to get inside to evaluate.

Old Timers, be ready to chip in to get the park and field surface back to some level of play so that baseball is played at Old Timers park as soon as possible.  Check this web site and be looking for email updates in the very near future.

It will take manpower and financial power to make things happen. Be ready to offer a hand, and ask anyone who has memories of playing or watching games at Shelby to do the same. Please get the word out!