How Rockford Families Can Save Roy Gayle’s Fields for 2026

If you grew up in the Rockford area and played softball or baseball as a kid, you probably played many of your games with Roy Gayle at the Randerson-Carlson Sports Complex on Meridian Road. Now the league and the fields are in trouble, and they need the community's support.

The Life of a Softball Parent

This summer, my 9-year-old daughter Harper discovered her love for softball. Until this summer, baseball/softball was my least favorite sport to watch, but that was before I had a kid playing in the games. I spent more nights than I can count at the ballfield over the last five months, but it's completely worth it when I see a smile like this in the bleachers:

This summer I quickly learned that the softball/baseball community is a fun and tight-knit community to be a part of, and right now a big part of that community in the Rockford area needs our help.

READ MORE: Jefferson J-Hawks Break 32-Year Football Playoff Drought

Fundraiser for Roy Gayle Baseball & Softball

The Randerson-Carlson Sports Complex on Meridian Road isn't my daughter's home field, but she played many games there this summer, so this news from the Roy Gayle Baseball & Softball board hits close to home.

Rockford grows up playing softball and baseball at Roy Gayle's fields, so please, if this league has ever meant something to you or your family, consider donating to help keep it going strong into 2026.

Roy Gayle needs to raise $20,000 to be able to reopen for a 2026 season, and they are still over $15,000 short of their goal. Please click here now to make a donation, any amount will help!