Sports are an important part of the fabric of communities. All over the nation you’ll find sports teams and coaches training the next generation of leaders, which is why in 2015 the City of Perry, Oklahoma, chose to invest in the community by building the Perry BMAC Baseball Complex. Named in honor of local baseball star Brendon “BMAC” McLarty, who passed away tragically in 2012, this modern, four-field facility features top-flight amenities perfect for hosting small to medium-sized tournaments.
Being situated right on Interstate 35 is one of the biggest reasons that BMAC is an ideal location for hosting tournaments. Out-of-town teams and spectators alike will have no problem finding the facility, which is just a quarter of a mile from the I-35 exit. They also won’t have any problem finding accommodations for multi-day tournaments with four nationally-branded motels within half a mile of the facility. In fact, three of those motels are easily within walking distance of the facility.
What they will have a problem with is saying goodbye to the lushly manicured bermuda grass fields that are painstakingly cared for year-round by full-time ballpark manager Lee Harmon. As a baseball parent and coach, Lee prides himself on having world-class fields for every player in every tournament. Each field is dragged, raked, watered, and re-chalked between games to make sure that every game looks like the first game of the day. Top-of-the-line pitching mounds are employed to ensure that the fields can be perfectly configured for every age group, and the complex is capable of hosting games for 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U teams.
The large concession area is centrally located within the ballpark for easy access by all attendees and is stocked with the classic ballpark fare that fans and players expect. During the hottest parts of the season, ice buckets and water coolers are provided in each dugout to help keep players and coaches cool and hydrated. Each field includes an LED-lit scoreboard so fans and teams will have no problem keeping track of the game. Certified umpires are used at all city-hosted tournaments, and the ballpark manager can help facilitate their hiring for those looking to host their own tournament at the complex. The facility also employs a custodian for every day of every tournament to ensure that the restrooms and grounds are kept looking their best.
The city of Perry itself provides some great opportunities for players and their families during the downtime between games. There are eight parks available for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the tournament and relax for a moment. Brimming with shade trees, these make for a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch with the family. Whether you’re looking to sit down and eat or grab and go, there are numerous restaurants from which to choose. From fast food and pizza to Chinese and Mexican food, there is no shortage of options available.
Perry Lake Park, or CCC Lake as it’s known locally, offers a host of activities for tournament attendees. There are several pavilions available for teams and families to use at no cost. Those looking to beat the heat during the summer season can go for a swim, and the park will soon offer a freshly renovated hiking trail. Lake Perry, or Perry Lake as it’s known locally, offers primitive camping and RV slips with full hook-ups for tournament attendees looking for a more adventurous place to stay during multi-day tournaments. Both lakes offer fishing with a minimal permit fee.
Centered around a century-old courthouse, Perry’s beautiful and historic downtown square offers some shopping and restaurants as well and should not be missed. The Cherokee Strip Museum gives the history of the settlement of Perry and the surrounding area and includes a blacksmith shop with demonstrations. All in all, there is a lot to see and do in Perry.
The Perry BMAC Baseball Complex is an outstanding facility that hosts many tournaments throughout the year, including local league games and the OK Kids baseball tournament for the region. For teams looking for new tournaments to attend, this is a great place to start. For those looking to host their own tournament, there’s always room for one more. Check out www.cityofperryok.com for more information about the complex or tournaments being hosted. Contact ballpark manager Lee Harmon at baseball.park@cityofperryok.com for more information on hosting your own tournament at the complex.
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