You can root, root, root for your favorite Door County League team with the comfort of knowing that a lifesaving device is nearby. On Friday, the Door County League announced that it has raised enough money to outfit all its baseball diamonds with Automated External Defibrillators for the 2024 season. League officials began the push last year after a Maplewood Mets pitcher took a line drive ball square to his chest. On-site athletic trainers and nurses ensured a happy ending to the story, but it alerted team officials and fans about the need to have AEDs on–site. DCL teams raised $9,000 through different methods to purchase an AED for each of the eight fields. It was an essential effort for Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Chief Chris Hecht, who not only led his own campaign in the county to install AEDs at businesses and public places but also has a son who plays on the Sister Bay Bays.

Since most of the parks also host other events, the use of the AEDs will be open to everyone. The AEDs will be in place for the DCL’s opening day on May 12th, including a rematch of last year’s playoff championship between Washington Island and Sister Bay that will air live on 105.1 The GOAT. You can click this link for the full DCL schedule, including our broadcasts on 105.1 The GOAT.