Florence Bank Supports Belchertown Little League with a $25,000 Contribution

Florence Bank is pleased to announce it has donated $25,000 to the Belchertown Little League to support the renovation of Hulmes-Warner Field, affectionately known as “Mini Fenway.”

The planned upgrades include a covered batting cage, ADA-compliant restrooms, a storage shed, and a concession stand. Additionally, the iconic “Green Monster” wall, which had previously been constructed by volunteers using donated materials, will be completely rebuilt.

Founded in 2002, the Belchertown Little League serves over 4,000 children from across Belchertown and seven of its neighboring towns including Granby, Chicopee, Holyoke, South Hadley, Ware, Warren, and Palmer. They offer a welcoming and inclusive environment for boys and girls of all abilities, including those with physical and developmental disabilities through their Challenger League, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services.

Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said the Bank is proud to support the League’s efforts to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall experience for the community and each child that plays on the field.

“Mini-Fenway has been a symbol of what a town can build together, and we are pleased to support the Belchertown Little League make critical improvements and enhance accessibility,” said Garrity. “We believe this project will help ensure a memorable experience for kids of all abilities for generations to come.”

For the community, the “Mini-Fenway” at Hulmes-Warner Field has become a place for all ages to come together to play ball, chase dreams, and make long-life memories.

“The Mini Fenway wall project is more than just a field upgrade—it’s about creating a one-of-a-kind experience for our players and a gathering place for the entire community. We’re building something these kids will remember for a lifetime,” said Ashley O’Connor, Belchertown Little League Secretary.

In addition to supporting the “Mini Fenway” upgrades, Florence Bank is sponsoring teams in the 7U Baseball and 10U Softball leagues for the upcoming season.

Kyle Toelken, manager of Florence Bank’s Belchertown branch and a Belchertown resident, is excited to see the proposed plans and the progress being made thus far. “Mini-Fenway brings the community together and provides our youth with growth opportunities that help on and off the field. I am eager to see the finished product and the look on the kids’ faces when they step onto the field for the first time,” said Toelken.

The upgrades are underway, with the construction of the ADA-compliant sidewalk currently in process. Other components of the project, such as the “Green Monster” wall, are slated to start later this summer.