News Summary

In Cherry Hill, Guy and Mirit Holzman face a challenging situation as foul balls from a nearby baseball field disrupt their new home. After experiencing damage and safety concerns, they seek resolution from the school district, prompting community backlash and legal consideration. As the baseball season heats up, tensions rise over their backyard’s unwelcome visitors.

Cherry Hill Couple Takes a Stand Over Foul Balls in Their Backyard

In the picturesque town of Cherry Hill, a couple is finding themselves caught in an unusual battle that’s bringing a small-town problem to the forefront. Guy and Mirit Holzman, who recently purchased their new home for a whopping $880,000 in December 2023, are facing a uniquely challenging situation as baseball season kicks into gear at nearby Cherry Hill High School East, with foul balls causing quite the ruckus in their backyard.

A Surprising Discovery

When the Holzman family decided to move to their home in the Wilderness Run neighborhood, they had no idea they were buying just a stone’s throw away from a bustling baseball field. Unfortunately for them, the peace and quiet they were hoping to enjoy were quickly disrupted as the school’s 2024 spring baseball season began.

As the games heated up, so did the number of stray baseballs landing in their fenced-in yard. It’s not just about a few wanderers; a baseball recently smashed the windshield of their car parked in the driveway. In an alarming incident, Mirit was hit in the shoulder by one of these high-flying balls while holding her 1-year-old son, Ari, who also caught a minor hit in the neck.

Community Friction

The Holzmans didn’t take the incident lightly; concerned for their family’s safety, Mirit decided to take matters into her own hands. She approached the baseball field, asking officials to stop the game, but was met with unexpected hostility from both fans and school officials, who accused her of trespassing. This incident has sparked some friction with neighbors, many of whom are pointing fingers and suggesting the couple should have known better than to purchase a home near a sports field.

Tensions have been mounting as the Holzmans have reportedly filed two police reports related to foul balls and unauthorized entries onto their property by baseball players. Frustrated and feeling unheard, the couple is now demanding a reimbursement of $300 from the school district for the damage done to their car and the repairs needed for their fence. They also want to see the baseball field relocated about 30 feet away from their backyard to minimize future glorious home runs from landing unwanted in their space.

The School District’s Response

In a recent communication with the couple, the athletic director of Cherry Hill East, Michael Beirao, noted that the baseball fields have been part of the landscape since the 1970s and mentioned a lack of complaints from other nearby residents. He cautioned the Holzmans against further confrontations after Mirit’s run-in—an indication that the school district feels they have already put some safety measures in place.

The district has taken some steps, including advising players not to stray into the Holzmans’ yard. They’ve also installed a portable batting cage to help catch missed pitches and foul balls. But for Guy, an accountant and lawyer, these measures don’t quite cut it, and he is considering taking legal action in pursuit of an injunction against the school until they can reach an agreeable solution.

Safety First for the Kids

With all this going on, the Holzmans are understandably keeping their three young children mostly indoors during baseball activities, growing concerned for their safety. The Holzmans are simply hoping for a resolution that allows them to enjoy their new home in peace, without the threat of unexpected baseballs invading their backyard.

As cherry blossoms bloom and summer approaches, the next home game for Cherry Hill East is on the horizon, scheduled for April 21 against Lenape High School. Will the Holzmans be able to enjoy the game from their home or will this peculiar episode take another turn? Only time will tell.

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