In 2013, Joshua (Josh) Pratchard founded Second Chance Fields, a San Diego nonprofit dedicated to giving high school athletes in underserved communities a safe place to play.
The Need
At many public high schools in lower-income neighborhoods, athletic fields had deteriorated over the years with no budget for repair. Uneven ground, holes, and hard-packed dirt caused injuries to student athletes. Schools in more affluent districts could raise money to restore their fields; these schools could not.
Our Approach
Second Chance Fields combined donated equipment, professional expertise, and volunteer labor to regrade and resurface high school fields at little or no cost to the schools. Drawing on his background in construction and project management, Josh led planning and fieldwork from start to finish and served as the organization’s founder and executive director.
Partners and Supporters
The organization’s work was made possible by its partners and supporters:
- Hawthorne Cat served on the board and donated all of the heavy equipment.
- Luke Yoder, Director of Field Operations for the San Diego Padres, served as vice president of the board.
- Marines from MAG-11 Ground Support Equipment, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, volunteered as equipment operators to resurface the fields.
- The San Diego Foundation supported the organization’s work.
- Adrian Gonzalez, former Major League Baseball player, lent his support to the cause.
Recognition
San Diego City Councilmember Lorie Zapf recognized Josh for his service to the community. Second Chance Fields was also featured in 92127 Magazine and in local news coverage.
Watch
News segments, promotional videos, endorsements, and instructional videos are available on the Second Chance Fields YouTube channel.
Looking Back
Second Chance Fields served schools until COVID-19 suspended school sports in 2020. Josh continued to raise funds for its return before the organization ultimately closed. The fields, and the students who played on them, remain among the work of which he is most proud.
