View of the main seating area at the Mules' new baseball field at Wahiawa Middle School. Stacy Kaneshiro | SL

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_17032247_L5.jpg - Stacy Kaneshiro | SL

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WAHIAWA - After decades of playing at Fred Wright Field at Wahiawa District Park, the Leilehua Mules baseball team will debut its new diamond Wednesday when its host Waipahu at Wahiawa Middle School.

It has been two years in the making for Leilehua baseball coach Lane Watanuki. After getting approval from the state Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Education to use the field on the middle school's property, Watanuki began raising funds - no state funding was involved - to build the infrastructure: fences, dugouts, bullpens, storage and a batting cage. Labor was provide by volunteers with construction experience, Watanuki said.

The Mules played their first three home games at Fred Wright, but their final three will be at their new field. Senior Day is April 1 against Aiea. Watanuki said it will be special for the seniors, who had a hand in helping clear the field over the past two years.

The only part still to be completed is the installation of aluminum bleachers, which will be behind the plate. Spectators can watch from a small berm behind where the bleachers will be installed or bring their own folding chairs in the concrete area behind the backstop. The bleachers will be installed over the summer, Watanuki said.

Watanuki said the outfield area had to be cleared and leveled before an outfield fence could be erected. It is 325 feet down the lines and 370 to center. Watanuki said the field will likely favor hitters. When the tradewinds blow, it will especially benefit left-handed power hitters. A forest behind the outfield provides a natural batters eye because of the dark background.

Both dugouts are covered. The home dugout also has a storage room, which is still awaiting shelving. Both sides have enclosed bullpens. The home side has a batting cage.

The field is in the back of the school so it's not easily seen. The school is on Rose Street off of California Avenue. From the school's parking lot, visitors have to go through the walkways leading to the field.