In Chandler, Arizona, retired MLB shortstop J.J. Hardy has found himself at the center of a neighborhood dispute over his latest home addition – a miniature baseball field.
The construction, aimed at creating every child’s dream, has reportedly angered many of his neighbors, including Pam Lang, who resides across the street from Hardy’s residence.
JJ Hardy is causing drama in Chandler, Arizona because his neighbors are pissed that he's building a baseball field in his backyard
(via @azfamily) pic.twitter.com/bV3GG3yxaB
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 5, 2024
“Everybody has a right to enjoy their own yard, but this is something that is beyond what is reasonable to expect your neighbors to tolerate,” Lang expressed to KPHO reporters.
Lang’s frustration escalated when she noticed 20-foot poles being drilled into the ground behind her home, signaling the commencement of Hardy’s backyard project.
“I didn’t sign up to live next to a baseball field,” said Lang. “It’s like a commercial, like living next to Top Golf, you know.”
Upon discovering that Hardy had not obtained the necessary permits for the construction, Lang filed a complaint with Maricopa County authorities.
Hardy’s property, situated on a county island, grants him relative freedom in construction endeavors, circumventing the regulations typically imposed by a homeowner association – a fact that further irked Lang.
“There’s an inherent unfairness to this, an injustice because he can do whatever he wants because it’s a county island, and I can’t,” said Lang.
“I don’t have a recourse because I am bound by all these rules in this HOA.”
While Hardy is exempt from HOA rules, he must still adhere to certain height and distance requirements.
Maricopa County officials have set an April 22 deadline for Hardy to secure the necessary permits, or risk facing partial demolition of the construction.
Despite Lang’s frustrations, she acknowledges the limited recourse available to her.
“It’s very disappointing and frustrating that all I can do is file a complaint and hope that somebody in the county feels like listening to me,” she stated.
Hardy, known for his stints with the Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, and Baltimore Orioles during his 13-season MLB career, retired in 2017.
Despite an impressive career, which included two All-Star selections and three Gold Glove awards, Hardy received zero votes in his sole Hall of Fame ballot in 2023.
You AZ residents leave JJ Hardy alone https://t.co/KuIU35t6u4
— Jonathon Crofts (@jcrofts35) April 4, 2024
Despite his neighbors being annoyed, it’s pretty damn cool that Hardy is building a baseball field.
Again, it’s like every child’s dream to grow up with a baseball field in their backyard.
JJ Hardy going full Ray Kinsella mode. https://t.co/sezwI4OhKs pic.twitter.com/jFbnRDRI7F
— TJ Perry (@tjperry1400) April 5, 2024
While we’re (somewhat) on the subject, is Field of Dreams the greatest baseball movie of all-time?
If not, what is???
You’ll have to excuse me…It’s Field of Dreams and ‘Hey Dad, you want to have a catch?’ line, and I appear to have something in my eye.. #FieldofDreams #IfYouBuildItHeWillCome pic.twitter.com/wO1vHIViO9
— Deshpal Panesar KC (@DeshpalPanesar) April 6, 2024