'Outrageous incident': High school softball fence moved farther away without permission

The outfield fence at the Freehold Township High School softball field was moved without permission — following talk among team supporters that the fence had caused a competitive disadvantage — and school officials aren't on the fence about whether it was wrong.

Principal Alicia Scelso called the moving of the fence — about 20 feet farther away from home plate — an "outrageous incident" in a letter to parents.

The move was discovered April 28, Scelso said in the letter that was obtained by the Asbury Park Press. It's not clear whether the fence is back in its original position.

Guidelines from the National Federation of High Schools say softball outfield fences should be between 185 feet to 235 feet from the plate.

Scelso, who could not be reached for comment, in the letter said the fence was in compliance with state athletic regulations and had been in place at its current distance for the last 16 years.

She said a report has been filed with the Freehold Township Police Department.

“It is extremely disheartening to know that members of the community would interfere with the daily operations of the high school,” Scelso wrote. “And, I hope, that no member of the softball community was involved in this outrageous incident.”

Surveillance video from the school captured three cars — a red Ford pickup, a silver Dodge pickup and a silver-blue hatchback — entering the parking lot by the school’s tennis courts at approximately 8:30 p.m. on April 27. At about 9:10 p.m., a fourth vehicle — a white four-door sedan – was captured entering the bus loop and flashing its headlights.

Scelso said athletic director Adam Brusotti, who also could not be reached for comment, had received "several complaints" from "softball parents" regarding the fence in April, saying the fence was too close to home plate and gave the team a competitive disadvantage.

Scelso said parents "who have any information as to what occurred" should contact her.

Follow Danny LoGiudice on Twitter at @danny_logiudice .

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: High school softball fence moved farther out without school permission