The dream project of former Major League Baseball All-Star J.J. Hardy is turning into a headache for his neighbors, according to KPHO Phoenix.
Hardy is constructing a miniature baseball field in his backyard, which already features a golf course and tennis court.
However, Hardy’s endeavor has hit a snag as he has reportedly not secured the necessary permit for building the baseball field, according to Pam Lang.
Lang resides across the street from Hardy in Chandler, Arizona.
‘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,’ said Lang.
Lang alleges that Hardy is building a “field of dreams” in his backyard.
Lang insists she had no prior knowledge of the baseball field construction until work began a couple of months ago, marked by the installation of a dozen 20-foot poles.
The prospect of facing a large fence and bright lights every night is not something Lang desires to contend with.
“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.”
Drone footage of the property near Gilbert and Riggs Road reveals that a tennis court and putting green have already been established on-site.
According to information obtained by KPHO, the former ballplayer’s residence is situated on a county island, while Lang’s house is located within the city limits of Chandler.
‘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.’
‘It’s very disappointing and frustrating that all I can an do is file a complaint and hope that somebody in the county feels like listening to me,’ Lang added.
Hardy, a Tucson, Arizona native, played shortstop in the big leagues for the Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, and Baltimore Orioles from 2005 to 2017.
The 41-year-old represented the Brewers in the 2007 MLB All-Star game and the Orioles in the 2013 MLB All-Star game.
In addition, Hardy is a three-time Gold Glove winner with the Orioles from 2012 to 2014, a Silver Slugger award recipient in 2013 with the Orioles, a member of the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame, and a member of the Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor.
