COMPTON, Md. — For generations of softball players and fans in Southern Maryland, the field beside Cryer’s Back Road Inn has been more than a diamond — it’s been a gathering place. That chapter is now closing.
On Aug. 29, Cryer’s announced the field will shut down, with the property owners returning the land to their family farm.
“It is with heavy heart that we at Cryer’s Back Road Inn must announce the closure of the ballfield adjacent to the business and on which so many great softball memories have taken place,” the business said in a Facebook post. “We do not own the property and the ownership of the land on which it sits have decided to put the land back into use as a part of their family farm.”
Cryer’s acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, writing, “While we respect their wishes, it makes it no less painful to see this historic and deep cultural connection to Compton and Southern Maryland come to such a rapid close.”
The bar is encouraging the community to share in a final sendoff. “Take some time and come enjoy a remaining playoff game like the young men’s on Sept 9th and of course the always fun Clements Cuties on Sept 13th,” the post said. “There may be a pop-up ‘farewell’ game or two so keep your eyes here for info.”
Cryer’s added an invitation for locals to relive the moments that made the ballfield special: “Come reminisce about all those beautiful, joyful times spent playing and watching games on Cryer’s ‘Field of Dreams.’”
As the field returns to farmland, it leaves behind more than bases and bleachers — it leaves a legacy of rivalries, friendships, and summer nights that defined community life in Compton.
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