Former Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers' Standout Draws Ire of Neighbors After Backyard Project

Former Major League All-Star J.J. Hardy, who starred for both the Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore Orioles in his career, has drawn criticism from his Arizona neighbors over his building of a backyard baseball field at his home.

Former Major League shortstop J.J. Hardy is drawing criticism from his neighbors in Arizona over his building of a baseball field in his backyard.

The story came out in the New York Post and details the anger of Pam Lang, who is unhappy about Hardy's construction.

“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.”

Lang filed a complaint with Maricopa County and learned Hardy had not received the proper permits for his new field.

Hardy’s home, located 30 miles Southeast of Downtown Phoenix, already boasts an impressive property fitted with a putting green, tennis court and in-ground pool.

Lang also knows there's not much she can do to prevent Hardy from doing this because Hardy isn't bound by homeowners association rules - although he does have some guidelines he needs to follow and answer to - but she says she wants to raise the issue just to feel heard.

The 41-year-old Hardy spent 13 years in the big leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, and Baltimore Orioles, making two All-Star Games and winning three Gold Glove Awards. He also captured a Silver Slugger Award. Lifetime, Hardy was a .256 hitter who popped 188 home runs.

He hit a career-high 30 home runs in 2011 with the Orioles and hit more than 20 in five separate seasons.

A very durable player, he played in more than 100 games in 11 of his 13 years in the big leagues.

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