Darrell and Denise Downs overhauled East Nashville Athletics after a 2012 season marred by fights and chaos, turning the Jess Neely setup into ENA with a focus on fun, fairness and balance. Debt cleared, fields repaired, new codes of conduct, and broad sport offerings—baseball, cheer, track, and all-gender flag football—drove participation to 1,400 kids yearly. Opening days became community‑festivals, with mascots from pro teams showing up, volunteers logging 30–50 hours weekly, and neighbors forming lasting bonds beyond wins and losses.