The Minnesota Twins Baseball Club has had a long history of helping communities build or improve baseball facilities throughout the state. Especially important are the “Miracle Fields,” which allow kids with disabilities or in wheelchairs the opportunity to participate in a sport like any other child. The QCBA applied for a grant from the Twins due to the flood damages and received $6,000. The money came in real handy.
“We spent about $2,000 alone in the sheeting for the dugouts which was purchased from Richards Wood Products in Geneva,” said Reese. “Luke Dobberstein provided a truck so we could replace the red rock for the infield. The whole process went smoothly thanks to the ‘Saturday volunteers.’”
This was not the first time the QCBA had received grant money. The Paul Molitor Field for Kids project donated money in 2000 and 2001. The Twins Community Fund came through with help in 2010.
The baseball and two softball fields stay quite busy during the season. The QCBA has teams in the 11, 12, 13, and 14-year-old divisions.
The American Legion team and the New Richland Reds use the field on a regular basis. The field also plays host to NRHEG school contests and tournaments throughout the summer.
Now that the field is almost back to the way it was before the flood, the QCBA is still hard at work making the much-needed necessary improvements to Legion Field. Artificial turf was obtained from the Metrodome and the University of Minnesota fields and has been installed as walkways from the dugouts to home plate. Starting October 1, the QCBA is having a “Bean Drive” which asks farmers to donate bushels of soybeans from their harvest to raise money. The funds will be used to replace the outfield fence at the ballpark. As of this writing, more than 500 bushels have been tallied, with more on the way.
“We really appreciate the Twins’ donation to the program,” said Reese. “The farmers and the whole community have been supportive of our efforts. With over 100 games played here every year, the money raised is definitely put to good use.”
