Memorial Field dedication June 28
By Clay Schuldt
Special to The Argus
Caledonia’s Memorial Field has been a part of the community for decades, and over the last year the field has undergone significant upgrades. On Thursday, June 28, the American Legion will celebrate the revamping of Caledonia’s Memorial Baseball Field.
What better way to dedicate a baseball field than to play a game?
The dedication will begin at 5 p.m. A Little league game will be played on both baseball fields. That will be followed up with the 2010/2011 Alumni Baseball team playing this year’s Legion team.
The money given to the ball field went into updating and fixing the two baseball fields. The infield of the main ball field was given new Red Diamond sand mix. The buildings and dugouts at Memorial Field were repainted by local volunteers.
One of bigger challenges of getting the field ready was the installation of light bulbs in the stadium fixtures. A special lift was brought in on Friday, June 15, to install the bulbs, whose cost was picked up by the City of Caledonia. Brian Langen was given special thanks for operating the crane.
A new sound system is also being installed and run by Steve Buttell.
During the event, Rooster Andy’s will be heading up a Chicken-Q. In addition, the Legion will be setting up a beer tent at the event, which will be run through Tom Murphy. Mayor Burns will also talk, along with the color guard presentation. The event will serve as the Legion’s main fundraiser for the year. Legion players have been circulating through the community selling tickets.
Baseball Hall of Famer Dolly (Vanderlip) Ozburn will be on hand to sign autographs at the event. Ozburn was a member of All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) from 1952-1954. Ozburn was a pitcher for both the Fort Wayne Daisies and South Bend Blue Sox. A Representative of the Minnesota Twins organization will also be present at the dedication.
The coaches and parents wish to thank all those who helped and donated to Memorial Field over the last year.
The City of Caledonia has spent $37,178.87 on the project, $5000 of which was offset by the Twins’ Kids Field Grant. In addition, the American Legion Baseball Association donated $3,000.
Any non-profit groups wishing to be involved are encouraged to contact the Legion.
