“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.” – Rogers Hornsby
Puddles of melted snow. The sounds of birds chirping and carefree children playing outside. This means only one thing to us at Build Our Ballpark – spring training season. We resonate with the quote from Rogers Hornsby, even after the record-breaking mild winter Iowa experienced these past couple months. For spring represents a fresh renewal in our spirits here at Build Our Ballpark. We get to witness first hand the joy baseball brings to both players and spectators.
After watching spring training games day in and day out, we are reminded that each player got their start somewhere, many in a town similar to Waterloo. And it reminds us that there could be hidden talents lurking in our community that only need the opportunity to play and grow. This is what we at Build Our Ballpark believe in – giving kids a facility where their talents can shine, and where their happiness can soar higher than a pop fly to left field.
But it’s not just the future MLB players that Build Our Ballpark strives to help – it’s the ones that are only playing for the love of the game and the experience. No matter what the batting average or wins and losses of the little leaguer, we believe that baseball strengthens character and skills both on and off the field. We are looking forward to continued progress on the Riverfront Sports Park, and for other opportunities to promote baseball to kids near and far.
Play ball,
Bob Hellman
Field restoration has commenced at the Riverfront Sports Park in Waterloo, Iowa. Build Our Ballpark has a Sports Field Specialist contractor overseeing the remodeling process. Josh Viet and crew from Midwest Athletic Fields have already made milestone progress on the ballpark updates. The fields are being revitalized, complete with new sod and reconstructed dimensions. It is inspiring to see all of these efforts bringing life back to the Riverfront Sports Park. Next on the lineup during this phase of updates are fencing additions, cement work for sidewalks, and sports park signage.
Reconstruction doesn’t just benefit baseball players and fans, though. Sixty Maple trees have been planted to reinforce the green that the new Riverfront Sports Park’s logo proudly displays (see below). These trees will add even more appeal to the complex and help reduce our carbon cleat-print.
This project is a large milestone for Build Our Ballpark, and my heart swells with pride as I reflect on the work that we have accomplished thus far. Once finished, it will be a gem for the Cedar Valley, Iowa and youth sports. Work on this chapter of remodeling will continue through November, so stay tuned for more progress!
Restorations begin at Riverfront Sports Park.
The Build Our Ballpark Board of Directors and staff are thrilled to announce that Team BOB will again be riding
RAGBRAI to raise funds for our nonprofit organization building baseball/softball parks throughout America.
Eight cyclists from across the United States will ride 454 miles across the great state of Iowa. As the cyclists come together for this historic ride, they will capture a glimpse of Iowa life and how the Midwest is keeping the spirit of baseball alive in the local communities. Along the route they plan to visit area baseball and softball fields, chat with Iowa youth about their passion for the game, and maybe even get involved in some friendly competition on the fields.
Last year the team raised more than $100,000! With that money, Build Our Ballpark was able to refurbish five baseball fields in the Midwest. Improvements included new grass on the fields, a new Yankee Stadium façade, electronic scoreboards, new fencing and landscaping. The ballparks are now the pride of the neighborhoods where they reside, and passion for baseball is alive in those communities – all made possible in part by Team BOB’s fundraising ride.
Team BOB will be keeping a daily blog of their journey riding RAGBRAI. We’d love to have you with us in support. Check back daily here or, to donate to our team of eight cyclists riding for America’s youth – donate via our website now…
Your help is badly needed and greatly appreciated!
Bob Hellman Sr.
Executive Director, Build Our Ballpark
To support Team BOB, donate now online or make a pledge.
Build Our Ballpark
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America, ballpark, ballparks, Baseball, BOB, Build Our Ballpark, fundraiser, great American pastime, Hellman, Iowa, RAGBRAI, Softball, Team BOB, Waterloo
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