Field of dreams

Brandon breaks ground on championship field 

 

Chris Brown fought back tears and emotions as he described how the Brandon community came together to make the Brandon Valley Baseball Association’s dream a reality.

The BVBA sponsorship chairman spoke Thursday to a group gathered at Aspen Park to celebrate the Field of Dreams campaign and renovation of Field A in championship caliber style. 

“We’re doing this project to bring our Legion team home and give kids ages five to 18 an opportunity to play on an amazing field,” said Stuart Peschel, president of the BVBA, which involved 535 players this season. 

The size and scope of the project will allow Brandon to host state baseball tournaments for the first time and serve as home field for Brandon Valley’s High School and Legion teams, which currently play in Valley Springs. The upgraded field will be enhanced by a 420-seat covered grandstand, concession stand and restrooms. The existing concessions and restrooms at Aspen Park will be demolished to make way for the new facilities. 

The Field of Dreams campaign began 15 months ago, inspired by $50,000 from the BVBA. In January, a committee began actively fundraising. The city of Brandon pitched in, as did many local and area businesses and families, for a total of $1.18 million. The field will be called First National Bank Field @ Aspen Park in honor of its grand slam sponsor. 

The construction timeline is fast, Peschel said. An AstroTurf infield will be installed this fall, as well as new sod, which will be leveled, in addition to installation of aw state-of-the-art Major League Baseball style sprinkler system. Fencing around the 375-foot-deep field and footings for the grandstands and concession will also go in the ground in 2017. 

The field will be dedicated and ready for action in time for baseball season next May, Peschel said.

Marlin Sejnoha, who owns Marlin’s restaurants in Sioux Falls, played an instrumental role in fundraising efforts.

“I have a passion for baseball, and I really think Brandon families and the community will benefit from this level of a field,” said Sejnoha, who has two sons that are involved in the BVBA program.

The field will also be the home turf for Brandon’s 13- and 14-year-old teams. 

“I told the kids, ‘This is for the future of baseball in Brandon,’” said Jeremy VanHeel, who coaches Brandon’s Legion and high school teams. “Everyone watches the players when they’re little and thinks, ‘I want to be that guy out there someday.’ You can. This is going to be awesome for our ball players.”

Chris Brown, who heads BVBA’s sponsorship efforts, announced at the groundbreaking that a total of $1,118,926 had been raised. 

“When this project started, we never would’ve believed that number,” Brown said. “I know there were people out there saying, ‘It’s not going to happen. It’s not going to happen.’ It can be done, and it will be done. We will deliver a championship field to this community.”

Brown said the BVBA was still seeking funds for the final piece of the project: lights at the field. 

Al Kirkeby, who serves on Brandon’s parks and recreation board, described how the dream for a championship field turned into a reality.

“It started as a thought: We can do better – for our community, for our children and for the great sport of baseball,” said Kirkeby, who joined city council member Barb Fish in spearheading the city’s involvement in the project. “If you would have told me a year ago we’d be breaking ground tonight, I wouldn’t have believed you. In my mind, this was a minimum of five years down the road.

“This is going to be such an addition to our city and our community. It’s really going to be a jewel of a field. I can’t wait for opening day in 2018 at First National Bank Field @ Aspen Park.”

Chris Ekstrum, president of First National Bank in Brandon, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony. He played ball as a kid, he said, and loves baseball. 

“Obviously, it’s a fantastic day for the community of Brandon. We have to thank all the volunteers who put in a lot of hours. These things don’t happen overnight,” Ekstrum said. “We’re honored and proud to be part of the project.”

The First National Bank Field @ Aspen Park received funding from a long list of sponsors in addition to the bank and the city of Brandon, which gave $150,000 each, and the BVBA: $25,000 from Sanford Health, Midwest Railcar Repair, First Premier Bank, Taco John’s, Coke, Architechture Inc. and Sunshine; $15,000 from Lewis; $10,000 from the Minnesota Twins, Marlins, First Dakota Bank, Avera, beautique, McDonalds, Gas Stop, A Wireless, Wells Fargo and Billion Auto; $7,500 from Alliance Communications and Pfizer; $5,000 from Pizza Ranch, Eide Bailey, Holiday Inn City Centre, Peska Construction, Dauby’s Sports Center, Scheels, Gil Haugan Construction and Brandon ACE; and $1,000 from Lifetouch, Travelers Motor Club, First Bank & Trust, Sioux Valley Energy, 212-The Boiling Point, and Legends Hitting Facility.  

The Field of Dreams has also received 105 individual donation gifts.