Kimball’s Veterans’ Memorial Field got another facelift this fall as new dugouts and a backstop were installed. After numerous volunteer efforts and some timely donations by the Minnesota Twins Community Fund, local community businesses and organizations, this year’s projects are near completion. The main focus this year was to get new dugouts and a new backstop erected. The dugouts and backstop consist of a tan-colored rock face block. The backstop wall extends from dugout to dugout, 3 feet in height. The wrap around portion of the wall jumps vertically another 2 feet with four big pillars’s to anchor the soon-to-be-installed 30-foot poles to finish off the backstop. There will be mesh netting installed instead of the traditional chain link for better fan viewing. With the structure completed, fill was hauled in to elevate the spectator seating behind the wall. Fans will now be able to watch the games from an elevated position for better viewing. The dugouts are deeper and longer than the old cramped dugouts. Roofs, benches and bat racks are still to be completed for the dugouts, that portion will be finished by the first high school game this spring. Very special thanks go out to those who have helped with this fall’s projects, including Bill and Jesse Liedman for all the time and expertise in doing all the block work, this project would not have happened with out this father and son combo. Jody “Gus” Mackereth of Mackereth Excavating donated his time and equipment to dig the trench for the backstop wall footings. Amcon Block for their huge donation of block. The first truck load of block delivered was donated by them with special thanks going to the man behind the scenes, Dan Rosenow. Arnold’s of Kimball for the use of equipment, including a skid loader and attachments, wheel loader and forklift throughout the project. The Kimball Rod and Gun Club for the donation of numerous loads of fill. The fill was used for backfilling the wall and elevating the spectator seating area. Lonnie Hendricks of Hendricks Sand and Gravel donated his time and equipment loading trucks with the fill. Kuechle Underground for many different donations. From trucks hauling in fill and aglime, to some clean up of excess material. Chuck Froehling of Froehling Brothers Construction; Chuck will be donating his time to finish off the dugouts with roofs, benches and bat racks. Local businesses with signs on the outfield wall – your yearly contributions are what keep these projects going. In a town the size of Kimball every single penny counts and those of you who have a sign and or have donated in one aspect or another, should feel proud to be part of a community project this size. With this portion of the field project coming to an end, other projects are being looked at already. The city has approved the building of a new concession stand with bathrooms, and a grandstand will be next on the list of things to be completed. We are looking for continued community support in our quest to finish our next phase of construction. The Kimball Express Baseball Association thanks each and every one of you. Pat Arnold, president Kimball Express Baseball Assoc.
