Here we are again coming up on another season of Owls baseball. Last year was our most successful season yet. Not only on the field, but off the field as well. The team had a very good season, as you know culminating with a win at Cadwell versus a very powerful Akron Iowa team. We then played Larchwood quite well, but came up short. Larchwood knew we were there, so that is satisfying.
Most of you know about the on-field stuff, but off the field, we had great things happen. First, we held the Districts in Springs. The field looked as good as it has for a while. The crowds were much larger than any other location we travel to. The baseball games were very entertaining also.
We (the Springs baseball community) were honored to be the beneficiary of the Springs Gala event held in the new gym. This really was a fun evening and the generosity of the community was fabulous. The only caveat to access the money is that we need to use it to make improvements to the baseball structure and environment in the park. We have some good ideas but also would like to hear from the public. Feel free to call me and share your thoughts. Some of the smaller projects are a planned expansion of equipment storage and a facility to house the pitching machine. A rebuild of the pitching mound and batters box is also planned. Canopies for the side bleachers and a net above the grandstand to help catch those $10 apiece baseballs are being considered. As you can tell, these are small but worthy projects.
A project that is more expensive would be a sprinkler system for the field. This is a pretty high priority for the field, but some of the smaller projects will happen first. Again, we always welcome the financial help from anyone who wants to benefit the field and park areas.
The scoreboard has given us problems for a couple of years. I have begun discussions with Daktronics to resolve the issues, either by repairs or some type of an upgrade to a wireless system. The scoreboard itself will remain, but it does need an update. These are just some of our ideas, but the intention is to make the players and the fans experiences more enjoyable. Lastly, at least for this rambling letter, I want to thank Charlotte Mohling and her group for the fine job they do all summer in the concession stand. The city crew for furnishing labor to have the field ready to play on each night. The Owls team would like to also thank Becky Krueger for the job she does in the crows nest announcing the games (and a grueling eight games of the District 3 tournament) Her unique style adds a lot to the games. For those of you who have ideas or requests, please call me. That’s it for now and we will see you at the field.
Joe Butterfield, Owls Manager