With the landscape in rural Iowa appearing like the Siberian tundra and not wanting to jump into the Holidays just yet. I am focusing on baseball.
Spring training for the pitchers begins in mere 72 days. The first spring games are scheduled for Feb. 20, with the opening game of the season to be on March 25. The Yankees and the Giants will face off that evening.
I always have pleasant thoughts when I see the lights of the Rippey baseball field on the southwest horizon from our farm home. It is with a warm memory of nostalgia, recalling grade school and high school memories, 4th of July fireworks, and even more.
There is currently a baseball renaissance occurring in our little town.
“Rippey always has been a baseball town. In the 1880’s the first diamond was at the corner of 1st and Lovejoy. The rules of the game in the 1900’s were very different – Pitching must be underhanded. A ball caught on one bounce is an out. Foul balls are not strikes. No leadoffs or stealing bases. Arguing, profanity or ungentlemanly conduct results in a 25-cent fine.
In 1940 the ground for the current park was purchased for about $2,000 with funds donated by community members. It was named Martin Memorial Park for George Martin, fondly called “Grandpa” Martin, and Mrs. Mabyl Martin in honor of their large donations and because at that time Grandpa Martin was the only surviving Civil War veteran in Greene County. Lights were added in 1949 at a cost of $5,500, paid for by selling shares at $50 each.
Rippey usually had a strong baseball team, with many thanks to the late coach Pat Daughterty who coached peewees, little league, junior high, and high school and then played on a town team with the Rippey Demons.
The school merger of the 60’s saw continued use of the field, but the merger of East Greene into Greene County Community Schools lessened the use of the field. For a time, it was used by the middle school and shortly after was abandoned.
The ball field was in a sad state, with weeds growing in the path from home plate to first base, when former baseball coach Mel Murken moved back to Rippey. His pride in the field created a community rally.
Currently Coach Mel and the Rippey Baseball Commission have upgraded not only the field, but the wooden old-style bleachers, along with the concession stand.
Several geographically distant high school teams have met to play on the neutral field during the summer, and adult ball players from communities in Kansas City, Des Moines, Minneapolis, and the Chicago suburbs come to play at Rippey in the spring tournament and the fall Rippey Ruckus.
The Rippey baseball commission has 2026 goals of building restrooms east of the current concession stand. This will negate the hike to beyond the scoreboard to use a restroom.
The lights originally installed in 1949 need continual tending, with adjustments necessary along with replacement of burned-out bulbs. Certainly, both are worthy goals to maintain the field and provide improved settings for the baseball enthusiasts who attend.
I am ready to hear a bat cracking a ball. Let’s PLAY BALL!! VIEW FROM MY WINDOW shows a snowy landscape. Baseball thoughts are shared by Mary Weaver of rural Rippey.
