“A Day at the Ballpark” Brings Lutheran West Community to Softball, Baseball, and New Construction Tours
May 9, 2024
It was a gorgeous day and evening at the Lutheran West Ballpark on Wednesday, May 8, when the Lutheran West community gathered for a softball/baseball double header, along with tours of the ongoing new construction, ballpark food, and fellowship.
The special event began with remarks from administration about the history of the field and the Longhorn softball program. For decades, Lutheran West Softball has played its “home” games offsite at local parks and fields, as the on-campus field was equipped only for baseball.
Last spring, Athletic Director Ryan Miller proposed a unique plan to retrofit the field, investing in a removable baseball mound and two sets of base anchors, so that the field could convert between softball and baseball specifications. At the same time as the retrofit, Lutheran West invested in field lights, ballpark fencing, and a pitching bullpen at the back of the outfield.
These important updates have allowed the softball team to play their home games on the Lutheran West campus for the very first time this season. Wednesday’s event was, in part, a recognition of this important milestone. While there have been home games played on campus earlier this season, we determined that a May event would allow us the best chance for a great weather day, and God certainly heard our prayers for a perfect day!
To commemorate the occasion, the first pitch of the softball game versus Trinity was thrown by longtime Lutheran West Softball Head Coach, Ann Helmink. The game resulted in a 19-0 victory over Trinity.
Between the softball and baseball games, attendees enjoyed complimentary “ballpark food” – hot dogs, brats, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, and Cracker Jacks.
School administrators also provided tours of the new construction underway – an addition of 30,000 square feet of space being added to Lutheran West’s building. Over 100 people toured the new spaces.
Anyone who would like to take a building tour is encouraged to contact Ashley Koza, Director of Development, at [email protected] to schedule, and/or click here to learn more about the ongoing capital campaign that is funding this large-scale expansion project.
Lutheran West Baseball then took the field in a game against North Olmsted, which they won 8-5. Prior to the game, the team held their Senior Night, recognizing the 6 senior players. The game’s first pitch was thrown by former Head Coach Dave Selke and caught by Matthew Whetzel ‘92.
The Softball and Baseball programs would like to thank all who attended. There was a substantial crowd at both games, and it was thrilling to the players and coaches to enjoy such a supportive game environment. Go Longhorns!
