News

Kruger Hemmen Sports Complex to Open Spring 2016

Posted by on Jan 8 in News

Dike area residents stood watching, filled with excitement, as the first shovelfuls of soil were turned over during the July 6 groundbreaking ceremony for the Kruger-Hemmen Sports Complex. It will not only change the landscape, but will change the lives of countless kids for generations to come. “Thank you!” to all our contributors, with special recognition to: Major Donors Dennis and Holly Kruger Build Our Ballpark State Bank Black Hawk Gaming Association McElroy Trust The Hemmen Family Peoples Savings Bank The Guernsey Foundation Community Foundation of NEI John Deery Motors...

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B.O.B. Welcomes New Board Member

Posted by on Aug 24 in Build Our Ballpark, News

WATERLOO, IOWA (August 24, 2015) – Build Our Ballpark, the organization dedicated to providing today’s youth with quality spaces to play baseball and softball, is thrilled to welcome a new member to its Board of Directors. Jolan Cockrell is an Art Director at Hellman, an advertising agency in Waterloo, Iowa. He has been active with Build Our Ballpark since the very beginning, when Hellman Field in Waterloo was in its concept phase. “I’m excited to work more closely with the group and continue building ballparks across the country, getting kids on baseball and softball fields where they have...

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Homer Field at Willie Mays Ballpark Opens May 9, 2015

Posted by on May 9 in News

Congratulations to the Menlo-Atherton Little League, Willie Mays, The Homer Foundation, Mike Gardner and Bob Hellman Jr. on the successful completion and opening of Homer Field at Willie Mays Ballpark, May 9, 2015. Build Our Ballpark is pleased to contribute the ballpark design concepts and the related fundraising and promotional materials.    

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Run the Bases 5k/10k Raises $5,000 for Build Our Balllpark

Posted by on Aug 20 in News

Inaugural Race Draws Hundreds of Athletes and Fans WATERLOO, IOWA (August 20, 2014) – Build Our Ballpark and the Cedar Valley SportsPlex hit it out of the park on Saturday with their first – ever Run the Bases 5K/10K. The event, which included a short Fun Run for kids in addition to the 5K and 10K races, drew about 225 participants, even more family and friends, and raised more than $5,000 for Build Our Ballpark. “We are absolutely thrilled with the turnout for the first year of this race,” said Bob Hellman, founder and executive director of Build Our Ballpark. “There are several...

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First Ever “Run the Bases 5k/10k” to Benefit Build Our Ballpark

Posted by on Jul 31 in News

Cedar Valley SportsPlex Hosts Event to Support Ballpark Projects WATERLOO, IOWA (July 31, 2014) – One local nonprofit hopes to hit a grand slam with a brand new 5K/10K because of the cause behind it and the unique twist they’re adding. The first-ever Run the Bases 5K/10K will be hosted by the Cedar Valley SportsPlex on Saturday, August 16. All proceeds will benefit Build Our Ballpark. Build Our Ballpark, founded in 2008, has helped build or renovate 15 youth baseball and softball fields across Waterloo, and is now working on projects in neighboring communities including Alden and...

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Fourth Annual Coaches of the Year Nominations Open

Posted by on Jul 9 in News

Awards to Recognize Volunteer Coaches’ Commitment to Kids WATERLOO, IOWA (July 9, 2014) – The fourth annual Build Our Ballpark Coaches of the Year ceremony will take place Monday, August 4, honoring volunteer youth baseball and softball coaches in Waterloo. Hosted by Build Our Ballpark and Waterloo Leisure Services, the Coaches of the Year awards began in 2011 to recognize coaches who exceed expectations in teaching kids about baseball, softball and life. Bob Hellman founded Build Our Ballpark, a nonprofit dedicated to providing kids quality places to play, and says this was an important...

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