MANSFIELD — When Jenni and Scott Yoder’s sons had nowhere to play the only sport they loved, the two knew that had to find a field.
“Our children didn’t have a field to play on,” Jenni said. “Madison Grade School plays at the Madison Baseball Park, and it’s gorgeous.”
But soon, the Yoder kids had their home games canceled and their baseball schedule was shortened.
“They thought they were going to quit,” Jenni said of her sons’ involvement in America’s greatest pastime.
After speaking with the city, the Yoders reached an agreement to lease Cyclops Circle off of Ohio 13 north of town. For years it was the epicenter of slow-pitch softball in north central Ohio. But as the popularity of the sport waned so did the attention to the fields.
The Yoders are hoping to breathe life back into the place.
The family has sprung life back into their Field of Dreams with new coats of paint, and clean bleachers. They have had sponsors help them clean bathrooms and maintain the fields. The community has exceeded expectations thus far, Jenni said.
“Early on when we started in November, little businesses found out and helped out,” she said. “They donated a garage door or fixtures for the bathrooms, faucets.”
The only payment they make is in upkeep.
“It’s been wonderful, we’re not asking (for money). When people come and say, ‘What can we give you?’ we say ‘help us improve it.'”
They re-built it. People came.
The Yoders say they want to have games ever night possible from spring into the fall.
“We have a meeting on Sunday. It’s girls softball, and they want to play here,” Jenni added.
Scott said he has meetings with boys baseball teams lined up, too. Jenni said getting to play on the field is easy.
“Sign up with the city and then get on the schedule,” she said.
Teams can also register for practices at Cyclops Circle.
“We don’t charge anything,” Jenni said.
“It’s for community,” Scott noted. “It’s something for kids to do. That’s basically what it’s here for.”
