Many Improvements Made At Stadium

Anticipation builds as the time draws closer for the opening of the Clarinda A's 57th consecutive baseball action. The A's board, management and auxiliary have been busy since the end of last season to fund raise, recruit players, do improvements and find housing so the "boys of summer" will be able to take the field once again.

Opening day will be May 29th with a 5:00 double-header with the Ozark Generals in non-league action, followed by a 1:00 game on Memorial Day. MINK League play will open with Omaha Diamond Spirit on June 1. League action will involve a 42 game schedule and 10 non-league games. Thirty-one of those contests will be played at Clarinda Municipal Stadium-Eberly Field, with 21 games to be on the road. Season tickets are now available and remain a value at $25 for a family pass and $15 for a single. Admission at the gate is $2, with K-12 students free.

A's manager Ryan Eberly looks for the league to be balanced again this season. "We expect to have over ten returning players, with a good blend of pitchers and position players who have played in the league , who know what to expect and that will lend stability to the team," he stated. "They all know they will have to work hard and hustle if we are to be successful this year which means a very competitive schedule."

There will be a new look when fans go to the stadium this year as several improvements done before the season begins. One of the most noticeable will be a new scoreboard.

Clarinda A's GM Merl Eberly approached City Manager Gary McClarnon and Mayor Gordon Kokenge before the first of the year about this project year and in a cooperative effort between the city, high school and six business sponsors, Bank Iowa, Akin Building, Page County Federal Savings Assoc., Snyder Auto Repair, Page County State Bank and Mike's Amusements, the money was raised for the board, with the A's to pay for hook up and subsequent repairs down the road.

"I can't say enough about the interest and support McClarnon, Kokenge, recreation director Randy Pullen, school personnel and these six community members have given to this project," said Eberly, "It is important to keep our parks and other public areas up to date and attractive for those using them and people who come through our community," he added.

Other projects that the A's will be taking care of is new sod for the infield, an improved fence from the gate area to the stands, roof repairs to the clubhouse/concession stand, repair & replacement of the lighting system, and an unexpected replacement of the right centerfield fence which was damaged by recent wind storms. Alum and booster donations are expected cover the cost of these improvements. Monies from memorials from the families of Darwin Buch and Lloyd Muller will be used for the gate area fence and the family of George and Wanda Moore are adding a bench in their memory.

Players will get a chance to know the community early, as the A's will hold a baseball clinic May 26-28, with registration forms available at the Lied Center.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the A's 1981 National Championship and July 2 will be Alumni Day to honor them and any other returning former players. Other special dates on the schedule are Baseball Day June 26, Parents Weekend July 2-4, Fireworks July 3 and the NBC Central USA Regional Tournament, with those dates to be announced later. Free nights will be sponsored by Clarinda Chamber of Commerce June 8, Subway June 21, Hy-Vee June 30 and Clarinda Academy July 3.

Homer, the A's mascot will be on hand each home date to liven things up for the Hy-Vee baseball toss and other activities at the games.

"We encourage all of you to join us at Municipal Stadium for games this summer," said A's board president Gary Ulmer. "We have kept the admission the same as past years - it is a great value and a good place to spend an evening with your family and friends, so come on out and enjoy the great game of baseball - who knows, you may be watching some future major league players."

With the major league season already in full swing, former A's players can be followed in the major leagues. Jamie Carroll is currently an infielder with the Los Angeles Dodgers (see spring training story on page); Andrew Cashner, a pitcher with the Chicago Cubs; Daniel Descalso, an infielder with the St. Louis Cardinals; as well as San Diego Padres manager Buddy Black. Also with the Dodgers is field manager Bruce Hines and look for Kerwin Danley umpiring. These young men are just a few former A's who have made it to the big leagues, with close to 300 that have played, coached or held scouting or office jobs with professional baseball.

"There is no better place to be during a summer evening than the ball park," said GM Merl Eberly who has been with the team since it began. "It is a very family friendly atmosphere, with good food at the concession stand, plenty of room in the bleachers and nice area for lawn chair seating down third base line, as well as a great value in these tight economic times and a great place to visit with friends - there's nothing better than that first National Anthem, the ump's call to ‘Play Ball', hearing the crack of the bat and the aroma of popcorn and hot dogs," he added. "See you opening day!"