Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By PAMELA JANSSON
Ironwood — The Ironwood City Commission on Monday approved a proposal submitted by the Michigan Baseball Congress, which wants to use Randa Field for its adult baseball league.
The city field, which the league hopes to use as of the spring of 2025, is near the iconic “Big Indian” and the Norrie Amateur Sports Club Inc.
City manager Paul Anderson said that the congress approached him about a month ago with the “unique opportunity.”
“We noted that it does need some significant work in order to play baseball, and they’re not afraid of that,” said Anderson regarding the field.
He added that league officials also understand that snow here can last until May.
The commission’s meeting agenda packet included an extensive marketing proposal for the league, which calls itself the Great Lakes Baseball League, composed of 16 teams, all owned by MBC, playing a 16-week, 64-game season from May through September and a two-week pre-season in mid-April.
The proposal also outlined the league’s projected field improvements as follows:
— $10,000 to re-sod the infield with the use of new, professional level dirt and rebuild the mound.
— $10,000 to rebuild dugouts, creating more privacy for players and coaches.
— $25,000 to install 300-seat bleachers directly behind the home plate, for a target of 500 total seats along with existing seats.
— $10,000 to establish a press box and concession stand.
— $3,500 to install a 10 x 8 foot electronic scoreboard.
“Their main request of the city is to mow the outfield,” said Anderson.
The proposal states that the league will pay the city $100 a day to rent the field plus $100 per sign hung on outfield fencing. “This should total out to $2,000 for rental and $2,500-$4,000 from signs,” stated the proposal, adding all funds would be paid before the season begins.
As for where players are drawn, the proposal states, “Primarily from your town and the surrounding areas, but all of our teams have a larger secondary area that they will also be recruiting from. During our pre-season, we will sign around 20 or so high schoolers to play in the exhibition season, none of whom will be full-time members of the team.”
Instead, the proposal adds, the point of signing high schoolers will be “to enhance recruiting visibility” and “give players a chance to play at a higher level.”
Anderson said the league targets players of ages 20 to 24 but has worked with players ranging from 16 to 30.
“They don’t have a formal agreement read to sign yet,” said Anderson of the league.
But he said the league expects to hire six staff members, starting with a part-time marketer expected to be hired in December.
He said the league also hopes to hire local folks to seek local sponsorships as part of expected revenue stream.
As with the Ironwood Lumberjacks, who recently began playing at the Pat O’Donnell Civic Center ice arena, Anderson said the baseball congress would bring extra business for hotels and other establishments.
“Everything is basically a win for the city of Ironwood,” said Anderson.
“We told them that we do allow alcohol at this park,” he added and explained that the league officials understand they will be responsible for permits relating to alcohol, food trucks, etc.
“It’s all positive,” said commissioner James Mildren, who questioned how it may affect local teams.
“The field is not being utilized right now,” said Anderson, who added that local players have had to seek other venues last year “due to the condition of the field.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” said commissioner Rick Semo.
Commissioners voted to support the agreement, and Anderson assured that city attorney Timothy Dean would review the expected official agreement before it is signed.
The council’s next regular meeting will be on Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the commission chamber of the Ironwood Memorial Building.
