Historic Ballpark Preserved & Enhanced

Kalida’s Holy Name Ballpark was built in 1949 and opened to a crowd of nearly 5,000 fans. The home of the Kalida High Wildcat baseball team has a storied past. Professional Negro League games were a common occurrence when the park first opened including an appearance by Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige. 

The All-American Girls League, made popular by the movie “A League of Their Own” also played there. It was the home of semiprofessional baseball, state tournaments, and even world championship wrestling matches.  

The project begins with a new playing surface. The focus will then shift to careful preservation and improvements to the historic grandstands. The design protects the recognizable historic form while bringing the amenities and appearance into the present age.  

The feature that really makes this project distinct, is the space surrounding grandstands. A majestic wildcat statue will be the centerpiece leading to several walk paths that meander around the outside of the grandstands. A series of outdoor exhibits align the paths giving fans and casual visitors the opportunity to learn about the Ballpark’s rich history.  

The project doesn’t end there. The committee wanted to enhance the entire site that occupies the corner of Price and 6th streets in Kalida. A new concrete parking lot and fan zone along with decorative streetscape elements will make the area surrounding the ballpark equally attractive, completing the vision for the historic site.