Announcement
July22, 1949--the new ballpark was dedicated with a parade, flag raising and speeches by Kalida Mayor Robert Vonder Embse and Ohio Governor Frank Lausche. Over 5,000 fans watched as New Bavaria defeated their local heroes by a score of 14-3.
September 2, 1949---Kalida welcomed the Homestead Grays, Champions of the Professional Colored League, to the new ballpark. Bill Stechschulte pitched for Kalida and the Grays won 6-4.
The new facility was without equal in the area with a press box on top of the grandstands and showers and restrooms located underneath.
Famous ex-major league catcher Hank Gowdy, who in 1949 visited the ballpark as a scout with the Cleveland Indians exclaimed as he entered the field, “I can’t believe it! I have never seen its’ equal in a village the size of Kalida!”
In 1955, while a new ballpark was being built in Ottawa, all of Post 63’s home games were played at the Kalida Ballpark. The team had an outstanding season. Rolling up 22 wins against only 5 defeats.
