Build it, and they will come. Because, what’s more American than farming and baseball?
For Bruce Krebs of Krebs Dairy Farm, combining the two was an obvious move. And so, Krebs Field was born, bringing people together in play and work near Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.
The authentic little league baseball field was built in the family’s pasture beside their dairy barn 19 years ago by Krebs after his sons Ryan and Justin asked him to.
The miniature “field of dreams” went under construction in 2003 with a pitcher’s mound, base paths, and an infield. Today, there are youth teams practicing on the field for about 100 days during the warm months.
“The squirrely kids just see a game, while the parents in the bleachers see their childhood. Ryan and Justin see their father’s character. And Bruce, well, he can see what we all see — the joy of youth and the promise of growth,” said Helen Krebs in a video.
The Krebs family farms 500 acres and milks 40 cows. The whole farm is authentic, even down to the vintage score board, seeds planted for income, and the “seeds of joy” that are planted.
While Krebs’ field of dreams exemplifies the American spirit, and connects his farm to the field, agriculture already plays a huge part of baseball.
Baseball had its start in America in 1901. Little League followed shortly after in the 1920s with the first Little League World Series played in 1947.
But, it wouldn’t be a thing without agriculture. The popcorn? Peanuts? The ball? Just considering major league games, over 200,000 baseballs are used in a season — thanks to cattle. The cleats and gloves? Cattle as well.
Bats are made from maple, ash, and birch. And, field and grass maintenance is no small feat.
Baseball has so much in common with agriculture, and the Krebs family’s field helps to make America’s favorite pastime a reality for the smallest players in their hometown. What’s not to feel good about that?
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