By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
In just over two months, the seventh season of Great Bend Bat Cats
baseball will get underway. More free, summer collegiate baseball comes to Al
Burns Memorial Field as the Bat Cats begin the year on June 2.
After coaching the team the previous six seasons, Roger Ward is focusing on the
General Manager aspect of the Bat Cats this year.
"There have been families that have lived here throughout the summer to watch their kids," said Ward. " A lot of good relationships have been forged with our host families. It is everything I wanted it to be, but I'm still not satisfied."
Ward spoke before the Great Bend City Council last week to express his thanks
for everyone that has helped bring summer baseball to Great Bend.
"Whether it's dealing with Scott (Keeler) with the city for facilities, Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau supports us, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, and Great Bend Economic Development with the help we provide for the "Fridays on Forest" event," said Ward. "We want to do more. I tip my cap to you guys. Hopefully, if there are things we can do bigger and better, we want to know."
Recent projects at Al Burns Field include new dugouts, backstop, netting,
outfield fence and concession facility. Ward is also working on replacing the
scoreboard at Al Burns.
"With the facility upgrades, we're going to host the Jayhawk League Home Run Derby and All-Star game at Al Burns Field this summer," added Ward.