Bonin Field - St. Francis, MN

HISTORY

On July 25, 2024, I attended the St. Partick Shamrocks VS the Chaska Diamonds, a 35-year and older townball team game at Bonin Field.  St. Patrick is a small unincorporated community comprising the St. Patrick Tavern and Grill, the St. Patrick Catholic Church of Cedar Lake, the St. Patrick Catholic Cementary, and Bonin Field. Bonin Field was named after a former Catholic Priest, Fr. Leo Bonin, who was instrumental in supporting local baseball in St. Patrick in the 1950s.  

Bonin Field had a significant renovation project in 1989.  An electronic scoreboard was erected in 2004, infield irrigation was added in 2008, and over 1,000 linear feet of drainage tile was added below the playing surface in 2012.  In late summer 2015, irrigation was added to the rest of the field, and a zone to water the infield ag-lime. In the fall of 2018, the 30-year-old homemade backstop was demolished and replaced with a concrete knee wall and net backstop system. Part of the project was funded by a $10,000 grant from the Minnesota Twins Community Fund.

A capital campaign for various improvements was launched in early 2021. By the end of 2021, nearly $335,000 had been pledged, and Phase I of improvements, the installation of Musco LED ballpark lights, was set in motion. The lights were installed in February 2022, and the first official night game at Bonin Field occurred on June 3, 2022.

In the Fall of 2023, an ADA-accessible fan deck was constructed, allowing for easier access, mobility, and improved site lines for all fans and visitors to the ballpark. As additional campaign funds are secured, additional improvements are planned.

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The large embankment along the third base side gives fans a unique bird' s-eye view of the action on the field. The field’s dimensions are 318 ft. to each corner, 345 ft. to the gaps, and 365 ft. to the straightaway center. The fully stocked concession stand offers cold beverages, hot dogs, candy, chips, popcorn, and other treats.

Bonin Field hosts several teams, including:

• Midgets - 3rd and 4th Grades
• Pee Wee - 5th and 6th Grades
• 13U - Under 13 team
• 15U - Under 15 team
• Town and Country - 9th, 10th and 11th graders
• Irish - Class C Minnesota Baseball Association team
• Shamrocks - Aged 35 plus
• Emeralds - Aged 50 plus

Fox 9 had a townball visit at Bonin Field in 2021.  Click for the summary video.  There was also an interview with Bill Dunker, the Irish team's oldest member (42) at that time.  It was his last year in the Irish as he retired from the team.

Photo from the platform

Platform at the top of the hill

MY EXPERIENCE

Parking—The parking immediately west of the field is a well-protected gravel lot with a capacity of just over 20 vehicles, which fulfills typical player parking. About 100 yards northwest is the church parking lot, which has approximately 70 spaces. The other parking is a grass field on the other side of old County Highway 13 just north of the church parking lot. I assume many of these lots are spillover for the ballpark, tavern, and restaurant. The tavern and restaurant have approximately 35 parking spaces on-site. However, they do use the parking area for outdoor events location.  There is more than ample parking for spectators at this location.

Spectator options—The platform has benches, which are a great way to view the game. However, if you are closer to 5 feet tall, the railing blocks a significant part of the field viewing opportunity if you sit back on the bench.  The other options are sitting on the ground on the hill or bringing your own chairs to sit on the flat area behind the home plate.  

Concessions - Hot Dog/Root Beer (my ballgame favorite) - As part of the ball game, I look forward to a hot dog and root beer.  The hot dog is from Skluzacek's New Prague, MN meat market.  It is much like all small-town meat market hotdogs with a crisp outer skin that has a small snap when you take a bite.  The root beer is a can of A&W root, which is great to have a caffeine-free beverage option at the ball field.  The total cost for the hot dog and root beer was $4. The popcorn is also average and typical for a town ball park.  The kids seemed to love the candy selection and Ice Cream drumsticks!

SUMMARY COMMENTS

This is a well-maintained field and a great place to enjoy a game. I was informed that bleachers behind the home plate will be installed in the future, which would significantly improve the view options. I would highly suggest attending a game at this field, as it would be an enjoyable experience.