Ray Plut Field - La Center Braves - Le Center, MN

Who is Ray Plut?  Ray and his wife, Phyllis Hamann, owned the "LeCenter Leader" newspaper and partnered to start the "Little Dandy Supper Club”, which still exists today.  He was often referred to as Mr. Community because of his involvement in community activities, whether through his participation or the compelling stories he published in the Leader. 

He was a commander of the American Legion Post 108 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1803 and served in the U.S. Army from September 28, 1950, to September 8, 1952, during the Korean conflict.  He was a member of the German-Jefferson Sportsmen Club and the Izaak Walton League of America, a lifetime member of the Le Sueur County Fair Association, and the FFA Foundation.

It is stated that his membership in the LeCenter Baseball Association and the Quarterback Club were likely Ray's favorite. Often, after a game, he would return to the office to write about it, ensuring it would be included in the next issue of the Leader. He was loved and admired by the athletes and the coaches. It has been said that there was no other paper in the area that provided as good coverage of local athletes.

Ray Plut died on Thursday, December 3, 1987, at the age of 62.  I am unable to find when the field was dedicated to Ray, yet nearly 40 years after his passing, the field still displays his name.

Parking

The parking lot, with a capacity of nearly 100 spaces, is conveniently located off the highway and well protected from foul balls.  The lot also served the adjacent public pools and park. This location also served as the LaSueur County Fair.  Overflow parking is available in several places near the park.

Spectator Options

There are metal bleachers for spectator seating.  There is capacity for over 100 spectators behind home plate.  Along each baseline, just beyond first and third base, are additional bleachers for approximately 50 spectators each.  For the evening game, the home plate bleachers are shaded by the adjacent building.  The scoreboard was large and displayed the typical information.  There is no sound system for announcing the players or the games. 

Concessions (hot dog/root beer)

They served O’Keefe’s Meat Market hot dogs.  O’Keefe’s, located just north of he field, opened in September 1996 by Donie O’Keefe.  If the rest of the meats are as great as the hot dog, this should be the palce to go for meats.  The Hot dog was perfectly flavored, slightly extended on each end, and had a skin that snapped perfectly with every bite.  It was so GREAT, I had two!  The root beer was A&W, typical of ballparks.  There was no popcorn, yet bagged chips, beers, and candy were provided for sale. The hot dog was a reasonable $3.00. 

Summary

This was an hour's drive away, and the drive is pleasant through several farming communities.  This is my first time in La Center.  Surprised at the size and apparent quality of life provided. The quality of the field and amenities make the trip well worth it for an enjoyable game. The field has limited community support, unless the use of the income sponsor banner is not allowed.  This can be a distraction at times, and it was enjoyable to watch a game without billboards in my face.  I would return, if not for the ballgame, definitely the hot dog!

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Veterans Park - Hastings Hawks - Hastings, MN

Like most teams and fields, there is minimal history to share.  The Hastings Hawks were established in 1982, coinciding with the construction of Veterans Park, replacing the Hastings Spirals.  The park was surrounded by trees and parkland to minimize the awareness that this was in a larger city.

Parking

There is a small gravel parking lot near the field, and 90-degree parking is available on the grass off Soccer Field Road.  The parking is safe from foul balls for the Hawks game.  If the east field is used, there would be a chance of vehicle damage from a home run.  On the day I attended, the Hastings Hawks vs Baseball 365 was the only field in use.

Spectator Options

Behind home plate is a 9-level bleacher.  On each side of the field are grass areas designated for seating.  The bleacher seating was acceptable; however, the number of crossbars on the backstop reduces visibility of half the ball, making each seat less than desirable.  Additionally, some large, empty utility spools are used as makeshift tables and picnic tables just outside the concessions.  The restrooms attached to the concessions needed updating, or at the very least, a thorough cleaning. 

The sound system was of high quality, and the announcer did a great job with all the announcements.  There were approximately 70 spectators at the game, and the mix of supporters appears to be evenly divided, with 50 percent supporting each team.

Concessions (hot dog/root beer)

There was no restriction on bringing in your own food and beverages.  One individual carried a case of Coors and enjoyed them throughout the game. 

The concession stand was well stocked.  As I typically find, since there was no entry fee, the concession prices were higher.  They sold hamburgers, bratwursts, and hot dogs. I had a hot dog ($5) and an A&W Root Beer ($2.50).  The hot dog was a Nathan's Hot Dog with a typical bun.  They provided fresh chopped onions, jalapeños, and pickles.  There was bottle relish, mustard, and a catsup.

Summary

The facility is well-maintained and offers a range of adequate amenities.  Unlike many games, there was no entry fee for attending the game.  Unlike the larger and more prominent fields, there were minimal advertising banners.  Only 10 were located on the outfield fence, and some looked very old and worn.  Surprised by the size of Hastings, no higher level of local support was found.

This is a field I would seek out to enjoy a game. However, I would bring a lawn chair for better viewing and comfort.

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The Ben - St. Benidict Saints - St. Benedict MN

access road and parking

I was unable to find any history about the St. Benedict Saints.  Maybe cause it is really in the middle of nowhere.  St. Benedict is an unincorporated community in Helena Township, Scott County, Minnesota, United States, located along 250th Street West and St. Benedict Road.  The West Branch of Raven Stream and the East Branch of Raven Stream meet at St. Benedict.  There are five houses (seven if you drive up the gravel road), a cemetery, and a baseball field.  There are no paved roads leading into Saint Benedict; only a 500-foot portion of St. Benedict Road where it crosses the streams.

Parking

There is no parking lot for the field.  Parking was along the gravel roads leading to the park.  This narrowed the road and was not the ideal parking situation, yet I assume 95 percent of the traffic was game-generated.

Spectator Options

There are three wooden bleachers and several old empty cable rolls that are used as standing tables.  Along each dugout are four-level bleachers and a five-level bleacher behind home plate.  

The scoreboard is very small and located outside the field, directly off 3rd base (see the upper right image below, where the scoreboard is in the upper left corner of the image).  It only displayed the score, and it was updated only after each full inning.  There is no announcer or sound system of any kind.  There are no lights, so only daytime games would be played.

The game between the St. Benedict's Saints vs Prior Lake Mudcats was close, with the Mudcats winning 6-5.

Concessions (hot dog/root beer)

The concessions area was minimal.  I had an A&W Root Beer and a hot dog, which totaled $4.00 ($2.50 for the hot dog and $1.50 for the soda).  I skipped the popcorn, as it was ACT II popcorn that would be popped in a microwave.

Summary

There was no cost to attend the game.  It appears that close friends and family members participated in the game.  I counted 36 people enjoying the game, with a notable age range, including many over 50 years old and some under 25.  Reminds me of Pee-Wee League, where parents and girlfriends attend (in this case), but with a much higher skill level.  Much like many small-town fields, if you want to watch a low-key game on a nice day, attend.  Otherwise, there are many more games within a short distance that offer significantly better amenities.

Review criteria and list of fields - including links for those reviewed.