John Burch Park - Cannon Falls Bears - Cannon Falls, MN

John Burch was a World War II (WWII) veteran who made Cannon Falls his home. After WWII ended, he taught "Veterans' On-Farming-Training" in Cannon Falls until 1955 and served as Cannon Falls Postmaster from 1955 to 1981. After retiring from the Post Office, he and his partners built three condominium buildings in Cannon Falls. John was a sports enthusiast. He learned to play baseball from his older brother, Lawton, when he was a young boy. 

He played baseball at Hamline University, in the Army, and for the town teams of Randolph, Stanton, Goodhue, and Cannon Falls. John Burch began his town ball career in 1946 and retired after the 1961 season. In 1948, it was reported in the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he knocked the cover off a baseball during a game. The humble Burch would later say that the ball must have been manufactured incorrectly.

After retiring from baseball in 1961, he played softball, umpired games, and managed the local concession stand. He was actively involved, often in leadership roles, in numerous organizations, including the American Legion, Rotary, City Planning Commission, Commercial Club, Industrial Development Organization, and served on the hospital board. He was honored with the "Hometown Spirit Award" in 1994. His many years of service led Cannon Falls to name the premier ballpark after him. It was said that at age 95, someone asked John Burch if he had any regrets. He replied, "That I can't hit a fastball one last time." 

The park was established in 1938 and has remained a popular tourist spot ever since. Originally a swampland, construction started in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which added fill and built the limestone wall. The project was completed in 1938. Home plates once sat in front of the current bandshell. The Cannon Falls Bears have played baseball on this site since 1938, although the current grandstand was built in 1984.

The Cannon River runs behind left field, only 293 feet from home plate, with a 20-foot-high fence restricting home run opportunities.

Cannon Falls Bears made their first tournament appearance in 1949. A few seasons later, the team won 42 consecutive games, including both regular season and playoffs. The highlight was capturing the Class A tournament championship over the Belle Plaine Tigers in 1952, which remains their only state title to date. John Burch Stadium hosted the Amateur State Baseball Tournaments in 1985 and 1991 and is scheduled to host again in 2028.

Field in the 1950s

Parking

Minimal parking is provided at the field.  A majority of the parking provided is at risk from foul balls.  Alternatively, park in the Cannon Valley Trail parking lot to the east of the river or throughout the adjoining neighborhoods.  The sidewalk network is minimal, and people must walk in the street.  This is particularly difficult when little kids are trying to be herded.  The game I attended there was a mom (of a player I saw later) who was trying to keep the about 2, 4, and 6-year-olds safe walking in the street with crazy drivers trying to find a parking spot.

Spectator Options

Outlining the first base side and over the away team's dugout is the rock wall. At the top of the rock wall, a favorite spectator location, the concrete is stepped, allowing an array of lawn chairs to be set up for enjoying the game.  There are four rows of rock wall seating, and above that are picnic tables to sit on. Further down the line, fans will line up the side with lawn chairs. It's a great place to watch a baseball game, but be cautious and pay attention to foul balls during the games!  This area was packed, with the grandstand operating at about 20 percent capacity.

Located behind home plate is the larger grandstand, which is elevated about ten feet.  A majority of the seating throughout the park is elevated to that height.  At the top of the grandstand is a press box, a table with signatures of past players, coaches, and fans. You are allowed to sneak underneath the grandstand and place a chair behind home plate. Off the third base line is another raised platform with tables and an area for chairs.  There is no shortage of great viewing locations at the park.  

The sound system is high quality with clear vocals and music playing at the correct times. One thing I love about the park is that there are no noticeable advertising banners, which makes it look less like a commercial mess, unlike some other parks. It’s a clean and pristine ballpark!

Electronic Scoreboard and 20-foot high left field fence

Concessions and Grandstand

Raised platform over the third base dugout

Wall and tiered patio along the first baseline

Concessions (hot dog/root beer)

Cannon Falls recognizes that a quality concession stand is vital for a whole baseball experience. It offers hot dogs ($3), burgers ($5), brats ($4), popcorn, candy, water ($1), and 20 oz Mug Root Beer ($2), as well as beer! Bears apparel is also available for purchase at the concession stand.

The hot dog has a crisp casing and a slight snap. It is juicy and lightly flavored. The Mug root beer is similar to Barq's and A&W at most fields. The popcorn is the typical popped onsite you get at most townball parks.

Summary

John Burch Field offers a high-level townball experience. Outstanding spectator options make the ballpark a popular gathering spot among the locals. The majority of the fans sit on the first base side, which is shaded with trees and provides an area to spread out a blanket or two.

The field has a unique design that keeps all of the seating areas well above the playing field and provides a nice view of the lush forestry that is behind the outfield walls near downtown. A simple, but lovely sign spells out the ballpark above the grandstand.  Look forward to additional games at this field!