Don Gieseb Field - Union Hill

Upon entering the town of Union Hill from the east via Calvill Memorial Highway, travelers are greeted by a ballpark to the north and a farm to the south. The rest of the town comprises six charming dwellings, the historic St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, a quiet cemetery, the Union Hill garage—likely used for storage—and the welcoming Union Hill Bar and Grill. This quaint community encapsulates the entirety of Union Hill, Minnesota.

The baseball field is named Don Giesen Field in honor of Don Giesen, a dedicated lifelong player, groundskeeper, and inductee into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012. Don Giesen was raised in Union Hill and developed his love for baseball as a child, playing in his backyard. At age 16, he helped establish the first local team. Reflecting on those times, he remarked, “It seems we’ve always had a big baseball tradition. The kids used to play ball in cow pastures and backyards.” His uncle and father took the initiative to build a baseball field that was beautifully designed, meticulously maintained, and in pristine condition. In 1956, Union Hill proudly fielded its first team in the Dakota-Rice-Scott baseball league. This team, known as The Indians, played their home games in a newly constructed ballpark located west of County Road 7, just across from the local bar.

Don played baseball for New Prague High School from 1954 to 1956 and in Legion baseball during those years. He passionately competed in amateur ball for Union Hill from 1956 to 1970. From 1964 to 1972, Don boldly managed the Union Hill team. In 1983, Don formed the Union Hill over-35 baseball team, playing and managing it until 2006, when he retired from his lifelong dedication to the team.

Don has played a key role in enhancing and maintaining the Union Hill Baseball Field. He contributed to the installation of the new fencing and to the construction of the dugouts, concession stand, and grandstand. His efforts were particularly significant in installing the lighting on the field, improving visibility and safety for players and spectators.

Don worked as a finish carpenter for Busch/KA Witt Construction for 44 years, retiring in 2000. He passed away on July 24, 2024, at age 84. 

MY EXPERIENCE

Parking - Parking is on a grassy field to the east of the ballfield. There is sufficient depth to protect most vehicles from foul-ball damage. You pay the $5 per spectator entry at the parking lot.

Spectator Options - There are five sets of 3- to 5-tier bleachers along the backstop behind home plate. There are three 3-tier bleachers north of the visiting team dugout, near first base. The concession stand is under the second-level press box and has a covered patio. A few high-top tables are also available behind the bleachers. 

The field’s positioning places the setting sun in front of spectators, except along third base. The sun impacted my view for the first 90 minutes. I also appeared to affect left-handed batters when the sky was clear.

The scoreboard and sound system are of high quality. The field is sufficiently lit, but upgrading to newer LED technology could significantly enhance nighttime games. It was nice that all the advertising banners were placed by the third base foul pole. To me, the ads along the entire backfield fence are annoying, and I make a point to patronize those businesses. I get slapped in the face with advertising everywhere I go, and it is nice to enjoy a game without it.

Concessions - (I prefer a hot dog with a root beer) - They have more beer options that non-alchoholic beverages. There was no root beer. The $3.00 hot dog, $2 Dr. Pepper, and $1 popcorn were my choices. The popcorn was very salty. The hot dog was average, juicy, and exceeded typical grocery store dogs.  Only catsup and mustard were provided. No relish or other condiments

SUMMARY COMMENTS

There is a single-family home off third base. During the game, the home was hit twice. I am not sure how any damage is corrected. Records show the home was purchased by Christopher Dohmen in 1987.  Much like many parks, it has an intimate, cozy, chain-link-fence-adorned "field of dreams" vibe.