On June 19th, the Manitowoc Public School Board approved a proclamation to rename the baseball home of Manitowoc Lincoln from Municipal Field to Bruce Steinbecker Field.
Six weeks later, an official groundbreaking was held to kick off a $ 2 million renovation to give the Ships a state-of-the-art facility to play baseball.
Many braved the raindrops to attend Wednesday’s festivities as Steinbecker, who has skippered the Ships for the last 28 years, tells SeehaferNews.com that this is a dream come true for all in the community.
“I can’t wait to see all these kids play on a state-of-the-art facility,” he said at the groundbreaking. “We’re excited about where it’s going to take us with our programming. Our vision is to have multiple teams playing out here from March through November. It’s a priority to get all the kids out here to play the game of baseball.”
Thousands of games have been played on the former Municipal Field, which some have called dangerous to play on, given its age and wear and tear.
Lincoln alum and current Athletic Director Stan Diedrich fondly remembers his first game on this historic diamond.
“The first year we played American Legion varsity baseball here was my senior year in 1988,” he recalled. “To see the fence come down and this renovation, along with what Bruce (Steinbecker) and the school district have done to support our student athletes, is truly special. A facelift of this facility was very much needed. We are always striving to do things right, and a state-of-the-art (baseball) facility is a step in that direction.”
Field turf will be installed along with new bleachers, backstops, restrooms, a concession stand, a press box, and a changing room for umpires.
Over $800,000 has been raised through private donations, plus $125,000 of work in-kind. The Manitowoc Public School District is furnishing a minimum of $900,000. $1,925,000 has been raised of their $2 million goal.
Steinecker says having this field renamed in his honor is truly humbling.
“There are a lot of people who deserve to have their names displayed on this field,” the coach said. “I’m truly blessed to be a part of a baseball community that has nothing but the kids’ best interest at heart.”
The renovation is expected to be completed by October, at which time a full proclamation will be made.
