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Fans return to the past with “Fans Field of Dreams” day

Jun 3, 2023 | 4:00 PM

June 3, 2023 – History lovers got a chance to experience the glory days of Fans Field in Decatur with the “Fans Field of Dreams” day.

Fans Field was a stadium with a storied past going back to 1927. The field was a minor-league baseball park in Decatur, and the home of the Decatur Commodores, from 1927 through 1974. It was at the southeast corner of East Garfield Avenue (left field) and North Woodford Street (third base). During late 1974 and early 1975, the city debated what to do with the abandoned ballpark. The decision to redevelop it came in August of 1975, and by month’s end, its mostly-wooden stands had been demolished. The site was remade into a softball venue, retaining the name Fans Field. The new softball facility opened in June of 1977.

To celebrate the field’s past, History of the Heartland hosted a kids clinic and adult exhibition at the field.

The clinic included learning the basics and fine-tuning skills and was taught by former Major League Baseball outfielder Kevin Koslofski. Koslofski played for four seasons in the Majors, playing for the Kansas City Royals from 1992 to 1994 and the Milwaukee Brewers in 1996. After attending Maroa-Forsyth High School in Maroa, Illinois, Koslofski was drafted and signed by the Royals in June 1984.

Community members gathered in the the pavilion to enjoy lunch, purchase memorabilia, and talk about memories of Fans Field. This included Don Umphryes. Don’s  father was the groundskeeper until 1954 and Don himself spent years with the team and around the park.
“This place was just a ballpark to most people, to me it was home.” He recounted stories of neighborhood kids helping the team and troubled kids being steered to the park to help out the team and avoid trouble. He is amazed at the support for the nostalgia since the ballpark had been torn down in the 70’s. “(I) was kind of surprised that all of the sudden there was as much interest in (the team) as there was.”

Following the clinic, there was an exhibition baseball game with the first pitch thrown by Roe Skidmore. Skidmore is one of five living major league baseball players with a perfect batting average in the Major Leagues. Roe grew up in Decatur and played a stint of his 10-year minor league career playing in Decatur at Fans Field.

Commemorative hats, shirts, and baseball cards were for sale. A scorecard reproduction and a limited number of original vintage badge given to game attendees.