Sometimes, you just have to take a chance.
That’s what’s happening with the reintroduction of baseball to Hannibal. Investors are renovating Hannibal’s 70-year-old Clemens Field ballpark with the intention of hosting a Central Illinois Collegiate League team here next year.
The project is a collaboration between city and private investment dollars.
Is there a guaranteed return on this investment? No. Is this an investment that could return long-term dividends to this town along the river? Yes.
We believe, after weighing the pros and cons, that this is a risk worth taking.
Hannibal’s Clemens Field has roots deep into the community.
Back in 1925, this new facility with a seating capacity of 2,000 was hosting ball teams. In 1924, according to Hurley and Roberta Hagood’s book, “The Story of Hannibal,” Hannibal won the Illmo championship in 1924, and in 1928, a new league called the Memo was formed with Paris, Hannibal, Shelbina, Edina, Novelty and La Belle, and later, Quincy.
So here we are, seven decades later, laying the groundwork for yet another chapter in Hannibal’s baseball history. We’re cautiously optimistic that baseball will become yet another drawing card for visitors, and that it will be another option for hometown entertainment.
Today, we make note of the groundbreaking for baseball in Hannibal. It’s a grand occasion and one worthy of celebration.
