Witter Field facts for kids
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| Former names | Lincoln Athletic Field |
|---|---|
| Location | 521 Lincoln St, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 |
| Owner | Wisconsin Rapids |
| Capacity | 4,000 (1941) 3,000 (1983) 1,588 (current) |
| Field size | (LF-CF-RF): 320-385-320 320 L, 375 C, 320 R (current) |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1928 |
| Opened | 1928 |
| Renovated | 1950, 2010 |
| Tenants | |
| Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (2010-Present) Wisconsin Rapids Twins (1964-1983) Wisconsin Rapids Senators (1963) Wisconsin Rapids White Sox (1941-42; 1946-53) |
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Witter Field is a cool baseball ballpark located at 521 Lincoln Street in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, United States. It was built in 1928. This field has been home to many different baseball teams over the years. It hosted several minor league teams like the Wisconsin Rapids White Sox and the Wisconsin Rapids Twins. Today, it's the home field for the Northwoods League's Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. It also hosts games for youth teams.
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The History of Witter Field
Witter Field has a long and interesting history in baseball. It first became home to professional teams in the 1940s.
Early Baseball Teams
The Wisconsin Rapids White Sox played here from 1941 to 1953. They were part of the Class-D Wisconsin State League, which was a lower level of professional baseball. After 1953, the league stopped, and the field didn't have a professional team for a while.
Baseball returned in 1963 with the Wisconsin Rapids Senators. They were followed by the Wisconsin Rapids Twins from 1964 to 1983. These teams played in the Class-A Midwest League, a higher level of minor league baseball. After the 1983 season, the Twins team moved to a different city.
Baseball Returns to Witter Field
In 2010, baseball fans in Wisconsin Rapids had something to cheer about again! The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters started playing at Witter Field. They are part of the Northwoods League, which is a summer league for college baseball players. Many players in this league hope to play in the Major Leagues someday.
How Witter Field Got Its Name
The park was built in 1928. It was officially dedicated in 1934. When it first opened, the field was called "Lincoln Athletic Field." This was because it was located near the Lincoln High School facility. In 1940, the field was renamed "Witter Field" to honor Isaac Witter, a local community leader.
Upgrades and Special Events
Over the years, Witter Field has been updated to keep it a great place to play and watch baseball. The original wooden bleachers were replaced in 1950. In 2010, 227 seats from the old Milwaukee County Stadium were brought in. This gave fans a chance to sit in seats from a famous Major League park!
From 2005 to 2008, Witter Field hosted the youth WIAC state baseball tournament. This was a big event for young baseball players in Wisconsin. On July 18, 2011, the field hosted the Northwoods League All-Star Game. A famous baseball player, Paul Molitor, who is now in the Baseball Hall of Fame, was there for the celebration.
Witter Field Today
Today, Witter Field is still a very busy place for sports. It is the home field for local high school baseball teams. It also hosts Legion Baseball games, which are for older youth players. Of course, it's also where the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters play their exciting summer games.
The Recreation Complex
The area around Witter Field is a big recreation complex. It has many different facilities for people to enjoy. You can find the Wisconsin Rapids Aquatic Center there, which is great for swimming. There are also tennis courts and pickleball courts. In the winter, people can go ice skating and warm up in the warming house. The complex also includes a football field and a skate park. It's a place for everyone to stay active!
Famous Players Who Played Here
Many talented baseball players have played at Witter Field. Some of them even went on to play in Major League Baseball! Here are a few notable players:
- Ben Heller (2012)
- Paul Molitor (1977) Played games here as a member of the Burlington Bees. He later became a Hall of Famer!
- Allan Anderson (1983) Was the 1988 AL ERA Leader (meaning he had the best pitching record that year).
- Mark Davidson (1982–83)
- Mark Portugal (1982)
- Rich Yett (1981)
- Jim Eisenreich (1980–81) Played 15 seasons in MLB.
- Gary Gaetti (1980) A great fielder (4 x Gold Glove winner) and a 2 x MLB All-Star. He was the 1987 ALCS MVP.
- Kent Hrbek (1980) An MLB All-Star.
- Rick Stelmaszek (1978-80 MGR)
- Bud Bulling (1975–76)
- John Castino (1976) Was the 1979 AL Rookie of the Year.
- Rick Sofield (1976) Played in MLB and later became a coach.
- Jerry Garvin (1974)
- Gary Ward (1974) A 2 x MLB All-Star.
- Alvis Woods (1974)
- Randy Bass (1973)
- Tom Johnson (1972)
- Glenn Borgmann (1971)
- Bill Campbell (1971) An MLB All-Star and the 1977 AL Saves Leader.
- Jim Hughes (1971)
- Dave McKay (1971) Played in MLB and became a coach.
- Johnny Goryl (1970, 1973–75, MGR) Was an MLB Manager.
- Steve Barber (1969) A 2 x MLB All-Star.
- Rick Dempsey (1968–69) Was the 1983 World Series MVP.
- Bill Zepp (1968)
- Steve Braun (1967)
- Tom Hall (1967)
- Charlie Manual (1967, MGR 1983) An MLB Manager who won over 1000 games and was the Manager of the 2008 World Series Champion - Philadelphia Phillies.
- Graig Nettles (1966) A great fielder (2 x Gold Glove winner) and a 6 x MLB All-Star. He was the 1976 AL Home Run Leader and 1981 ALCS MVP.
- George Mitterwald (1965, 1968)
- Pat Kelly (1964) An MLB All-Star.
- Jim French (1963)
- Wayne Terwilliger (1963, MGR)
- Johnny Schaive (1953)
- Jim Landis (1952) Won 5 Gold Gloves in center field and was a 2 x MLB All-Star.
- Glen Stewart (1949)
- Bill Fischer (1942)
- Cy Buker (1942)
- Max Patkin (1941) A long-time baseball entertainer, known as the "Clown Prince of Baseball." He was named 1988 King of Baseball.
