Field of Dreams Stadium now a Reality

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (Mar. 10, 2007) – California Lutheran University baseball’s dreams of having a stadium to go along with George “Sparky” Anderson Field, dedicated in 2006, is now a reality.

Four hundred of the CLU Baseball family, friends and community gathered together to witness another step forward in CLU history.

Without the long time support of George “Corky” Ullman (’76) and Steve Ullman (’77) this stadium would not stand today.

The Ullman name will forever grace the cozy confines of CLU’s North Campus.

CLU President Dr. John Sladek said it best as he noted, “When support was being sought to erect this stadium, the Ullmans stepped up to bat and truly hit a homerun.”

Master of ceremonies Andy Fox, Mayer of Thousand Oaks, stated, “This stadium is certainly a worthy home for our Kingsmen players.” He went on, “Look around the infield, the big league dugouts and seating for more than 300 fans; this is truly an awesome facility.”

The Ullman brothers thanked all the people who made this possible and who have thanked them for their generosity. But the thing they are most proud of is to have their name along side that of Legendary Major League Coach George “Sparky” Anderson.

Sladek quoted Sparky Anderson as saying, “Those of us lucky enough to be part of the game have a tremendous responsibility – we’re charged with giving back to the game and all the good things the game has given us.”

When Anderson took the microphone he added, “When my time is done on earth, I will be happy to have left all this behind with my name on it.”

Prior to the event Anderson joked around with and told stories to the CLU players in the dugout. “Coming out to the field on a regular basis and talking to these players has been enjoyable for me.”

Through a number of baseball analogies, Pastor Scott Maxwell-Doherty’s invocation showed that baseball is all around us. “We get a “Ballpark figure”, he is out in “left field” and your employees “go to bat” for you.”

The event culminated with Corky Ullman taking the mound, Steve Ullman squatting behind the plate, and Sparky calling balls and strikes while President Sladek took his hacks from the right side of the plate.

What a gorgeous day to dedicate a gorgeous facility. Cal Lutheran University is now the home to “The House that Ullman built” and for that we would like to thank Corky, Steve and all the other donors. Without their continued support this fine venue, one of the nicest Division III baseball facilities in the nation, would not have been possible.

Today marked the beginning of a promise made long ago.

“Bringing together the CLU baseball program and supporters of CLU, especially the alumni, made for a wonderful event,” said Director of Athletics, Dan Kuntz.

A number of championship banners lining the outfield walls were referenced.

With plenty of room to fill on the walls, Fox noted, “The Kingsmen are on an even playing field and God willing, there will be some SCIAC Championships brought back to this stadium in the near future.”

Following the ceremony the old timers played a seven inning game before the current Kingsmen took the field against the younger alumni.