Let’s Play Ball!

Grand Opening of New Indee Baseball / Softball Fields Set for June 27^th

June 16, 2016 (Independence, IA) – With the recent completion of the new Independence Mustang Baseball and Softball fields, the Independence Community School District (ICSD) is pleased to invite the public to attend the Ceremonial Grand Opening on June 27^th, starting at 5:00 pm.

The Opening Ceremony will take place in front of the concession stand and will consist of opening remarks, introductions of honorary captains, and those throwing out the first pitch for the baseball and softball games. Both games have been adjusted to start at 5:30 pm.

Any children wearing little league jerseys to the game will receive a free Ice Freeze Pop courtesy of the Mustangs Athletic Booster Club. Those in attendance will also be allowed to vote on the name of the new fields; three possible names will be revealed that night for people to vote on.

The first pitch for the baseball game will be thrown out by Dr. Dan Kegler (accompanied by Vicki Kegler), longtime supporters of the school district. Dan is a local dentist and member of the Mustang Foundation Board of Directors. The honorary captain for the baseball game is Patrick Murphy, a native of Fayette, Iowa, former Independence Mustangs Varsity baseball coach from 1992-1995, and current Head Coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide softball team.  In 18 seasons, Murphy has led his teams at Alabama to 18 NCAA Tournament bids, 12 Super Regionals, 11 Women’s College World Series berths and the 2012 National Championship.

The first pitch for the softball game will be thrown out by John Behan, a local farmer and significant volunteer for the Final Push projects. The honorary captains for the softball game will be John and Leasa Jack, parents of Julie Jack. Julie was a 2008 Independence graduate and a Mustang star who passed away in 2009 from cancer.

Between softball games one and two, the seniors will also be honored.

School Board President, Brian Eddy noted “The School Board’s long term goal for quite some time has been to consolidate all facilities onto a single campus. The completion of the new baseball and softball fields now provides the District with a single campus that the communities of Brandon, Independence and Rowley can enjoy for years to come.  We are also excited to honor various individuals and families at this grand opening event.”

Superintendent Russell Reiter noted that “These projects would not be possible without the amazing donors and volunteers. We appreciate the community support that everyone gives to our school district.”

The new baseball / softball fields are part of the Final Push projects, which also included the installation of field turf on Leinbaugh Field, six tennis courts, the access road and additional parking lots.  The only remaining portions to complete for the Final Push projects are the bleachers and press boxes at the new baseball and softball fields. Fundraising continues for the bleachers and press boxes and the goal is to have them installed by next season.

For more information or to donate to the Final Push to finish the bleachers and press boxes, contact Rob Robinson (Rob.Robinson@bankiowa.com) or Brian Eddy (beddy@robertseddy.com). More information on the Final Push projects can be found on the Independence Mustang Foundation website at www.indeemustangfoundation.com.

Schedule for the Evening

5:00 pm
Opening Remarks by Russell Reiter, Superintendent

5:05 pm 
Introduction of honorary captains and those throwing out first pitch for baseball and softball games by Brian Eddy, Board President

Baseball Game

• Honorary Captain:  Coach Patrick Murphy, Alabama Softball Coach and former Indee Mustangs Baseball Coach from 1992 – 1995
• First Pitch:  Dr. Dan Kegler (accompanied by Vicki Kegler)

Softball Game

• Honorary Captain:  John and Leasa Jack, Parents of Julie Jack
• Unveiling of banner on the Softball outfield fence
• First Pitch: John Behan

5:15 pm
Baseball Game First Pitch

5:17 pm
Introduction of Baseball Starting Lineup, Coaches and Honorary Captain

5:20 pm
Softball Game First Pitch

5:23 pm           
Introduction of Softball Starting Lineup, Coaches and Honorary Captain

5:27 pm
National Anthem (After lineup announcement)

5:30 pm
Let’s Play Ball!

• Mustang Baseball Game vs. Clear Creak
• Mustang Softball Game vs. Clear Creek

Between Softball Games 1 and 2:  Honoring Softball Seniors

Events / Promotions: 

• BankIowa staff volunteering to run concessions
• Booster Club will be selling clothing and signing up 2016 Booster Club memberships
• Kids wearing little league or baseball/softball jerseys to the games receive a free Ice Freeze Pop courtesy of the Indee Mustangs Athletic Booster Club.