By Jordan Studer
news@wbcowqel.com
The energy alone at Galion’s Heise Park was just one of the things that made the Galion Graders inaugural home opener on Saturday evening a huge success. When looking around the park it was quite clear that every little detail had been thought of and perfected without a flaw. The music and exciting atmosphere added that touch of a minor leaguel ballpark vibe that made the night soar beyond many expectations.
Asked how the evening went, Gary Frankhouse Jr., Crawford County Economic Development director, without hesitation responded, “phenomenal. It was everything and more that we wanted.”
The park was full to help cheer on the Galion Graders as they faced the Southern Ohio Copperheads.
To kick off the game, the red carpet was rolled out and Dr. James Heddleson and Mayor Tom O’Leary threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
A grand total of 526 fans showed up to support the teams and within minutes of the first pitch being thrown, a sound was heard from the renamed James.Heddleson Field that hasn’t echoed through Heise Park in decades – the literal sound of a cracked wooden bat. The crowd actually seemed to enjoy the Graders’ Mark Delas having to return for to the dugout for a new piece of lumber.
Wooden bats weren’t the only old-time baseball tradition to return to the park Saturday. The return of foul balls to the concession stand earned the retriever a free hot dog.
At the conclusion of the game, kids of all ages were invited to the field to run the bases. After rounding home they were welcomed by the Graders players who were happily signing autographs and posing for photos.
And what is a good baseball game without fireworks? The spectacular event was wrapped up with a colorful firework display to wrap up a successful opening game at Galion Heise Park.
Despite the Graders falling to the Southern Ohio Copperheads by the final of 4-2, everyone who was involved with Saturday evening had to agree that the event ended up surpassing the visions they all had.
Galion Graders GM Mike O’Leary was happy with the evening.
“I thought it was a great night for Galion,” Mike O’Leary said. “We had a wonderful turnout. Far exceeded our expectations for attendance. Beautiful evening.”
Mayor Tom O’Leary was very impressed with the night’s turnout as well. He mentioned that the positive energy was great and stated that the attendance and support gave, “a sense of community pride.”
“I want to encourage the community to continue to support like we had tonight so we can continue to have this vitality and this quality of life in our park and make it a place where people want to come. Even if it’s not to watch baseball. To get concessions, watch fireworks, and just enjoy small town community. And that’s what this is all about,” Frankhouse said.
The Graders next game is Tuesday evening against the Cincinnati Steam.