Field of Dreams
A history of baseball in Tiskilwa
Stan Musial receives a silver bat from National League President and Tiskilwa Native, Warren Giles
May 1953
A Brief History
In the historical records of Tiskilwa, the earliest mention of baseball dates to a report in the Stark County News in 1867, and a subsequent reference in September 1870. The first baseball club, known as the Valley Club, was established in 1867, followed by The Club of Tiskilwa in 1870.
During its peak, Tiskilwa once proudly showcased three bustling baseball fields within the town. These beloved "fields of dreams" were symbolic of the town's deep-rooted passion for America's favorite pastime. The games held there drew large and enthusiastic crowds of loyal fans who gathered eagerly to support and cheer on their favorite teams. Fans and pro pitchers packed train cars, heading from the city to catch these sporting events.
Did you know?... By Mary B. Steimle
That for many years, Tiskilwa supported a hard ball team and the whole town turned out for these baseball games?
That many exciting games were played on this field where the spectators sat in a large grandstand?
In the 1930’s, when softball became very popular, a young boy would sit near the train tracks to retrieve balls?
Want to learn more about the history of Tiskilwa? Don’t forget to grab a copy of “When Tiskilwa Was Young…”
“If you build it, they will come”
Located just behind the grandstands, you may notice a tall, dark, and looming building, which was the site of the old feed mill in town, situated just west of the current firehouse. This iconic mill played a vital role in serving the community for several decades before it was dismantled by Howard Roggy and Walt Reading. Following its demolition, Roggy and Reading repurposed the lumber from the mill to construct several homes in the Princeton area.
-Ed Waca