Business support enables Fresno Little League ballpark renovation

A community joined to build a ballpark and establish the Sunnyside Lone Star Little League in 1962. Today, the league has around 425 kids ages 4-14 participating annually. Since its inception, over 12,000 kids have played on Bakman Field in Southeast Fresno.

With a charter and baseballs, the little league searched for a place to call its own. The community contributed lumber and lights, poles and turf, and plenty of sweat equity.

The Sunnyside Property Owners Association formed a committee, and Richard Bakman donated the land for $1 — hence the name Bakman Field.

Last year, the league announced a $1 million renovation project for Bakeman Field. The field born from the effort was a true field of dreams and has continued to serve generations of athletes.

Bakman Field is a gift to the children of Sunnyside. It’s a place where countless youth, boys and girls alike have stood alone in the field, anticipating what may come their way. If baseball is a metaphor for life, Bakman Field is the training ground that builds the character to grow responsible citizens.

In 2017, the California Department of Parks and Recreation secured a $200,000 grant. The renovation will include a new snack bar, press box, playing field, updated scoreboard and lighting, permanent restrooms, and ADA accessibility.

A new field house will be constructed on the site with a $500,000 donation from David and Leticia Campos with CV Truss. Spencer Enterprises sponsored $100,000 as the scoreboard sponsor. Central Valley Community Foundation sponsored $25,000 as a “Bleacher Sponsor,” and Tutelian & Co., Bud Ritch Trust, Barbara & Carl Ueland, and the Mitchel Family donated $10,000.

Sunnyside Lone Star Little League is still looking for sponsorships. Two “Dugout Sponsors” are still available at $50,000, one “Bleacher Sponsor” is available at $25,000, and supporters can donate to the “Wall of Fame Sponsorship,” which will have the family or company name etched in granite forever for helping to make the field a reality. The Wall of Fame sponsorship includes a $1,500 “single sponsor,” a $3,000 “double sponsor,” and a $5,000 “triple sponsor.”

During the Sunnyside Little League Board Member luncheon last month, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer pledged to be a triple sponsor for the Wall of Fame sponsorships.

The ballpark’s renovations are close to completion, and the only thing left is the fields. The Construction Manager of Commercial Designs Builders stated that in order to have the fields ready for play, PG&E needs to get situated to power the sprinklers.

With renovations being made, Sunnyside Lone Star Little League agreed with the City of Fresno to play its 2024 baseball season at Al Radka Park and Mosqueda Park.

The league anticipates all renovations to be completed by the start of the 2025 season.