Redgranite’s Willow Creek has a “Field of Dreams” of its own

To the Editor, Late last summer I volunteered to do some painting and staining on the bridge over the Willow Creek in the Redgranite Willow Creek Park. While working on the project I reflected back on my youth playing baseball there. I recall a game I played in 1961. Ross Sergo played for Redgranite had played minor league ball for the Baltimore Orioles. Dale Glunn played for Wautoma had played minor league ball for the St. Louis Cardinals. Dave Johnson had just graduated from Wautoma High was soon leaving to play minor league ball for the Baltimore Orioles. I remember the Waushara Argus in a “Good Luck Dave” message had a full page picture of Dave taking his smooth, picture perfect swing. To think that three ballplayers with professional experience were playing together in a small town in Wisconsin certainly indicates how much baseball meant in the area. At the time there were only 18 Major League teams compared to 30 today. Many people are aware of the classic movie “Field of Dreams” starring Kevin Kostner, playing a farmer who built a baseball field in a cornfield after hearing a voice tell him, “build it and they will come.” The movie site in Dyersville, Iowa, is now a historic site and a popular tourist attraction. As I viewed the beautiful scenery with the flow of the Willow Creek creating an island and recalling the baseball history of Redgranite played out in Willow Creek Park. I thought, Redgranite has a “Field of Dreams” of its own. The two volume History of Redgranite-Lohrville High School written by 1940 alumnus Howard Evans covers all sports, especially baseball. The Redgranite High School and the City League team were very competitive during the 1930’s and 1940’s. Some of the most dominant players were the Chipman brothers: Bob and Jack; the Griffith Brothers: Nook and Bill. In the mid 30’s recent RHS grads Nick Calabresa and Nello D’Orazio (the theater guy) were regulars on the University of Wisconsin baseball team. So, someday when it may not be convenient for you to travel to the East or West Coast to hear the roar of the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean, take a drive to Willow Creek Park. Listen to the whisper of the Willow Creek as it flows over the little dam made of red granite stone created by the depression era Civil Works Projects in the 1930’s. Stop at Elmer’s to pick up a pizza or the Curve Inn or BR Diner for a burger and fries and go enjoy lunch sitting on the picnic tables on the island. As you gaze across the baseball field towards the pine trees beyond center field, let your imagination wander and you may get a glimpse of a Chipman, a Griffith, a Sergo or one of the many great baseball players from Redgranite heading towards the baseball diamond to play one more game. If you were lucky enough to play there, one of them might even be you! May your favorite team have a great season in 2023. /s/Tom Sobieski