Paul Soltysiak is cofounder and vice president of Fans of Valley Field. A grassroots effort restoring Sullivan Field, the WestSide ballpark also known as Valley Field.
“It’s very historic. At least 70 players who played here played in the major leagues. People like Satchel Paige and Al Kaline and Kirk Gibson and Grand Rapids own Dave Rosema. So, lots of history.”
Soltysiak grew up across the street. He tells us four leagues use the ballpark. It’s also Union High School’s home field. It hosts community events including the Grand Rapids Symphony. A voter approved tax millage, the state of Michigan and private donors support Valley Field’s renovation which includes restoring the grandstands, home dugout, upgrading restrooms and a new concession stand.
“There’s going to be a museum here which is going to honor the history of baseball in Grand Rapids. It was an integrated park back when so many places were segregated. You know, the Grand Rapids Black Sox played here.”
Valley Field was constructed in 1937. The renovations will maintain its vintage feel. Fans of Valley Field have surpassed 90-percent of its fundraising goal. It’s launching the “Last Chance to Buy a Brick” campaign to bring it home.
Construction will take over one year to complete.
