SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Augustana athletic department has announced plans for the opening ceremonies of Augustana baseball's newly renovated Karras Park, Home of Ronken Field on Saturday, May 4.
Ronken Field was dedicated on April 17, 1993, and provided Augustana with its first on-campus baseball diamond. An estate gift from Maurus and Anna Ronken in June 1992 provided the lead gift for construction of the facility.
In October 2011, South Dakota amateur baseball legend Lee “Goldy” Goldammer provided a large initial gift, which sparked the “Step Up to the Plate” field renovation project. Goldammer's gift provided funds to turf the infield at Ronken Field as well as make further improvements to the on-campus facility.
In April 2012, alumnus Don Karras and his wife Donna Karras provided a major gift to name the renovated stadium. The gift from the Karras family was a part of the “Step Up to the Plate” field renovation project and allowed for the special features of the park.
The “Step Up to the Plate” project has been a huge success with over 200 individuals and organizations contributing thus far. For more details of the project visit
GoAugie.com/stepuptotheplate.
Most recently, on Oct. 26, 2012, the College announced that it was awarded a grant in the amount of $84,700 from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) that provided funding for the purchase and installation of Musco Lighting equipment at Karras Park Home of Ronken Field.
The Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF) is a joint initiative between the Major League Baseball Players Association and Major League Baseball designed to promote the growth of youth baseball and softball throughout the world by awarding grants to support field renovation and construction projects, equipment and uniform purchases, coaches training material and other selected program expenses.
The opening ceremonies will include the following:
Before Game 1
1:15 p.m. – Field dedication and blessing
1:21 p.m. – First pitches will be thrown out by Lee “Goldy” Goldammer, Don “Deke” Karras and Bryce Ronken.
Between games (approximately 3:30 p.m.)
Sam Gotham – Augustana baseball player
Cathy Bradley – Executive Director, Baseball Tomorrow Fund
Lee Goldammer – major gift provider
Don Karras – major gift provider
Steve Ronken – representing the Ronken family
Tim Huber – Augustana's head baseball coach
