Kenosha, WI – The Kenosha Kingfish have announced plans for the installation of artificial turf at Historic Simmons Field to be completed before the winter of 2023.
The $1.5 million renovation project, fully supported and funded by the City of Kenosha, is set to begin this month.
Managing Partner Bill Fanning is excited for the flexibility the new playing surface will provide.
“The new turf allows us to play more games, which helps UW-Parkside and the high school teams who play here in the spring,” Fanning said. “A grass field needs time to recover from weather, but rain drains right off this turf.”
In addition to the new playing surface, the Kingfish will be constructing new bullpens outside the field of play as well as resurfacing key group areas throughout the stadium.
General Manager Ryne Goralski is excited for a fresh look to the stadium that can be used beyond just the needs of the Kingfish organization.
“The new playing surface will ensure that Historic Simmons Field will continue to be home to premier baseball, including UW-Parkside, local high schools, and of course the Kenosha Kingfish,” Goralski said. “We see this as a huge asset for the community and city of Kenosha.”
All of the new renovations are on schedule to be finished before the Kingfish take the field for their 11th season in the summer of 2024.
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The Kenosha Kingfish are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now in its’ 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 24 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, over 325 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.kingfishbaseball.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Rockers as your favorite team.
