NEWS RELEASE

Historic Dodgertown has taken many noteworthy steps in recent years to restore the facility to be an active player in the business of sports. Obtaining the name “Historic Dodgertown” last August through a partnership between owner Peter O’Malley and new Dodgers
ownership is one of those significant steps. Other key elements include upgrades to the complex that have facilitated the goal of becoming an elite, multi-sport training destination.

Saturday, June 14th, marks the two-year anniversary of the cloverleaf fields at Historic Dodgertown, opening the doors to youth baseball and all levels of women’s softball. With the former spring training home originally only featuring fields with Major League dimensions, recruiting events with baseball players younger than 13 or female softball players was not possible. Two years ago, Indian River County completed the $2.6 million dollar project that has put softball in Vero Beach on the national map, as well as attract major youth baseball tournaments to the area.

The Florida High School Women’s Softball State Finals is the most notable softball event held to date at Historic Dodgertown. The Treasure Coast Sports Commission was able to present the brand new facility to the FHSAA and secure a three-year commitment from 2013-2015, bringing the best 32 teams each spring to compete for state supremacy. This event is promoted throughout the state and games are broadcast on Bright House Sports Network each year. Feedback from coaches, players and families have been tremendous, as they have found field conditions, accommodations, tournament execution and the fan experience to be first rate. Players and coaches alike appreciate the permanent fence dimensions, along with the adjacent batting cages and bullpen warm-up areas not offered at other locations.

“The addition of the softball complex at Historic Dodgertown has been an excellent addition to an already amazing sports complex,” shared Zach Shrew, Assistant Director of the Treasure Coast Sports Commission. “It has cemented Historic Dodgertown and Vero Beach as a premier destination for baseball, and now softball. Kudos to Indian River County and Historic Dodgertown for always finding ways to improve their complex.”

In 2014, both Indian River State College and Lincoln Park Academy have hosted multi-day tournaments to much success, as the complex helped them draw in regional competition. In addition to tournaments, the new fields, along with on-site accommodations and meals, facilitated numerous softball camps and clinics. Softball Factory hosts multiple camps throughout the year, bringing in talent from across the U.S., while helping high school girls gain exposure for the collegiate level. The University of Kansas softball team stayed in Vero Beach for a week of preseason training and warmer temperatures. The upcoming softball calendar also features more showcases, including one that is geared towards showcasing student athletes who compete at a superior level, both academically and athletically, to Ivy League schools.

The new complex has also provided the opportunity to host youth baseball for players ages 9 to 12, who play on smaller fields. Vero Beach’s Cal Ripken league typically kicks off each spring with two weeks of practice time under the lights, signaling the official start to spring baseball and softball. A number of prominent tournament organizations have either used Historic Dodgertown exclusively or as an anchor to a larger scale tournament that also used county fields, Lakewood or Lawnwood Parks. USSSA hosted its Super NIT this past April, bringing in over 80 teams to the area. The tournament saw players and families totaling over 1,000 room nights in area hotels, while visiting local restaurants and retail. The cloverleaf has also given more summer and fall opportunities to host events benefiting area businesses during the slower months.

While Historic Dodgertown continues to share its Dodger and baseball history, it increasingly does so to a wider selection of athletes and guests. From lacrosse, football and soccer to youth baseball players and all skill levels of softball, the evolution of the facility and impact to the community has only been enhanced.