As the champions of the diamond in the Lorain County League, Keystone baseball and softball teams won’t need to go far to compete.
On September 20, Keystone held its official opening ceremony for its newly constructed baseball and softball fields located on the high school’s campus.
“It’s something many people in the community have desired for a long time, but it required the right individuals in the correct roles to bring it about,” said Jeff Holzhauer, the Keystone athletic director.
Headed by the Keystone Athletic Teams Supporters (KATS) group, $1.2 million was allocated to make it happen.
Images from the grand opening of Keytone’s softball and baseball field on September 20, 2025. (Mark Perez-Krywany – The Lorain Morning Journal)
Half originated from KATS, while the remaining half came from the school district, following board approval.
After the funding was secured, local workers were sent to build it.
Just as winning a game requires teamwork, this achievement was also the result of a collaborative effort involving multiple components.
I won’t be able to thank everyone,” Superintendent Zach Weagley stated. “The number of people who influenced this project and turned (vision) into reality today is truly impressive. It demonstrates just how strong our community is.
The diamonds are next to each other and each features the same backstops and netting behind home plate.
They also feature stone dugouts, scoreboards, and advanced drainage systems.
Images from the grand opening of Keytone’s softball and baseball field on September 20, 2025. (Mark Perez-Krywany – The Lorain Morning Journal)
The community involvement was emphasized by a significant number of people who showed up.
Community leaders, school officials, and coaches were provided an opportunity to express appreciation and share their thoughts.
I want to remind everyone that this decision isn’t about closing another chapter,” said Keystone coach Anna Saxton. “It’s about moving forward and respecting the legacy of Keystone softball. Each inning played here will be a continuation of the tradition that has shaped this program into what it is today. Thank you for your support.
Holzhauer, who has lived most of his life in LaGrange, has always felt that the campus was lacking something during the spring.
Individuals would arrive on this campus and speak about all these wonderful aspects. I always felt there was one element missing, and that’s it. So, we no longer lack anything,” Holzhauer stated. “We have everything necessary for our student athletes. Now, the next step is to enhance things a bit more.
Images from the grand opening of Keytone’s softball and baseball field on September 20, 2025. (Mark Perez-Krywany – The Lorain Morning Journal)
The athletics team conducts competitions at Wildcats Stadium. In the past, it was the sole continuing sports event on campus during the spring.
The softball squad competed at LaGrange Community Park (LCP), while the baseball team faced their games at Penfield Park.
2025 Lorain County League Baseball Coach of the Year, Bert Fitzgerald referred to the transportation as a challenge.
Traveling to Penfield Park has become a way of life. We have been fortunate not to experience any accidents,” Fitzgerald said. “Sometimes kids arrive late, or they might receive some tickets. It is now a blessing to be part of this campus. We spent a lot of time practicing in the parking lot anyway (if the weather was too wet).
Transportation posed a continuous challenge, as the baseball team needed to determine carpool arrangements to travel five miles from campus.
With the new diamond, Keystone’s new location is a short walk through the parking lot.
Images from the grand opening of Keytone’s softball and baseball field on September 20, 2025. (Mark Perez-Krywany – The Lorain Morning Journal)
What will this look like on a spring day when there are track events, along with baseball and softball games,” Holzhauer said. “Children will be able to walk back and forth, encouraging one another. That is what we ultimately hope for.
As per Saxton, her group is not completely separating from LCP, but they can still utilize it for doubleheaders, junior varsity games, and the Prebis Memorial Classic.
There’s a lot of Wildcat pride when you visit this campus,” Saxton said. “Six years ago, when I was applying for this position, I drove through the campus and saw these impressive buildings and a lot of grass. Six years ago, I didn’t understand what it all meant. I wondered, ‘What else could be achieved here?’ It felt very vacant. As KATS and our school support the athletes, we’re thrilled that the Wildcat pride is returning.
After the presentation, the softball and baseball teams conducted their first pitch ceremonies.
Each sport featured three throwers, including participants and ex-players, such as Lauren Shaw (UCLA) and former MLB athlete and Lake Erie Crusher Brandyn Sittinger.
Last year, Keystone’s baseball and softball teams secured the Lorain County League titles, with their coaches receiving the Coach of the Year honor and a player being named Player of the Year.
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