Shawnee Public Schools is excited to announce the launch of a new fundraising initiative to install state-of-the-art turf at the historic Ed Skelton Field at Memorial Park. The Shawnee Baseball turf campaign, also known as the Home Run Club / 100 x 100 campaign, aims to raise $1.4 million to enhance the facility and ensure it remains a premier venue for high school baseball in Oklahoma.
“This is an opportunity to set the standard when it comes to comparing the top high school baseball facilities across the United States,” said Shawnee Head Baseball Coach Jeff Shafer. “Playing on turf helps alleviate the loss of instructional time due to weather, which means more development time. There is less prep time on getting the field ready for games, which makes it easier to host tournaments and keep the games on time.”
Since the tornado, Memorial Park and Ed Skelton Field have seen significant upgrades, and the addition of new turf is the next step in restoring and elevating the facility. For over thirty years, Ed Skelton Field has been the centerpiece for OSSAA State Championship tournaments and holds a special place in the hearts of Shawnee baseball alumni and the community.
“The field has always been more than just a place to play baseball,” said Dax Leone, Shawnee Athletic Director. “Shawnee Baseball is a very important part of this community. Generations of players have held a very high standard of excellence, with some of the richest traditions in high school baseball. It is my great privilege to announce our campaign for our new turf project at Historic Ed Skelton Field at Memorial Park. We look forward to connecting with our former players, community members, and families that have invested in this outstanding program.”
(Image of Shawnee Baseball Field from 1989 provided by Bill Ford)
The Home Run Club / 100 x 100 campaign is structured to involve Shawnee Baseball alumni, community partners, and local businesses in achieving the $1.4 million goal. The fundraising levels are as follows:
25 contributors at $25,000 = $5,000 per year ($625,000)
25 contributors at $10,000 = $2,500 per year ($250,000)
25 contributors at $5,000 = $1,000 per year ($125,000)
25 contributors at $2,500 = $500 per year ($62,500)
Total: $1,062,500 over five years
“We are confident that with our alumni, community, and local businesses rallying behind us, we can achieve this ambitious goal,” said Leone. “This project isn’t just about improving a field—it’s about building something lasting for our current students and future generations of Shawnee Wolves. As a Shawnee High School graduate, baseball alumni, and Athletic Director, I’m all in.”
For more information on how you can be part of the Home Run Club / 100 x 100 campaign, please contact Dax Leone at 405-623-4896 or email daxleone@shawnee.k12.ok.us.