Jirschele Athletic Field in W.A. Olen Park in Clintonville will get a new electronic scoreboard, thanks to a $15,000 donation from an area baseball fan.
“Baseball has always been important to me and my family,” Dick Koeppen told the Common Council on Tuesday.
Koeppen said he played on the field for more than 43 years, from his days in high school to his seasons with the Clintonville A’s. His sons, Jeff and Bob, also played on the field. He learned about four years ago that the A’s needed new dugouts and a new scoreboard. The club could not afford a new scoreboard, however.
Koeppen decided to donate the cost of a new electronic scoreboard with the only requirement being it says “Compliments of the Koeppen family” or something similar. He also asked to have input into the location and the final design, which have not been finalized.
Earlier this year Koeppen asked Interim City Administrator Chuck Kell for help in getting the project done and the scoreboard installed. Kell agreed.
The Tourism, Marketing, and Advertising Council voted to donate up to $4,000 to complete the installation of the scoreboard. There will be no cost to the city.
Clintonville A’s manager Tom Fietsch told the council that the club also is willing to help with getting the scoreboard installed. The team’s share of the costs is estimated at $1,390.
In addition to the A’s, the field is used by the American Legion, Babe Ruth and school teams. There are about 100 games played on the field every year, Koeppen said.
Koeppen said a lot of people take the A’s for granted. He said the club, which sponsors the Fourth of July fireworks each year, has done a lot of work to keep the field in shape.
The scoreboard is expected to be installed later this year.
Koeppen is a former Clintonville mayor and alderman and current chairman of the Waupaca County Board.
