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The History of Rosen Express Baseball
Dating back to the 1940's, baseball has been a second religion to many
of the people in the Rosen area. Initially, organized games were played
with other communities on a farmer's pasture located just east of the hamlet
of Rosen. Rosen has never been an incorporated town.
In the late 1940's, a tract of farmland was purchased just south of the
Parochial School from a local landowner. The land was bought by three avid
baseball enthusiasts in order to have a better playing field. (these three
men are now deceased). Local people volunteered their labor, thus a new
field was built for baseball. A men's fraternal group was the team's
sponsor for many years to follow. The property (ballfield) was eventually
donated to the Church.
The new ballpark served a dual purpose from the get-go. Not only was it
used for baseball games, it also created a vast playground facility for
students attending the Parochial School. To this day, it is also used for
little league and family reunions.
1961 was the advent of the Twins making a baseball impact in Minnesota.
Town Team Baseball, as it is often referred to, a game that had flourished
big time in the 1950's, began a downslide in participation and attendance.
Many communities folded up their programs. Rosen was no exception, as the
team fell by the wayside in 1966.
With renewed interest and dedication from local advocates of the game,
America's past-time was rejuvenated in 1968. The program to this day boasts
of the finest in a big area. Since the late 1980's, Rosen has had the only
Town Team in Lac qui Parle County. The team is a make-up of young men in
the area, and also from some of the other communities nearby. Madison has
contributed the most in numbers. Players, the past several years on the
team, have been hovering right around the 20 mark. These young men enjoy
playing the game and the new friendships created have been a positive.
By being a solid program doesn't always mean a high winning percentage
on the field. Although, there have been some great winning teams over the
course of years. It's been fun for the players, but also very important as
an entertainment in the area. It draws families and friends together for
just plain visiting and relaxation. Playground equipment is available near
the park for the youngsters.
The program would not be a success without the help of dedicated
volunteers. Field upkeep, concession workers, public address announcers,
and other areas of need, are all done free will. No one gets paid
financially. There have been generous donations by several individuals and
businesses throughout the years to aid in the purchase of equipment &
insurance.
Attendance has been better in recent years than it has ever been. As a
result, with the popularity and baseball atmosphere the Rosen Baseball Park
offers, the League Tournaments have been played in Rosen since 1998.
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