Rebuild Sapa/Johnsrud Grandstands!!

On the evening of June 27th, the grandstands at the beloved Sapa/Johnsrud Memorial field, in Columbia Falls, caught fire and burned to the ground.   As people gathered outside the centerfield fence, gazing into the flames, there was a devastating sense of awe and bewilderment.  More than a few tears were shed as we realized exactly how much we were losing.  How many players and families have spent countless hours sitting under the cover of the grandstands, taking in the games, making memories that will last a lifetime?  It's a favorite past time of so many in our small community, from the young boys watching their favorite player, dreaming of taking the mound, to grandma and grandpa coming to brag, "That's my grandson out there!"  Many of our local veteran's who reside at the Montana State Veterans home just a short distance down the road, come down and relive the glory days, cheering on the home team.  Many don't know the history of the Sapa/Johnsrud Memorial field.  In 1984, one year after their team played in the World Series, Jimmy Sapa and Ray Johnsrud were killed in a collision with a train, while driving home from baseball practice.  Several years later, and $30,000 in materials, and labor, the grandstands were built and the stadium was dedicated to these 2 fine young athletes.  Since then, Glacier Baberuth baseball league has produced 2 more world series teams and some of the most talented players to ever take the field...it's safe to say we are a baseball community.  But we are also a generous, loving community, and I have faith in everyone you to help us rebuild our treasured grandstands.  After all, as Hank Aaron once said, "The only thing left to do is keep swinging!"