ROCKFORD — The International Women’s Baseball Center on Monday celebrated a milestone in its effort to renovate the historic Beyer Stadium and energize a love of the game for women and girls here and across the world.

The nonprofit marked the ceremonial groundbreaking on the first phase of a three-part plan to overhaul the grounds at 15th Avenue and Seminary Street where the Rockford Peaches once played.

“This groundbreaking and this field is not about grass and dugouts and bleachers. It’s about the stories, the dreams of those thousands of young ladies who have played here and are going to continue to get that opportunity as we have the chance to bring together the past, the present and the future all in one place,” said Leslie Heaphy, president of the IWBC. “We have this opportunity to dream big, to show people what is possible.”

The groundbreaking was attended by local dignitaries, founding members of the IWBC, dozens of supporters and 98-year-old women’s baseball icon Maybelle Blair. The park surrounding the stadium, 245 15th Ave., has been renamed in Blair’s honor. The grounds are now called Beyer Stadium at Maybelle Blair Park. Check out Rock River Current for the full article!