Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer's Park to open Saturday

June 1, 2006 - Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release

Reading, PA - On the heels of FirstEnergy Stadium being named the #2 ballpark in all of Minor League Baseball, the City of Reading is about to open another gem of a stadium. Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer's Park, an $850,000 youth stadium built by Baseballtown Charities in the heart of Reading, will open on Saturday, June 3. Festivities begin at 11:00 AM.

The stadium sits on the grounds of Lauer's Park Elementary School. The school was named for the professional stadium that sat there from 1907-1941. Babe Ruth and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson both played there and Reading's own baseball legend, "Broadway" Charlie Wagner began his pro career there. The new youth stadium is named for Gordon Hoodak, the current and longtime principal at the school. The stadium will be home to the school and the Olivet Boys and Girls Club RBI Leagues.

Helping with Opening Day will be the Lauer's Park Squires. The Squires are students from Lauer's Park in grades 3-5 who are learning how to operate their new stadium from the Reading Phillies front office.

Reading Baseball Hall of Famer Jim "Mudcat" Grant, a 20-game winner in the big leagues, will be the keynote speaker. He'll be joined by fellow 20-game winners Al Downing and Mike Norris.

Baseballtown Charites was founded by the Reading Phillies in 2002. It is recognized by the state of Pennsylvania as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more please visit baseballtown.org.

Ballpark amenities:

- Brick and mortar stadium with grass and dirt field

- Covered grandstand with seats identical to those at FirstEnergy Stadium

- Dugouts, press box, ticket window and concession stand

- Asymmetrical outfield, with home run wall that varies in height, complete with foul poles, billboards and digital scoreboard

- View of Reading skyline

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• Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer's Park to open Saturday - Reading Fightin Phils
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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