By Bill DeLost
Publisher, Pine Cone/Press-Citizen
 
   In April of 2006, a new Longville baseball field was announced and within a couple of weeks, ground was broken for the Russ Nyvall Field, a field that honors the builder of Longville's first baseball field.
   Saturday, at 1 p.m., Oscar Nyvall, son of Russ, along with grandchildren will return to Longville to be a part of the dedication of the new Russ Nyvall Field.
   Along with them will be Dave St. Peter, President of the Minnesota Twins. The Twins made a financial contribution to the Russ Nyvall Field project.

   Russ Nyvall contributed much to the lifestyle in Longville.  He is often credited with starting the Turtle Races and annual fireworks, while operating his tavern where Lori¹s Luvs stands today.
   He became interested in town baseball, becoming a good pitcher, and from 1946 to 1950, he starred as a pitcher, first baseman and catcher for the Longville team.
   Out of town teams drafted him to play for them at tournaments.  In one crucial game, pitching 19 innings, Russ damaged his arm, leaving him unable to pitch again.  He turned his interests to coaching Little League baseball, which he did for 12 years.

   In 2005, Longville lost its former baseball field to the expansion of the Longville airport.
   Scott Stuart, a summer resident on Woman Lake, approached local Realtor Bill Hansen to assist with finding a suitable location for a new field. Stuart pledged an initial $25,000 toward the project and with Hansen¹s help, the search was underway.

   Hansen remembers Russ Nyvall.  "I knew him after his baseball days," Hansen recounts.  "I didn¹t play ball with him, I just knew him as a businessman. He was always looking to help kids, like go to the circus and making sure each child got an elephant ride.  I remember him collecting money for the 4th of July fireworks show.  He was a great guy in town."

  The City will own, insure and maintain the property and the property will only be used as a ball field.
   It has taken dozens of people, donating thousands of hours and many more thousands of dollars to make the Russ Nyvall Field a reality. The field is state of the art including an in-ground watering system, real dougouts, and a first class infield, and picture perfect outfield.

   Attorney Steve Baker donated his services for legal and closing procedures. Roger Mustonen donated the survey work and Don Charpentier served as construction manager.  J.J. Welk moved a lot of earth, Steve Hanson planted trees and the committee of Bill Hansen Sr., Alan Weaver, Don David, Troy Likens, Don Charpentier and Steve Johnson helped manage the efforts. No doubt there are dozens more involved in this project that stands as a salute to community spirit and on Saturday, recognitions will be given.

   The public is invited to join in the celebration of this "Field of Dreams" that commemorates the contributions of  Russ Nyvall, and the people who have unselfishly served this project. Free food and drink in the form of brats, hot dogs, chips and pop will be provided and the newest addition to the ball field complex, a storage/food service/ restroom building will be on display.  Tables, chairs and tents for shelter will be set up at the field.

   Longville native and former ball player, Jim Garner, will share colorful stories of Russ Nyvall and talk about playing under his leadership. Local Little Leaguers will play a game against area residents.  Emcee for the event will be Steve Johnson who invites everyone to join in for an afternoon of old time town baseball on Longville¹s Field of Dreams.