Target Field-Inspired Ballpark in Webster

WEBSTER, S.D. (KELO) -- A t-ball field a few hours north of Sioux Falls might interest some MLB fans.

Laurel Prieb Field in Webster, South Dakota, is inspired by Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins.

KELOLAND News made a visit to Webster, South Dakota, in 2022, when construction was still in progress on Laurel Prieb field, a t-ball field made in the image of the Minnesota Twins' Target Field.

"It took a couple years to get off the ground, but five years ago, we built it. Well, a lot of people got involved to build it. The city was very good to us and Diamond Club, who runs our baseball program, is very good. You wouldn't believe the people that donated money to build this thing because nothing's cheap anymore," Webster Complex groundskeeper Brian Lux said.

One of the contributors to the project was the Minnesota Twins themselves, via the Twins Community Fund.

"They, donated monetarily, people in the front office and the head of the grounds crew helped me design it and worked with us throughout the whole process. They were very instrumental in building it. Dave St. Peter, the past president of the Minnesota Twins, he came out for the grand opening," Webster Complex Coordinator Chad Hesla said.

The outfield fence is half as tall as the fence at Target Field. The right field fence stands 11.5 feet tall, compared to the Twins' field, which is 23 feet. The fences are also 27% of the distance. The bases at the facility were used in a Twins game at Target Field.

Laurel Prieb Field was officially opened for use in 2023.

"Our T-ball team moved here shortly thereafter. They were at the school on the playground, and we moved them out here, and they utilize the field the month of June. So our T-ball program gets to use this field also," Hesla said.

Out of the four fields at the Webster Complex, Hesla says eyes are on the Laurel Prieb Field.

"I think these are more important games over here. Kids from all teams mix and match and get a sandlot game going. It's really fun and cool to see a bunch of kids from different towns and communities come up with their own rules and their own teams and just play all day and enjoy it," Hesla said.

A couple of young t-ball players want to remember this field as they aim for the major leagues.

"Helps me know that to need the experience for it and everything. So when I get older, I can remember this field from helping us get there," Webster wiffle ball player Nash Keller said.

"I'm going to remember this if I make it to the major leagues, this field, if I make it on the Twins. And hopefully it's still here," Webster Wiffle Ball player Nolan Rasmus said.

Hesla just hopes that ambition plays out at the ballpark.

"This is modeled after the Minnesota Twins. And hopefully they enjoy playing here and go watch the Twins in Minneapolis and bring that feeling back to Webster and get their bodies and come out and play," Hesla said.

Hesla recently attended the famous Field of Dreams ballpark in Dyersville, Iowa that hosted the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies game.

He said it made him think about how his dream in the t-ball field came to life and is being utilized by others.