Pitching in: Multi-league efforts support rebuild of Ingram Little League fields

When the Guadalupe River surged over its banks on July 4, the Ingram Little League fields sat directly in the path of the floodwaters—leaving behind widespread destruction and a community searching for a way forward.

The flooding destroyed fields, fencing and newly upgraded facilities, including a concession stand and restrooms completed in 2024. For a volunteer-run league that has served more than 200 local players since 1986, the damage was devastating.

In the weeks since, support has poured in from across Texas.

YOUNG PLAYERS STEP UP

In suburban Houston, the Sienna Blackhawks organized a lemonade stand to support the league’s rebuilding efforts.

 “They lost everything. We wanted to help," said Sienna Blackhawk James Radke. “It’s important for kids to get to play baseball if they want to. You learn how to face adversity, and you learn leadership and how to communicate with other people."

The team raised $1,550 through donations, with players volunteering their time to run the stand.

MINOR AND MAJOR LEAGUE SUPPORT

Professional teams have also joined the effort.

The San Antonio Missions hosted a fundraising game Aug. 9 against the Springfield Cardinals, with proceeds benefiting flood relief efforts tied to the league.

“It means a lot to the players, their families and coaches, but it also means something to the guys in the locker room,” Missions manager Luke Montz said. “They get to help out and step away from win/loss records for a little bit.”

Players wore jerseys representing area high schools impacted by the flooding, which were later autographed and auctioned.

Missions owner, NBA Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

“It’s hard when you see your people hurting, when you see the struggle and devastation,” Ginobili said. “When tragedy strikes, it makes you feel proud when the community steps up. We’re here with the Missions to help provide some relief.”

For local athletes, the event offered more than fundraising—it gave players a chance to be kids again.

“It’s pretty cool to have them come out here, and to be able to give them some hours of normalcy,” Missions pitcher Ryan Och said.

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” Center Point High School player Pace Davis said. “(The Missions) have been real nice to us. Letting us come out here and throw the ball around...It’s been an amazing experience."

The support extended to the Major Leagues, where the San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox wore jerseys representing affected Hill Country schools during batting practice. Those jerseys were later auctioned online.

 A STATEWIDE EFFORT

The push to rebuild has grown into a coordinated effort involving multiple organizations.

The San Antonio Missions have partnered with the Round Rock Express, the Nolan Ryan Foundation and RS3 Turf with the goal of restoring the Ingram Little League complex.

“Our goal is to help rebuild the entire complex in Ingram,” said Reid Ryan, co-owner of the Round Rock Express. ”These fundraisers are like the first inning in a nine-inning game.”

Additional fundraising efforts have included raffles, auctions and donation drives during minor league games, as well as a statewide online campaign encouraging college baseball fans to contribute.

“Join us in restoring a vital community space that gives Hill Country kids the chance to grow through the great game of baseball,” University of Texas head coach Jim Schlossnagle said in a video posted on X.

MORE COMMUNITY EVENTS AHEAD

Support for Ingram Little League continues to build.

Boerne Little League will host “Field of Dreams: An Ingram Little League Rebuild” from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Northrup Park. The event will include outdoor movie screenings, games, raffles and food vendors, with proceeds benefiting the league.

The Sugar Land Space Cowboys will also host a fundraising game against the El Paso Chihuahuas on Sept. 21, with a portion of ticket and parking sales going toward rebuilding efforts.

This article was originally published in the Aug. 13, 2025 edition of the Kerrville Daily Times.