PIONEER, Ohio — The 17th year of northwest Ohio’s only backyard baseball field begins on June 6 with Opening Day.
The first event of the season features a $5-per-person home run derby, with the top slugger winning the entire pot.
Players are encouraged to stick around for some friendly pickup games played under 42 Field’s custom rules that blend baseball, slowpitch softball and vintage baseball.
Other events this summer include:
Sandlot Saturday, June 20: A showcase of baseball at 42 Field including a traditional doubleheader and, if needed, a tiebreaking backyard game. The event features lunch for all players, 42 Field merchandise and a bat trophy for the winning team.
Kickball for Pioneer, July 11: A first at the field, Kickball for Pioneer is a fundraiser for Pioneer Community Church’s food pantry. All proceeds will be donated to the church.
The Tourney, July 24-26: A three-day backyard, slowpitch baseball tournament that takes players back to their childhood. The Tourney is 42 Field’s longest running event dating back to 2016.
Wiffle Ball Day, Aug. 8: The idea of Pioneer resident Daniel Miller, Wiffle Ball Day is a fundraiser for Safe Harbor, Inc., a domestic violence nonprofit based in Pioneer.
The Real One, Aug. 22: Since 2020, the season at 42 Field has ended with the Real One, a live baseball game in the middle of nowhere.
An invite-only game, players who played the year prior are given first dibs on a spot. Players will be served Tano’s pizza after the game.
All events at 42 Field are for players of high-school age and older. All ability levels are welcome. For more information, check out 42 Field on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok; email skdurham42@gmail.com or call 419-212-4015. 42 Field is located at 18333 County Road 10.50, Pioneer, Ohio.