March 26, 2022

By Fred Liggett
FredL@lstribune.net

A team that finished as a state runner up and another team who finished as district champions were among those recognized as part of events surrounding the opening of the brand new Lee’s Summit High School baseball stadium.

Opening weekend for the new facility, located at the new East Trails Middle School on Bailey Road, began on Friday, Mar. 18 with an alumni game. More than 50 former players and coaches attended the event. Each player received a hat and a jersey. The game pitted players who graduated in odd numbered years against those graduating in even numbered years. Four of the six all time head coaches were present for the two day event. Former head coaches Bill Hill, Jeff Diekman, Kim Rohlfing and current head coach Jim Mellody.

Saturday, Mar. 19 activities began at 10:30 in the morning with pre-game ceremonies prior to the Tigers first game in the new stadium. The 1972 team was recognized who completed the best finish in school history that season.

The team finished as the state runner up at the Missouri state championships. The 1979 team who won a district title that year was represented by Coach Bill Hill along with players Dave Hix and Rich Wieligman among others. The Class of 2020 was honored due to their senior season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The opening weekend full of activities ended successfully with the 2022 Tigers winning the first game versus Odessa. Now that the 2022 season is in full swing the chance to check out the new facility for Tigers fans and enjoy a game can easily be done. The Tigers will be hosting both Rockhurst and Nixa on Saturday, Mar. 26. The new stadium will be on television for the first time on Tuesday, Mar. 29 when the Tigers host the Truman Patriots in the Spectrum Cable Game of the Week. First pitch is at 4:30 p.m. on game day with the game being shown at various times throughout the week.