TOWN OF LAWRENCE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A new sports facility is being built in southern Brown County.
Thanks to efforts by former major league pitcher and West De Pere graduate Jason Berken, the ability to play baseball and softball all year long in a full-sized facility is becoming a reality with a new facility for Impact Sports Academy.
“It allows us to expand what we are doing and allows us to compete inside with our full-sized infield and 45-foot high ceilings.”
During its summer kickoff meeting Sunday night, Impact Sports Academy announced the details of the plans.
It will be built in the Town of Lawrence, near the town hall along I-41.
Berken says one thing working against ballplayers in Wisconsin is long winters and shortened seasons.
“It is a challenge and hopefully it allows us to give these kids more preparation and expand what we are currently doing. You realize pretty quickly that the kids in this area can compete with kids from throughout the country, but the disadvantage is that they cannot compete all year long as others can.”
The new 42 thousand square foot facility should open in the fall of 2020.
Berken had an 11-year career in the major league.
