Kenosha Kingfish GM excited to introduce new turf field, scoreboard to Simmons Field this summer (2024)

MIKE RAMCZYK

Simmons Field underwent a massive facelift for this summer’s Kenosha Kingfish season. The investments made should prove to be a win for the fans.

The traditional grass field has been removed in place of a more modern, state-of-the-art turf field.

An upgraded scoreboard will light-up the outfield — improving the fan experience with a LED board and a digital scoring system to blend a new look with a “classic feel,” according to a Kenosha Kingfish press release.

The renovations to the playing surface cost around $1.5 million. The new and improved scoreboard cost $1 million. But Kenosha Kingfish General Manager Ryne Goralski said the upgrades are well worth it, and it has helped the team extend its Simmons Field lease.

The new field will allow the Kingfish to hold concerts, Little League all-star games and a wealth of new possibilities.

“The city and our ownership worked together on the teams of the agreement, and part of that was us extending our lease at Simmons Field,” Goralski said. “The turf is beautiful, it’s state-of-the-art and looks really amazing. We desperately needed the scoreboard. It is from Daktronics, which is a leader in scoreboards throughout the country.”

There is also brand new netting behind home plate and down the baselines that will be easier to see through. The netting is the same that’s used by the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. The ballpark will also feature an upgraded lighting system that will have the ability to flash and strobe similar to many major league level stadiums.

All renovations are scheduled to be completed before the Kingfish take the field on Opening Night at 6:35 p.m. Friday, May 31, against Waterloo.

“These improvements will have a meaningful effect on fan safety and overall enjoyment of Simmons Field”, Kingfish Managing Partner Bill Fanning said. “We are thankful to have partnered with the City of Kenosha to provide our fans with a safer environment, enhanced entertainment value and a more enjoyable experience.

“Whether it’s coming to a Kingfish game or any other event at Historic Simmons Field, we know people are going to enjoy it.”

It’s going to be a new era that will be on par with more modern minor league and summer baseball stadiums, and Goralski couldn’t happier — or busier. Work started in August and it has been a long process making improvements to the grounds that have stood since 1920.

Goralski, now in his seventh summer with the Kingfish, says he works to give fans and the team the best experience possible.

“Being in the community and seeing people wear Kingfish gear is such an honor,” Goralski said. “I work with an amazing team and consider them family.”

The Kenosha News recently caught up with Goralski to get the inside scoop on this year’s new-look Kenosha Kingfish.

KN: So why the new turf field? Has there been push-back from the community, and who helped put it together?

RG: It looks really amazing. Yes, we had push-back from baseball traditionalists but they fail to realize that the field is used for over 90-plus games throughout the baseball season.

It is home to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, St. Joseph Catholic Academy, Christian Life, and men’s leagues as well as the Kingfish. The field endures a long winter and it is impossible to have grass at a playable standard by March. With the turf, we can do so much more for our community, including softball, concerts, Little League and much more.

In total it cost around $1.5 million dollars for the project, drainage and some other items included. The city and our ownership worked together on the terms of the agreement, and part of that was us extending our lease at Simmons Field.

KN: There’s also a new scoreboard?

RG: We desperately needed it. It was around $1 million dollars, as well. It has the ability to play video, do replays, display properly and be a huge part of the experience at Simmons Field. This will make the park a destination for players and fans. It’s part of making Simmons a state-of-the-art facility. That along with brand new netting and field lights.

KN: What other changes will there be this season?

RG: New netting around the park that will be 40 feet high and the same they use at American Family Field. Also, new lighting that has the ability to do the flashing and song playing you see at major league parks.

KN: How long did everything take?

RG: We started in August, so it has been a long process. It has been an incredible amount of work and really amazing to watch it all come together.

We have had contractors in and out of the park for the entire offseason, and everyone has to work in conjunction with one another. We owe a ton of credit to all parties involved. Our ownership group has worked incredibly hard at getting this accomplished, and it has paid off in a major way.

People don’t realize how many details go into this operation, and it takes a village of people. Our front office has done a great job selling tickets to get people to see these amazing renovations. Simmons Field has been home to baseball for 105 years, and this is going to be the most exciting season yet.

KN: What can people look forward to this year with all the changes?

RG: I think it’s the same experience but with some major upgrades. It will be the same great atmosphere here at Simmons. Great weather, great baseball, and a great time. It is baseball at its finest.

KN: Any other changes?

RG: We have a new coach, Aidan Wirshing, who we’re really excited about. He is a young and upcoming manager who we are really eager to watch lead us this year. We will have two really great local kids, Max Strash (Bradford) and Brady Davidson (St. Joseph). We are going to play the game the right way and have fun while doing it. I have a lot of faith in Aidan and his staff.

KN: What is your goal for this season and beyond?

RG: It’s a community asset that has brought baseball to Kenosha for a long time. We will have concerts, Little League all star games, high school all star games, and softball out here.

I think folks grew up playing at Simmons, and we are the keepers of the field. Bob Lee started baseball in Kenosha in 1984, and we owe a debt of gratitude to him. I’m lucky enough to consider him a friend, and he is blown away with the renovations. I think people will walk in the park this year and truly be taken back with the changes.

KN: What do you want to see from the team on the field this year?

RG: I want to see a competitive team, we will leave the managing of the game to our coaches. I will manage the business, and part of that is having success financially of course. We are responsible for keeping the fans happy and coming back.

At the end of the day I run the operation, and our coaches run the baseball. I want our team to be a reflection of our organization, and that means doing everything with class and representing this city the right way and being at the top of the league in attendance and the standings. Our goal is to bring a championship to Kenosha. They keep score and we want to win the game, that’s why baseball is the best.