Valley Children’s Helps Keep a Field of Dreams Alive

On a warm Fresno afternoon, kids sprint across freshly leveled turf, laughter mingling with the crisp ping of aluminum bats on baseballs. For families in the Sunnyside neighborhood, this isn’t just a ballpark, it’s a symbol of community, resilience and opportunity. Thanks to a major renovation supported by Valley Children’s and local partners, Bakman Field is ready to serve the next generation.

“Working with community partners to help provide more equitable access to outdoor spaces, safe spaces and spaces where kids can be kids is really part of our mission. Physical activity is really critical to healthy development of children. It improves a child’s ability to concentrate and their alertness, which improves their academics,” said Dr. Carmela Sosa, medical director of the Guilds Center for Community Health at Valley Children’s.

The upgrades, completed before and during the 2025 season, include new bleachers, dugouts, fencing, ADA-compliant restrooms, a snack bar, scoreboard and irrigation system. The field was also leveled to accommodate the Challenger League, giving children with mobility challenges the chance to play.

“Being a part of something like the Challenger League, which allows kids who otherwise would not have those opportunities to participate in activities that are a fundamental part of childhood, is just amazing to be able to do,” said Dr. Sosa.

Bakman Field’s story began in 1963, when Sunnyside Lone Star Little League needed a home. The Bakman family, longtime Central Valley residents, stepped in.

“This whole idea with my family, it’s always been about giving back,” said Tim Bakman.

Rather than donate it, his father, Richard, sold the land for $1, with the condition that it would always remain dedicated to youth baseball and softball. Parents and volunteers built the field by hand, and Opening Day launched a tradition that has touched more than 12,000 kids.

For Aaron Wall, who grew up playing at Bakman Field and now coaches his own children there, the restoration is deeply personal.

“It’s super special. Watching them run down to first base, just like I did. Baseball is just kind of the excuse for us all to get together, but it goes beyond that in terms of what we want to build here,” Wall said.

Coach Trevor Barbeau shares that vision.

“Not only do we build players for baseball and softball, but we also build good citizens of our community,” he said.

With its revitalization complete, Bakman Field stands ready to keep the sounds of baseball, and the spirit of community, alive for decades to come.