Neighbor News
Bob Klein of JP Morgan on The Home of the Sun Devils
Bob Klein of JP Morgan describes how the home of the Sun Devils came to be.
The Sun Devil Field was built on the vision that youth could not only play baseball in a state-of-the-art ballpark, but learn and implement the values of sportsmanship. The idea of creating the Sun Devil Field came from one of the parents and coaches of the Sun Devils, Bob Klein.
When Bob looks back at his own memories associated with sports, he can find himself smiling. He remembers fondly of the values that sports taught him. When his own son showed interest in playing baseball, Bob encouraged him. As his son grew and participated in youth baseball teams, Bob wanted him to have fun and to remember the values of sportsmanship.
From both his own experiences and those of his son, Bob Klein recognized how sports play a vital role in helping youth learn lessons that can be implemented later on in life. Bob explains that it is often through sports that children learn about the benefits of hard work, honor, professionalism, and respect.
In 2008, after recruiting Mark Cresse, a former member of the Los Angeles Dodgers coaching staff, Bob founded the Orange County Sun Devils Baseball team. After forming an enthusiastic team of bright youth, Bob ran into the challenge of finding a place to practice.
After some searching, Bob was able to secure a 4-acre plot in Costa Mesa, CA. With a little help from fellow Sun Devil dads, Bob Cope and Phil Rudy, they planned, designed, and executed the official home of the Sun Devils.
In July of 2012, construction of the field began, and by September 1st, the field was completed. Equipped with a two story announcer’s booth, a basketball court, team dugouts, batting cages, and facilities for the baseball community and their families, the home of the Sun Devils was ready for action. That labor day weekend five teams broke in the new field with a tournament and the Sun Devils walked away with first place.
Bob Klein wanted to create an environment where kids could have fun and learn valuable lessons. He and all of those who contributed did that and more. 10 to 20 years from now, the Home of the Sun Devils will hold experiences and memories of past and future teams.
This was originally posted by Bob Klein on BobKleinNewportBeach.wordpress.com
