History of Bennett Family Park
Welcome to the history page of Bennett Family Park, a community treasure that has been the heart of youth baseball and softball in Minnetonka since its founding. This page highlights the park's incredible journey, the people who made it all happen, and the values of teamwork, inclusion, and dedication that define its legacy. To keep this page both engaging and concise, we’ve included highlights of the park’s history and its milestones. For those who want to dive deeper, links to full articles and documents are available for you to explore the details.
A Living Legacy
Today, Bennett Family Park stands as a testament to the power of community, hard work, and love for the game of baseball. From its humble beginnings to its current role as a hub for youth sports, the park continues to embody the values of teamwork, inclusion, and dedication to the next generation. We invite you to visit the park, volunteer, or simply enjoy a game under the summer sun. After all, every great game begins at Bennett Family Park.
The Origins of Bennett Family Park (1951–1957)
Bennett Family Park began with a vision of community and love for baseball. In 1951, Carl Hensel and Tup Way organized Minnesota’s first Little League, with teams from Minnetonka, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Edina. For years, games were held on village and school fields. The park itself was established in 1955, thanks to the generosity of the Ted Bennett family, who donated 22 acres of land originally used by the Deephaven Gun Club. With the drive and determination of Harold Strot and Ray Peterson, the first baseball field was built. By June 1, 1957, the field was ready for its grand opening, with Deephaven Mayor Bud Robb throwing the first pitch.
Key Milestone: The creation of Bennett Family Park symbolized community collaboration, as local residents worked tirelessly to grade the field, lay sod, and build fences, dugouts, and a concession stand.
History of Bennett Family Baseball Park in Minnetonka MN Presented in 2009 by Nancy Countryman and Fred Hanus for the Minnetonka Historical Society at Minnetonka City Hall.
Phase II: Transformation and Inclusion (2004–2009)
The early 2000s marked a transformative era for Bennett Family Park with Phase II of its development. This phase focused on expanding the park’s facilities and creating a space for all youth, including physically and mentally impaired players. One of the most impactful additions was the Miracle League Field, a rubberized baseball field designed for players with disabilities. The field was completed in 2009 and named the Subway Restaurants Harmon Killebrew Field, honoring the former Minnesota Twins great who championed inclusion in baseball. Other improvements during this phase include:
- The creation of Legacy Fields in partnership with the Minnetonka Diamond Club and Minnetonka School District.
- The upgrade and addition of several new fields, accommodating players of all ages and skill levels.
- A new asphalt parking lot and other infrastructure improvements to enhance visitor experience.
Community Impact: The “Miracle at Bennett” project raised $1.2 million through local fundraising, grants, and generous contributions, uniting the community for a common cause.
Honoring Legends:
Jim Peck’s Legacy
No history of Bennett Family Park would be complete without mentioning Jim Peck, a cornerstone of Minnetonka’s youth baseball legacy. Peck’s career spanned over 60 years, during which he built the Excelsior Legion Baseball program into one of the most successful in the country.
Key Achievements:
- Coached over 200 players who went on to play college baseball.
- Won two state championships and ranked fifth all-time in wins among national Legion coaches.
- Played a pivotal role in fundraising for Veterans Field at Minnetonka High School and other community baseball projects.
Peck’s philosophy was simple yet profound: "My calling in life has been to make things better for kids." His dedication earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame and recognition by the American Baseball Coaches' Association for his lifetime of service to youth baseball.
The Miracle League:
Baseball for All
One of the most inspiring aspects of Bennett Family Park’s history is its commitment to inclusion. The Miracle League Field ensures that children with disabilities can experience the joy of playing baseball. In its first few years, the Miracle League grew to include 10 teams, supported by over 1,000 volunteers acting as “buddies” for the players.This effort reflects the park’s core belief that baseball is for everyone, a principle that continues to guide its programs and initiatives today.