We at 709 baseball boast many available fields for all ages and skills, from the 6 fields at our Lake Park facility, to the 7 fields at Wheeler/Wade, and 2 at our Western facility. Having this many fields available allows our players the most practice and playing time of anyone in northern Minnesota. Our players grow up playing at excellently maintained fields and facilities that promote player safety. From our weekly field maintenance, pre-game grooming, to the nets that protect spectators from foul balls. Player and spectator safety is a top priority to us at 709 Baseball, and we continually look for ways to improve the player and spectator experience.
The Lake Park facility has grown from 2 fields on Riley road, to our large 6 field complex on Jean Duluth road all within the last 25 years. 709 Baseball is committed to growing and improving our facilities, as evident in the new large batting cage at our Lake Park facility that allows up to 4 teams to safely work on hitting drills simultaneously. We continue to assess what needs our players have from our facilities and strive to meet those needs whenever possible.
Duluth 709 baseball also utilizes great facilities on the western side of Duluth. These facilities include the 7 fields that are part of the Wheeler Sports Complex. Several of the Wheeler fields can be set up for major or modified divisions, while there is also a full field option. There are 2 additional fields for the major level located at Western Duluth Little League which includes bullpens and concession stand.
There is currently a campaign underway to fund and build a new permanent batting cage at the Western fields. Similar to our cage at Lake Park, this cage would allow several teams to safely warm up before games, or allow smaller groups to break out during practice. The hope is to have this project complete this summer to provide the only permanent batting cage accessible to youth on the west side of Duluth so our players can get their swings in and improve their skills.
The gem of the facilities on the west side of Duluth is Wade Stadium. Wade is a full stadium complex with seating for over 4,000 fans, a covered concourse, turf field, large scoreboard, batting cages, and serves as an incredible site for full field baseball at the youth, high school, and college levels. Wade Stadium originally built in 1941 underwent a major renovation in 2015 that included the installation of the turf playing surface. The stadium has also been home to professional baseball in the past and is currently the home of the Duluth Huskies of the Northwoods League for high level college baseball players.
