By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – If it wasn't for Ted Lundgren, Babe Ruth baseball might have never made its way to Niles.
Lundgren was the first president of the Babe Ruth League from 1970 to 1984 and started what has grown into years of ballpark fun for athletes, their families and anyone who loves the game.
Before the start of Wednesday evening's contest, Thomas Stadium staff, baseball players, coaches and fans had a very special treat of watching Lundgren throw the opening pitch, something he hasn't done in years. Lundgren was joined by residents of Silverbrook Manor, who enjoyed a trip to the stadium for an evening of baseball.
"We like taking the residents to different places. This is the first time we've been here," said Stephen Palmer, activities assistant at Silverbrook.
When Lundgren first started the league 37 years ago, he said the field looked a lot different than it does today. "It was a lot shorter. They didn't have the speakers or the big building behind home plate (announcers box and restrooms). They didn't have the netting and the dugouts were different," Lundgren said.
Lundgren was born and raised in Niles, graduating from Niles High School in 1946. Lundgren was part of Niles' first baseball team to play in 1946. Before then, he said there was no baseball due to World War II. That was his senior year, meaning Lundgren only was able to play one year of high school baseball. He made up for it, though, after joining the military.
"I went in 1947 and served for five years. I played basball in Panama City for the military," Lundgren said.
After returning to Niles, Lundgren began playing baseball at Thomas Stadium. They had leagues at the time, but nothing like a Babe Ruth League.
Some of his memories of playing baseball included going to the Thomas Stadium restaurant, which was located across the street from the baseball field.
"The managers would take us over there and buy us food after a lot of our games. It was a good time," Lundgren said.
When asked if baseball has changed much over the years, Lundgren said he didn't think so.
"They still play the game the same. Maybe it's a little harder now than it was back then, but I like what they have done with this field. It seems to be built up very well," he said.
Lundgren admitted he is still a big fan of baseball, and enjoys watching the Chicago Cubs.
"When we left to come here the Cubs game was on. They were in the sixth inning and were beating the Rockies, 5-2," Lundgren said.
Times have changed, fields have changed, rules are different than they used to be, but one thing's for sure, Niles can owe a lot of its baseball success to Lundgren.