Although the Helena Brewers (Rookie; Pioneer League) have departed, Kindrick Legion Field will remain active in 2019 and beyond with a slate that includes American Legion Baseball games.
The 2018 season marked the last for the Brewers at Kindrick Legion Field. Following the season, team owner Elmore Sports Group moved the franchise to Colorado Springs as part of a three-team shift that saw the San Antonio Missions (Class AA; Texas League) move to Amarillo–rebranding to the Sod Poodles and opening a new ballpark along the way–and the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) relocate to San Antonio and assume the Missions name and branding.
Although the move of the former Brewers–who have rebranded as the Rocky Mountain Vibes to correspond with their move to Colorado Springs–marked the end of affiliated Minor League Baseball at the ballpark, Kindrick Legion Field will continue to host American Legion Baseball. While legion ball had been played alongside MiLB action at Kindrick Legion Field in the past, the departure of the Brewers has cleared the way for the city and local American Legion baseball officials to reach an agreement that gives the program a more active role in the ballpark’s operations. More from the Independent Record:
Kindrick Legion Field is city owned with the team paying $5,000 per year for a special use permit good for the next two years.
“This is a use agreement,” said Craig Marr, interim Parks and Recreation director for the city. “It basically authorizes them to use park property. We use (agreements) for a variety of entities.”
Under the agreement, the city still has the ability to schedule events at the field when the baseball teams are not using the grounds. The Senators are responsible for all utilities, upkeep and other expenses they incur at the park.
Under the Brewers’ old contract, the city received a list of repairs from the team and the city would have to respond.
“Basically, this took the expenses away from the city,” Marr said of the Senators taking over. “We’re always looking for more of a partnership (situation).”
The three Helena American Legion Baseball teams that call Kindrick Legion Field home are the Senators, “AA” – Varsity baseball, Reps – “A” – Junior Varsity baseball, and Independents – “B” – Freshmen/Sophomore baseball. A historic ballpark, Kindrick Legion Field originally opened in 1932 and features a classic covered grandstand and a scenic view of Mount Helena.