By Steve Van Kooten
Clayton Ridge Youth Sports (CRYS) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Darwin Duwe Field this past month to celebrate the installation of batting cages at Duwe and at Vets Field in Guttenberg.
The ceremony took place on Sunday, May 17, at 5 p.m.
The batting cages were finished earlier this year, and they've reportedly already made a difference for the kids.
"As a coach, I have seen a tremendous boost of confidence in how my kids are playing. We used the cages all throughout the practice season. Now, at game time, I have my pitchers use it to warm up, and [occasionally] when needed we have a batting practice with the pitching machine right before the game," said Jon Thomas, board president of CRYS.
CRYS launched their fundraising campaign in the spring of 2025. A poker run took place in June of this past year to help raise funds for the batting cages.
The budget for the new batting cage at Vets Field was estimated to be slightly over $25,000, according to information given by the organization.
Duwe Field did not have a batting cage, which the organization claims limits opportunities for kids to train and hone their skills. The estimated cost for the batting cage was originally $24,750.
Thomas said the project came in under budget thanks to donations from the City of Guttenberg and the RAGBRAI Committee that covered the excavating and concrete expenses. He estimated the savings to be almost $16,000.
The Clayton Ridge High School baseball coach Casey Zarr was credited for helping save money on turf.
Donations for the project came from Zach and Kate Mueller, Clay and Nancy Nuerhring, Ramiro and Kalie Robles, Brian Bries, Andy and Mindy Reimer, Jon and Stephanie Thomas, Greg Rausch Construction, Lakeside-Poker Run, Rosemary's Bed & Bath, CSB Community Savings Bank, Think Custom, Foundation of Cornerstone Communities, Dustin Eglseder Memorial Endowment for Guttenberg Youth, St. John's Lutheran Chruch and Community Foundation for Greater Dubuque.
Additionally, The Eagles Club, The Stadium, The Dam Bar, Guttenberg Brewing Co., Moxies and The Rathskeller were recognized as donors to the batting cages.
For further information, contact Jon Thomas at tntpropandesign@gmail.com.
