Last week, I was back in the Northwest Indiana area for work (ABF Freight) and found time on Thursday afternoon for some local baseball experiences. From my hotel in Schererville, Indiana I found a few baseball spots in nearby Valparaiso, Indiana that were manageable drive wise. I have to say, the Midwest area of the United States has some incredible views via their backroads and local highways. Farm lands with nothing but crops as far as the eye can see – that is how I would sum up my ride on Route 30 East, Lincoln Highway out to scenic Valparaiso. First stop, Valparaiso University.

The main campus area of Valparaiso University does not have a baseball field. The baseball team’s field, Emory Bauer Field, sits about a mile or so off campus. And that is where I began my Valparaiso baseball experience on Thursday afternoon. As I pulled up to the field and parked, I noticed a few players on the field playing catch in the absolutely ideal late summer weather – clear skies, light breeze, 70ish temps. Was kind of jealous I didn’t bring my glove and join in on the long toss. Maybe next time.

Quick FYI, the Valparaiso Beacons baseball club play in the Missouri Valley Conference of the NCAA’s Division 1. Their alumni include several current and former professional and MLB players, most notably former player and manager Lloyd McClendon. On this Thursday afternoon, my guess is that the Valpo baseball team was preparing to take the field for a fall baseball practice. So, I made quick work of viewing the field, taking a few photos, and taking in the Valpo baseball experience.

And this video from a raised grassy area just outside the left field viewing area…

After taking one last look from left field at Bauer Field, I hopped in my rental car and mapped out my next field – Samardzija Field. It was a short drive, past beautiful Fairgrounds Park, over to Tower Park, which is located on the corner of Evans and Franklin St. There, next to the basketball courts, was a gorgeous Little League/youth baseball park entitled Samardzija Field.

I was curious for only a moment or two about the field’s namesake. And my thoughts were confirmed when I walked up to the front gate entrance of the field. Jeff Samardzija, the former star receiver (ND Football) and Pitcher (ND Baseball), the local kid from Valparaiso High School, who made it to the Major Leagues, along with other local community leaders, was in fact connected to this field. With a last name like Samardzija, I kind of figured as much. The field is incredible, what an amazing opportunity for the youth of Valparaiso to play on such a fantastic field.

I took a stroll around the field, the gates were open, and took in the beauty of Samardzija Field. An American flag was waving in the center field area and I stopped to be patriotic and just soak in the Indiana vibe. Midwestern life, the folks, the towns, the vibe – from what I observed was very community based, seemingly all polite, very laid back, and very comfortable with visitors. I left Samardzija and Valparaiso very content and psyched that I was able to find such incredible baseball spots. Bauer Field was gearing up for a fall practice and Samardzija Field was baseball ready for a practice itself. Overall, it was an incredible Valparaiso baseball afternoon of experiences at Bauer and Samardzija Fields, Valparaiso, Indiana, USA.