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Tyler Steffey Field Work Day

The field needs some TLC before the Little League season begins. We will begin work on Saturday, April 17th at 9:30am, following the Men’s Breakfast. Projects include removing grass from the skinned part of the infield, racking the infield, and trimming the grass by the fences. If you can, please stop by for an hour or so to help out! Thanks!

Update: December 5, 2009

We had a successful first season on the field. The Dexter Little League and Soccer club did total maintenance on the fields, including the sprinkler system, mowing, and fertilizing. We will continue with both of these groups in 2010, with a potential for T-ball in the spring. There has been no cost to Peace for any of the maintenance and upkeep of the fields.

Letter to the Editor May 11, 2009

It was raining at 2:00 on Saturday afternoon, but not at 4:00 when a crowd of over 200 people gathered for the Dedication of Tyler Steffey Field at Peace Lutheran Church. The sun came out as the Steffey family walked out to the field with Shani Inge, the wife of Detroit Tiger’s Brandon Inge, and Hall of Fame baseball player Al Kaline.

The Dedication of Tyler Steffey field was a great event for many different reasons. The weather cooperated. Mike Steffey thanked the community for its support. Shani Inge helped uncover the Dedication Plaque. Al Kaline threw out the ceremonial “First Pitch.” Representatives from the Dexter Little League played members of Tyler Steffey’s Senior High class in a totally enjoyable game of softball.

These are some of the events that took place that day. But the Dedication was a success because of all the people who made it possible. I want to thank the Dexter Community, the Dexter Little League, the contractors and the volunteers who raised the money, donated their time, and went beyond the responsibilities of their contracts to make this “Field of Dreams” become a reality in a short period of time.

Everyone who was there that day, everyone who helped in any way at all, has helped bring something good, lasting and positive out of a tragedy. On behalf of Mike, Deanna and Gina Steffey, Peace Lutheran Church, and all of the Little Leaguers who will play on this field for years to come, I want to express my thanks. You helped make a dream come true. Thank You. Larry Courson Pastor, Peace Lutheran Church

Tyler Steffey Field dedication article (.pdf)

 

The dedication of Tyler Steffey Field is planned for May 9th, with a rain out date for the 16th.

The "Field of Dreams" has become a reality. We are dedicating Tyler Steffey Field this Saturday, May 9th, at 4:00 PM. Thanks to all of you who helped in many different ways to make this field a reality. I hope you will be here for the dedication and also here to welcome our friends and neighbors to Peace. This should be a great celebration! It is also our own personal "Field of Dreams" because they, the people in our communities, are coming. Be sure to welcome the people around you that day, answer their questions about the church, give them a big smile and tell them you are glad they came. The field looks great. Hope to see you on Saturday. Pastor Courson

Update: April 1, 2009

A congregation work day is planned for Saturday, April 4th at 10:00am to assist with preparations for the dedication. Scheduled work includes rock removal from the field area, construction assembly of a small storage shed, and installation of ball field foul poles and player benches. Volunteers who would be willing to assist with the coordination and management of any of these work day activities should contact either Pastor Courson or Ray Essell. Finally, there is further critical need for an individual to help plan and supervise installation of a farm safety fence around the churches retention pond to protect future guests on the property.

Update: March 6, 2009

The dedication date for Tyler Steffey Field is May 9th, probably around 4:00pm. Before dedication day, we need to install a fence around the retention pond to keep young children safe. The backstop and side fencing have been ordered and should be installed soon. We are planning a community celebration that day and hope that you will come, welcome our neighbors and be part of the festivities. The field will only see limited use during the spring and summer, giving time for the outfield grass to mature. Watch for more information about the dedication plans and how you can be involved.

Update: February 9, 2009

Even though there is quite a bit of snow on the ground right now, plans are still being made to get the Tyler Steffey Field ready for dedication in the spring. The backstop, side fencing and player benches will be ordered soon. We are looking for help to install a “Farm Fence” around the retention pond before dedication day. The tentative date for the dedication is May 2nd, late in the afternoon. (This date may change if we discover any major scheduling conflicts.) Plans are for a field dedication followed by a special dedication event. This may be a whiffleball game between Tyler’s classmates and Little League players verses the Little League coaches and a few other adults. Volunteers will also be needed to help pick rocks off the field before the dedication date. Because the seeding of the fields came later than expected, the first regular use of the field may not be until the fall Dexter Little League season.

Update: January 27, 2009

Even though there is quite a bit of snow on the ground right now, plans are still being made to get the Tyler Steffey Field ready for dedication in the Spring. The backstop, side fencing and player benches will be ordered soon. We are looking for help to install a “Farm Fence” around the retention pond before dedication day. The tentative date for the dedication is May 2nd, late in the afternoon. (This date may change if we discover any major scheduling conflicts.) Plans are for a field dedication followed by a special dedication event. This may be a whiffleball game between Tyler’s classmates and Little League players verses the Little League coaches and a few other adults. Volunteers will also be needed to help pick rocks off the field before the dedication date. Because the seeding of the fields came later than expected, the first regular use of the field may not be until the fall Dexter Little League season.

Update: November 30, 2008

Tyler Steffey Field and Fundraising Event

A fund raising event will be held at Dexter Pub on Dec. 11th. The money raised will be used to purchase the backstop that will be installed on the field named in Tyler’s honor. 10% of the Pub’s food sale receipts for that day will be donated for this purpose. Before the field can be dedicated next spring, the backstop, side fencing, bases and player benches need to be installed, as well as a fence around the retention pond on the church property. The goal is to dedicate the field in late April or early May of 2009 and to host Dexter Little League games on the field following the dedication. The open sports field should be ready for use in the fall of 2009.

Help Support Tyler Steffey’s Field of Dreams with the English Gardens Flower of the Month Club.

By purchasing a “flower of the month” membership from English Gardens, you can help support The Tyler Steffey Field. A one year membership costs only $30.00. Once you obtain your membership, you will pick up designated flowers each month of the year. For example, in June you will pick up a six-stem rose boquet; in October a harvest bouquet. Each month will be a different arrangement! To obtain your membership, call 586-264-4246, ext. 116 and reference Tyler Steffey, or log onto www.adxlonline.com. $5.00 from each membership will go towards the field.

Update: November 19, 2008

December 11, 2007 was a dark day in Dexter, Michigan when Tyler Steffey died tragically as the result of an automobile accident. December 11, 2008 will be a day of hope that something good can grow out of this unforgettable event. Peter Theocharakis, the owner of Dexter’s Pub, 8114 Main Street, is holding a fund raising event for the Tyler Steffey Field on that day. The money raised will be used to purchase the backstop that will be installed on the field named in Tyler’s honor. 10% of the Pub’s food sale receipts for that day will be donated for this purpose.

Tyler Steffey Field was begun as an effort to build a lasting memorial to a young man who loved sports. Thanks to the tremendous support of the Dexter community, the Little League Baseball field and an adjacent open sports field have been constructed at Peace Lutheran Church, where Tyler was a member. Before the field can be dedicated next spring, the backstop, side fencing, bases and player benches need to be installed, as well as a fence around the retention pound on the church property. The goal is to dedicate the field in late April or early May of 2009 and to host Dexter Little League games on the field following the dedication. The open sports field should be ready for use in the fall of 2009.

Tyler Steffey Field and Peace Lutheran Church are located at 8260 Jackson Road, between Baker and Parker Roads. Tax deductable donations for the field may be sent to Tyler Steffey Field, Peace Lutheran Church, 8260 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. The fund raiser at Dexter’s Pub on December 11th will help make this field of dreams become a reality.

Larry Courson, Pastor

Peace Lutheran Church

734-424-0899

Update: September 10, 2008

Funding Needs and Options (.pdf)

The infield sod is in place. A little detail works needs to be attended too and should be completed this week. If the weather co-operates, the outfield, the open soccer / football field and the surrounding areas should be hydro-seeded by the end of the week.

At this point, most of the money raised has been used to do the surfey and earthwork, install the sprinkler system and seed the fields. We are hoping to order the backstop for installation late in October. If we have enough founds we will also try to install the fencing that runs from the backstop along the 1st and 3rd base lines up to the bases. This will deplete the funds in the account.

We hope to post a list of expected expenses to complete the 1st phase of the project the week of September 14th. Major items that need to be completed before opening the field next spring are fencing of the retention pond, installing player benches, placement of foul polls in the outfield and building the stairs and walk path. Any help in raising the additional funds would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to the tremendous support of so many people, Tyler Steffey Field is becoming a reality. In about 7 months we should be able to hear the umpire shout "Play Ball!"

Thanks to the tremendous support of so many people, Tyler Steffey Field is becoming a reality. In about 7 months we should be able to hear the umpire shout "Play Ball!"

New pictures have been added to the pictures page.

Update: September 5, 2008

Tyler Steffey Field is taking shape. The baseball field is prepped and ready for completion. The infield materials for home plate, the pitcher's mound and the infielders / bases is being put down this week (September 3-5). The sprinkler system has been installed and is being tested today (9-4). Sod should go in on the 8th. Seeding the rest of the ball field area will follow.

The longer athletic field will take a little longer. We had to import dirt from the Jackson Road construction project to raise the level of the field. Thanks to Dan's for bringing the fill dirt to us. The goal is to have this field completed and seeded by the middle of September.

We will need volunteers to help water the open field and the new grass on the peremiter of the baseball field. We will also be posting a list of items that are still needed to complete the first phase of the project.

If all goes well, the backstop will be installed later this fall. Donations to help complete this project are still needed and appreciated. They are tax exempt and can be sent to Tyler Steffey Field @ Peace Lutheran Church, 8260 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48130

Update: September 1, 2008

August saw a lot of progress on the Tyler Steffey Field. If all goes well, the sprinkler system, Infield sod and grass seed should all be in by the first part of September. We hope to get the grass established this fall. Our goal is to dedicate the baseball field next spring. We may organize a work party this fall to install fencing around the retention pond. Watering coordinators and volunteers are needed for the Tyler Steffey Ball Field Project. Coordinators Responsibilities: Coordinate and arrange daily watering volunteers for a one week period. Watering Volunteers: Assist with actual watering of the field. With enough volunteers, individuals may only need to water on one occasion. Watering may be done at a time of day to accommodate the volunteer’s schedules. A signup sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the entry, beneath the ball field site plan. Contact Ray Essell at 663-0752 with any questions

Update: July 31, 2008

The excavation work has begun on the Tyler Steffey Field. Check the link on the church website at www.peaceaa.net for up to date pictures and information. The “Movie Under the Stars” event on August 15th (rain date August 16th) will be a fund raiser for the ball field. All donations and proceeds from the sale of food and drinks will be added to the ball park fund. If all goes well, the field and sprinkler system will be in by the end of the month.

Click Here to download the Letter to the Editor - June 26 2008

Update: July 1 2008

July should be a busy month for the Tyler Steffey Field project. The Board of Directors has given approval for the staking of the ball field, the excavation work and signing the “Letter of Intent” with the Dexter Little League. This took place the last full week of June. The Little League also gave a $10,000.00 check toward the ball field project. We are currently working on getting bids for the installation of the sprinkler system for the fields. Plans are to use the water in the retention pond to irrigate the ball fields when needed. The Mexican Fiesta at Peace will raise about $2,600 once matching funds from Thrivent are received. A big “Thank You!” to Juan Ramos and his team for organizing this fun – fundraiser! You can check out the progress on the field when you come to church on Sunday or on the Tyler Steffey Field link on the church web site. www.peaceaa.net.

Update: June 26 2008

Patrick, from C. Wilson & Associates, began the survey work for the Tyler Steffey Field on Thursday, June 26th. He is setting the corners for the field area. This is the first step in preparation for the excavation work that should begin by mid July.

Work on Tyler Steffey Field will begin very soon. C. Wilson & Associates plan to begin survey and staking work for the Field this week, weather permitting. Chie Contractors plan to begin excavation work by mid July to prepare the ground for the future ball field. Construction pictures will be available on the Peace Lutheran Website at www.peaceaa.net. The "Letter of Intent" with the Dexter Little League will be signed this week and their donation of $10,000 will be placed in the Tyler Steffey Field bank account. At the current time enough funds have been received to cover the cost of the staking, excavation and seeding. Additional funds will be needed to put in a sprinkler system, backstop and side line fencing. The goal is to have the baseball field ready for play sometime during the Little League Season next spring. Tax Deductable donations may be sent to Tyler Steffey Field, Peace Lutheran Church, 8260 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Update: June 1 2008

Work on the Tyler Steffey Field at Peace Lutheran Church should begin soon. Thanks to a number of successful fund raisers, we have enough funds in the ball field account to begin staking and grading work on the field. Thanks to Marty Ruhlig for plowing the field in preparation for the excavation work. We also plan to fence around the retention pond this summer. Opportunities to help on the field may come later this summer with the fence, steps, walk path and sprinkler system installation. We’ll keep you informed. Pictures will be posted on the church website when work begins on the field.

Community Sponsored Fund Raising Events

Bob's Big Boy: Raised $10.452.86

Dexter Pub, April 24th - Click here to view pictures

Update: March 13 2008

It is official. The name of the baseball/softball and open fields at Peace Lutheran Church is "Tyler Steffey Field." The site plans have been submitted to Scio Township for final review and approval. These plans were developed and donated by Site Designs Solutions in Kalamazoo. The next step will be submittal of plans to Washtenaw County for check of the soil erosion and earthwork plans. Because of space limitations only one baseball / softball field will be build. The open area will also be prepared and useable as a warm up area, T-Ball, and socceer field. The first check was written out of the Tyler Steffey Field account to pay the $200 for the Zoning Compliance Application. A big thank you to Site Designs Solutions for the great job they did in developing the site plan!

Click here to download the site plan (.pdf)

Funds received: $30,000 Fund Raiser

Co-ordinator for Peace: Ann Ruhlig

She may be contacted by emailing the church - peacelutheran@peaceaa.net

Target Date: Opening day of Spring Little League 2009

How do you bring something good out of a tragedy? That was the question many people asked after Tyler Steffey’s death in a car accident on December 11th. Although we know that the events of the tragic day cannot be changed, many hope that some good can be done in Tyler’s name and in his memory. That is why Peace Lutheran Church is working with Mike, Deanna and Gina Steffey and the Dexter Little League to build a Little League baseball field in Tyler’s name on the church property. When the Dexter Little League began in the spring of 2003, there were about 150 young people playing baseball on twelve different teams. Tyler’s father, Mike Steffey, has served on the Little League Board and also as the head official. This past spring (2007), almost 500 youth between the ages of 7 and 14 were playing either baseball or softball as part of the Dexter Little League organization. The rapid growth of the Little League made the need for more ball fields apparent. The League has been using the Dexter Community School ball fields from the beginning. Efforts to find additional locations for expansion have not been successful. With the help of Mike Steffey, a member of the church and vice chairman of the Board of Directors, Peace Lutheran began talks with the Dexter Little League about building a baseball field on church property in 2005. The goal remains to provide a field for teams to play and practice on. The church was able to receive zoning approval from Scio Township to build a ball field just north of the parking lot. The ball field has not been completed because of funding issues. Because Tyler played baseball in Dexter, because the Steffeys are members of Peace and because discussions have already taken place about building a new field on the church property, the decision was made to try to make a Little League baseball field on the church property in Tyler’s name. This will be a lasting memorial that will honor Tyler and provide the opportunity for more youth in our community to play baseball and softball. A separate account has been created at United Bank & Trust in Dexter for the field that will be named for Tyler. Over $17,000 has already been donated for the ball park. All of the money raised will be used exclusively for the construction of the ball field, storage shed for league supplies, fencing of the retention pound, equipment and maintenance of the field. Dexter Little League plans to pledge funds to help complete the field. Families signing their sons or daughters up for Little League and Softball this spring will be given the opportunity to make a special donation to the field. A number of other fund raising efforts are under way including a benefit dinner at the Zeeb Road Bob’s Big Boy on January 30th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Some Dexter High School students are also selling “Ty” bracelets as a fund raiser for the ball field. Individuals and organizations wanting to hold other fund raising events are encouraged to contact Larry Courson (Pastor) at Peace Lutheran Church [(734) 424-0899, larrycourson@peaceaa.net] so that the efforts can be coordinated. Those wishing to donate services, materials or labor are encouraged to do the same. Donations to help build this new ball park in Tyler Steffey’s name may be sent to the Tyler Steffey Field, Peace Lutheran Church, 8260 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Checks may be made out to Tyler Steffey Memorial Fund or Peace Lutheran Church with “Tyler Steffey Field” in the memo line. The goal is to begin working on this new field as soon as possible. Thanks to the tremendous support given to the Steffey family in Tyler’s memory, the community may be able to create something good, lasting and meaningful to honor an outstanding young man.