Baseball was a favorite pastime of fans of all ages in the 1940s. Odell was proud of their successful team. The Odell Independents played Kansas teams from Junction City, Bremen, Herkimer, Washington, Beattie, Hanover and Marysville. They played Nebraska towns like Liberty, Wymore, Plymouth, Fairbury, Filley, Dawson, Plattsmouth, Humboldt, York and Omaha.

The diamond was located south of town where the Co-op Elevator is now. It had a good-sized grandstand facing southeast. It’s right outfield bounded Hwy 8.

During the 40’s the games were primarily on Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings. Admission was 25 cents and 50 cents.

During WW II, baseball activity in Odell slowed down as men were called to active duty. The men left behind joined the Wymore team during wartime.

By 1946, players had returned and were eager to get back to the sport. There was an organizational meeting in February with Tom Stanosheck appointed club president. Bert Sohl and Walter Loemker were coaches. The umpires for all games were Rudolf Hubka and Ward Finch. Alvin and Arnold Knabe were pitchers with Clair Callan as catcher. Pete Sohl was one of the better “clutch hitters” and Fred Sohl had a strong arm and was a good base runner.

In 1948, floodlights were installed at the ballpark. It was renovated and extra seating was built. Spectators could use new bleachers and look out on  business advertising  on the new board fence that enclosed the outfield. Businesses were assessed a fee and the money helped fund the ball program. A snack stand with Kenny Acker in charge was built. The floodlights shone down on 1200 fans at their dedication. Odell nudged Big Sandy of Lincoln 2-1 as Milt Ruyle allowed only three hits.

Later the Chicago bombers, a colored team, visited Odell before the largest crowd of the season. Odell nudged them 4-3 as the cheering crowd filled the bleachers and spilled along the baselines.

A highlight at the end of the season was a visit by major league players, barnstorming the states, who participated in an exhibition game. Richie Ashburn of the Philadelphia Philies, Johnny Hopp, Pittsburg, and Brooklyn Dodger Rex Barney joined the local club against the Fairbury All Stars and defeated them 6-2. Playing for the Fairbury team were Francis Rick and Richardson, former minor league players and Doyle Lade who pitched for the Chicago Cubs.

An official dedication of the lighted ballpark happened in August. Governor Peterson was the guest of honor. He walked to the mound and made two solid pitches over home plate after being introduced by Senator John Callan. A capacity crowd filled the grand stand and bleachers as the home team chalked up a 6-1 victory over Sacred Heart of Omaha. It was Odell’s 20th win in 26 games.

Taken from an article by Fred and Agnes Sohl in “More Than Common Ground”