Mrs. Witwer's Field

Munich Helles

In Need of a Tall Ballplayer

Shortly after the New Berlin baseball team began playing in the 1890s, the team moved from Schick’s meadow to Mrs. Witwer’s field. They had to pay her $50 a year so in the winter, they held shows to raise money. In addition to the money, Mrs. Witwer also stipulated that she was permitted to grow crops – generally corn – in right field. This worked for most of the season, but by season’s end, the right fielder had to be “mighty tall” (Basner 77-78).