Dozens celebrate rejuvenation of field where Rockford Peaches played

ROCKFORD, IL — Dozens gathered where the legendary Rockford Peaches once played on Oct. 6 to formally break ground on an estimated $27.8 million renovation of Beyer Stadium and construction of an International Women’s Baseball Center, 245 15th Ave.

Named Beyer Stadium at Maybelle Blair Park in honor of women's baseball icon Maybelle Blair, who in 1948 played for the Peoria Redwings against the rival Peaches, the field is being transformed into a competition grade stadium that pays homage to those who blazed a trail for women's sports.