Field of Dreams, Realized: Ozark Cuts Ribbon on Newly Refurbished Baseball Field

On March 24 community members, students, staff, baseball players, coaches and local leaders gathered to celebrate a milestone for Ozark High School athletics, particularly the baseball program, with the official ribbon cutting of the newly-refurbished baseball field. A project made possible through funds from the $19 million bond voters approved in April of 2022. 

“Facilities like this, they're more than just a game,” Superintendent Dr. Lori Wilson said. “They're about student engagement, community pride and community connection. We are truly grateful for all of the support that the community gives us. Today is a celebration about what happens when a community invests in its own, in its school and in the future of our students.” 

Held ahead of the team's 3-2 victory against Helias Catholic, the team now moves to 4-0 on the young season. The event highlighted more than just physical improvements, it honored the history of Ozark baseball and the most decorated coach in the team’s history: Mike Essick, for whom the newly-refurbished field has been named for and who threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

“It's truly an honor and extremely humbling,” Essick said. “ I would like to thank the Ozark school system, and the Ozark community for helping us raise our kids. The athletic department has always been rewarding for our entire family. I would also like to thank all the players, especially those guys that showed up tonight that adorned the Ozark jersey. You guys are truly the reason we are standing here today.” 

Essick’s storied career with Ozark boasted a record of 465-223. He coached the Tigers for 26 seasons leading them to 15 COC championships, six district championships, four final four appearances and two state championships (2004 and 2008). He received numerous awards over the years for his coaching, including two years as Missouri Coach of the Year, National High School Baseball Coaches Association Coach of the Year and Greater Midwest Professional Baseball Scouts Association Coach of the Year. He’s also been inducted into numerous halls of fame including the College of the Ozarks Hall of Fame, the Missouri Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame (2014) and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (2018). During his tenure, 22 of Essick’s players received all-state honors, and 68 players went on to play college or professional baseball. 

Essick’s legacy is commemorated with the naming of the field as Mike Essick Field. The name was selected by a committee of community members, faculty, staff, and students and approved by the Board of Education. 

“If you've been around Ozark baseball for many years, it's a great tradition,” OHS Athletic Director Yancey Little said. “It’s one of the very few baseball programs that has been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and a huge part of that is thanks to Coach Essick.” 

The field improvements included updating from a natural grass playing surface to turf, a new back stop, outfield fence, stadium chairs and updates to the landscaping, dugouts, press box and more. The improvements were made possible through Ozark’s supportive community partners. 

“When parents and staff and students and players — when we all work together, we create something truly special,” School Board President Amber Bryant said. “This new field is a perfect example of that. It's a safe, welcoming place for our students to play, to learn, and to grow. It represents a thoughtful investment and shared vision for excellence in Ozark Schools. Today is truly a celebration of partnership between our schools and our community, and really everybody who believes in Ozark.” 

The 2022 bond provided funding for the construction of three storm shelters across the district and an indoor activities building at the high school. All of those projects were completed on time and under budget in the fall of 2024. With approximately $5 million remaining, designated specifically for brick-and-mortar projects, the Ozark Board of Education identified refinishing the baseball field, as well as a number of other projects around the district, as a top priority. 

“This project was about taking the time to do things the right way,” Executive Director of Operations Richie Fretwell said. “We want to ensure that every resource we invest builds a better future for our district and our athletes, creating spaces that reflect our pride and will serve this community for generations."

Other projects funded by the remaining bond money included roof repairs at OHS, adding an accessible playground at Tiger Paw Early Childhood Center, replacing chillers in two buildings, installing a video scoreboard at the stadium, and upgrading lighting in the high school auditorium, all of which were completed during the fall of 2025. 

Look back on all these projects and more at ozarktigers.org/bond.