Honoring a Legacy
The history of the park began in 1935 when Sheridan County ranchers Albert and Mayre Modisett established an endowment (enhanced in 1944), which ultimately left a lasting mark on their neighbors. These wealthy cattlemen gave back to their community by designating funds for the purpose of ultimately building several new structures.
Honoring the brothers’ love of baseball, the most notable gift was a small, yet state-of-the-art baseball field. It would become known as Modisett Ball Park.
“If you build it they will come”…. and 2,500 ringed the field on opening day. Later, with some help from O’Neill native and Rushville resident Gene Leahy (brother to football coach and legend Frank Leahy) was instrumental in bringing the Milwaukee Braves’ baseball school and tryout camp to Rushville in 1954. Would-be-big league players from all over Nebraska and many surrounding states were put through their paces and instructed by baseball greats like Hall of Fame players and batting instructor Paul Waner, along with other Braves coaches. The boys brought with them a spirit that still exists today for the 200 or so young boys from Gordon and Rushville who play in three Summer programs.
Revitalizing a Dream
To preserve this extraordinary piece of local history and infuse it with a new vitality to last well into the future, a comprehensive plan was developed.
Show Your Support:
Your support of Rushville and this project is requested. Please either deliver or send your gift (with check payable to Modisett Park Project Fund) to:
Modisett Park Project Fund
Security First Bank
Rushville, NE 69360
Modisett Park Project Fund
City of Rushville, Box 99
Rushville, NE 69360
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