GREAT BEND, Kan. — What began as one hometown vision and a lot of determination has grown into one of Great Bend’s most beloved summer traditions.
The Great Bend Bat Cats Baseball Club celebrated the start of its 10th home season with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, June 6. While the occasion marked an exciting milestone for the organization, the true celebration was the impact the Bat Cats have made on the community over the past decade.
Founded as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) summer collegiate baseball program, the Bat Cats provide student-athletes an opportunity to develop their skills, gain exposure, and pursue their dreams of playing professional baseball. Since their inception, the organization has welcomed players from 32 states and eight countries, bringing diverse talent and perspectives to Great Bend while showcasing the community to visitors from around the world.
General Manager Roger Ward said reaching the 10-year mark is especially meaningful because there were times when continuing the program wasn’t guaranteed.
“Literally starting from scratch, there were some very lean early years trying to raise enough money to operate and offer the players the best experience possible while representing our community,” Ward said. “My hope was to create something that would be here forever. Here we are in 10 years — that’s a great reason to celebrate.”
As support from local businesses, volunteers, sponsors, board members, and fans continued to grow, so did the Bat Cats’ presence in the community. Today, Al Burns Memorial Field serves as more than a baseball venue. It has become a gathering place where families, friends, and neighbors come together to connect, socialize, and enjoy a summer evening together.
One of the program’s defining characteristics remains its commitment to accessibility. With no admission charge, community members can attend games throughout the season without financial barriers.
“Seeing the stands full is one of my great satisfactions,” Ward said. “Knowing that you can always catch a game for free allows people to come to every game and not have to spend a dollar. It’s a community of its own at Al Burns.”
The Bat Cats estimate that as many as 8,000 people attend games throughout a typical home season. Beyond the ballpark, players and staff have participated in countless community events and service opportunities, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to giving back.
Their story aligns closely with the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Elevate GBK Beyond Today strategic plan, which identifies Business and People Retention and Business and Community Marketing as key priorities for strengthening Great Bend’s future. The plan emphasizes investing in quality-of-life initiatives that encourage people to stay, engage, and build their lives in Barton County while also promoting the unique experiences that define the community.
The Bat Cats exemplify both goals. They provide affordable family entertainment, foster community pride, attract visitors and athletes from across the country and beyond, and create the kinds of shared experiences that make Great Bend a place people are proud to call home.
For Ward, perhaps the greatest sign of success came not from the scoreboard, but from seeing the community embrace the team as its own.
“The first time I saw someone wearing Bat Cats gear around town, it hit me that we are, in fact, a big part of this community,” he said. “I hope we’ve improved the quality of life in our great town.”
As the Bat Cats embark on their 10th season, the milestone stands as a reminder that community traditions don’t happen by accident. They are built through vision, perseverance, and the collective support of people who believe that investing in hometown experiences matters.
For schedules, team information, and updates, visit www.greatbendbatcats.com or follow the Great Bend Bat Cats on Facebook (@GBBatCats), X (@GB_BatCats), and Instagram (@gb_bat_cats).
