The Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association (IHSBCA) recently recognized Carroll’s Merchants Park for having one of the state’s nicest ballparks. During their annual Hall of Fame Banquet in Cedar Rapids this past weekend, the association presented the City of Carroll two awards, the 2023 Diamond of the Year and the 2023 West District Diamond of the Year. Mayor Jerry Fleshner says fields of Merchants Park’s caliber do not happen by accident.
While Parcher is the man most fans associated with Merchants Park, Fleshner says there is a team of people working with him to ensure the field is in tip-top shape for every game played on its turf.
Officials also thanked Parks and Recreation Director Chad Tiemeyer for his oversight of the park and his work spearheading the city’s efforts to secure funding for the proposed Merchants Park improvements and renovation project, which includes dugout reconstruction, new bleachers, protective netting, lighting, and revamped press box. This summer marks the final season of the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s (IHSAA) contract with the City of Carroll to host the 1A and 2A state baseball tournaments at Merchants Park, but city officials are optimistic the association will extend that contract for several more years. Negotiations with the IHSAA are expected to begin after the winter sports seasons conclude.
