Wiffle ball field approved for newly named Alvin C. Ruxer Field at Gobert Family Park

The Greater Jasper Consolidated School Board of Trustees approved plans to rename the iconic baseball field as Alvin C. Ruxer Field at Gobert Family Park, recognizing the long-standing commitment of Coach Terry Gobert and his family to the Jasper baseball program.

The decision was made Monday evening after Gobert presented plans for a new Wiffle ball field and other improvements to the existing baseball complex.

The wiffle ball project, funded entirely through donations to the Friends of Jasper Baseball, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, aims to enhance the facility and provide additional recreational opportunities for the community.

Gobert, who has been involved with the baseball program since 1991, shared the planned improvements with the school board. The centerpiece of the project is what may be “the only all-turf Wiffle ball field in America,” according to Gobert.

The new Wiffle ball field will feature solid turf with brown infield areas, bound bases, and markings specific to Wiffle ball gameplay. A four-foot outfield fence with safety capping will surround the field, which will be accessible to the public when not in use for organized events.

Additional improvements include new concrete walkways, bleachers, and a viewing deck. The project will also incorporate salvaged elements from the existing Ruxer Field, such as foul poles and a deck from behind the field house.

Gobert emphasized the community-driven nature of the project, noting that volunteers have been instrumental in keeping costs down by donating their time as well as money to bring the project to fruition.

It began two and half years ago when Gobert decided to create a wiffle ball field accessible from 15th Street near Jaycee Park. He told the board that it was Labor Day, a day he didn’t have to clean or fix anything, so he decided to create the Wiffle ball field.

“I put it up and we (he and his wife) went for a walk,” Gobert said. “We come back and we’ve got nine kids there.”

He said that as the Wiffle ball idea caught on, he had a family reach out to him with a generous donation. Who in the heck does something like this for Wiffle ball, Gobert said about the donation and help the group has received in creating the field. “Only in Jasper.”

Gobert envisions the new field as a place where anyone can play: adults, children, and even opposing teams during tournaments. “The idea is that the other teams use it, throw off their swing…throw their timing off,” Gobert joked about the slow nature of Wiffle ball.

He added that when his wife, Caroline, asked what they would do if a homerun from the Wiffle ball field ended up in Ruxer Field, he told her, “We’re going to sign him up and bat him third.”

He told the board that the National Wiffle Ball League has already reached out about hosting a tournament in Jasper once the field is completed.

The school board expressed enthusiasm for the project. “I appreciate your initiative of taking this on,” Arlet Jackle told Gobert. “It sounds like it’s going to be great for the community.”

The renaming of the facility to include the Gobert family name was proposed by school officials in recognition of the family’s dedication to the baseball program. Superintendent Dr. Tracy Lorey noted, “The program that we have is successful because of the family passion that the Goberts give to the program.”

Gobert expressed gratitude but emphasized the collaborative nature of the program’s success. “I love the family part,” he said, adding that he was initially reluctant to accept the honor until they added the family part.

Gobert emphasized the importance of family involvement in the program over the years, from his wife’s 30-plus years frying hamburgers in the concession stand to his daughters helping with field maintenance and Sarah playing in the park there.

“This time and time commitment can either pull a family apart or bring them together,” Gobert said. “And having the whole family involved has definitely created wonderful memories.”

Regarding the improvements to the park around the baseball field, Gobert said there is plenty of work left to do with plans to add more elements.

He is excited about the entire park’s ability to bring people together. “When we put the one (Wiffle ball field) up on 15th street it just instantly brought people together. So I think that’s what Wiffle ball does, you know, adults play it, kids play it,” he explained. “You just kind of go back in time.”

The Wiffle Ball Field is one more addition to the park, creating a family-oriented experience around the game Gobert loves. It will join Sarah’s Place, the playground located along the right field that is named after Gobert’s toddler daughter, who died after a short battle with leukemia. And more additions are planned for future phases, but Gobert, though he slipped them briefly into his presentation, said he wasn’t supposed to talk about them yet.

“We’re still fundraising,” Gobert said.

Those interested in contributing can send donations to Friends of Jasper Baseball Incorporated at 1011 West 15th Street or contact Gobert through his school email at tgobert@gjcs.k12.in.us.

The renovated facility is expected to enhance the baseball experience for players, families, and the community. Gilbert summarized the project’s goal: “It’s just part of a dream we’ve been working on for a long time to make it a one-of-a-kind experience.”

The new Wiffle ball field is expected to open this spring.