Gießen Busters Celebrate 35 Years, Hope for a Dedicated Baseball Facility
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A vibrant festivity is planned for this Saturday, August 29, 2025, as the gießen Busters baseball and softball club commemorates its 35th anniversary. While festivities won’t be held at the city’s main football stadium, the party – a more intimate affair – will take place just 100 meters east, on the club’s home field, a former ash area behind the Waldstadion.
A History of Baseball in Gießen
david Donat,baseball once enjoyed greater prominence in the city,particularly due to the presence of American residents. “it was easier to get to children because, of course, the Americans were still here,” he recalled. The initial location, Miller Field, was attractive due to its affordability near the Marshall and Dulles settlements.
Despite the broader popularity of sports like handball, table tennis, and football in Germany, Donat emphasized the dedication required to cultivate interest in baseball. “you had to bring the interest in the baseball yourself,” he stated. Nevertheless, the American community left a lasting impact, fostering a “great mix between Germans and Americans” during the sport’s early years.
A Nomadic past Shapes the Present
The busters’ history has been defined by frequent relocation. “We were literally sent through the city,” Donat explained, detailing moves from Miller Field to the River Barracks, then to Krofdorfer Straße. A second Busters Field was relinquished in 2004 due to neighbor complaints about stray balls. Games were also played on the old Bundeswehr sports field and the Lahnwiesen.
The current location,the old ash area behind the Waldstadion,has provided a crucial sense of stability. “That was very important for the club,” said club chairwoman Ina Seifert, noting that a permanent home provides the security needed for long-term investment. Members have actively contributed to improving the facility, constructing team shelters and a high backstop, with support from Sparkasse and the city of Gießen.
Addressing Challenges and Looking to the Future
The club has faced challenges beyond finding a permanent location, including instances of vandalism. Anika Seifert, daughter of the club chairman and a player herself, noted past issues with broken bottles and other debris left by outsiders. Ongoing support from the city, particularly the sports and garden office, has been vital in addressing these concerns, including fencing the site and maintaining the grounds.
Currently, the Busters are eagerly anticipating the city’s sports facility progress plan, which identifies the club as a “hotspot.” the ultimate goal is a dedicated baseball facility, as the Busters are currently the only club in the league playing on a hard court. The development plan proposes several options, including integrating a baseball field with facilities for the Gießen golden Dragons football club and potential soccer fields. A shared functional building for all user associations is also under consideration.
Seifert acknowledged the complexities of combining baseball, softball, and cricket within a single space, noting the need for two softball fields for tournaments. Despite these challenges, the Busters remain optimistic, viewing the inclusion in the development plan as a sign that their commitment is valued.
A call for Visibility and Community Support
A persistent challenge for the Busters, like many smaller sports clubs, is simply being known. “Nobody really knows that we are here that we exist,” Seifert lamented. She hopes for at least a sign on Grünberger Straße directing people to the field. donat added with a laugh, “It would be nice if you could say in Gießen: I play baseball – and you don’t get a questioning look at it.”
This Saturday’s anniversary celebration, expected to draw around 200 attendees including sports manager Tobias erben and Mayor Frank-Tilo Becher, is a key opportunity to raise the club’s profile. Should the turnout exceed expectations, a follow-up event is planned for Sunday to ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities.
