Flooding Devastates Clintonville Baseball Facilities, Fundraising Efforts Intensify

Officials say the concession stand and clubhouse were submerged under nearly five feet of muddy floodwater, leaving behind significant destruction. Early estimates indicate major losses, including refrigerators, freezers, scoreboard equipment, speakers, uniforms, and essential baseball gear, though the full extent of the damage is still being determined.

Clintonville High School Head Coach Ben Smejkal says the situation has been difficult to fully process as cleanup efforts begin. “I walked into the clubhouse yesterday and walked right out because I didn’t know if I was walking in mud, silt or raw sewage,” Smejkal said. “Everything was just under this layer of mud and gunk, it was pretty depressing. It almost brought a tear to my eye.”

The flooding hit in the middle of an already ongoing fundraiser for the program, which Smejkal says initially had modest goals. “We were honestly hoping to maybe make a thousand bucks or a couple thousand bucks and then all of a sudden the flood happened and the outpouring of support came from all over,” he said.

While donations have surged, Smejkal says it’s still unclear if the total will cover the losses. “We’re very happy about the results and the support has been amazing but I don’t fully know what we’re looking at right now,” he added.

The damage extends beyond equipment, with the field itself currently unplayable. As a result, the team has been forced to relocate games while recovery efforts continue.

Smejkal says the Clintonville Athletic Club, which supports all baseball programs in the community, will play a key role moving forward. The group had already been planning a new facility before the flooding, but now those plans may take on even greater importance.

Despite the devastation, the response from the community has been overwhelming. “It does almost make me want to tear up when I think about what some people have donated,” Smejkal said. “The support is still coming in, it’s awesome.”

Donations are still being accepted through the Clintonville High School fundraising page, and those looking to support Legion or A’s programs directly can contact Coach Smejkal. As cleanup begins and assessments continue, the focus now shifts to rebuilding, not just the facilities, but a cornerstone of the Clintonville baseball community.