American Legion Announces Groundbreaking for Hansen Stadium Transformation at Corvallis High School

The Gerding Builders Corvallis American Legion Baseball is proud to announce a groundbreaking ceremony for significant improvements to Hansen Stadium at Taylor Field, located at Corvallis High School. The event will take place on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., just before the annual Marketmen Alumni Game.

This major community milestone reflects the enduring legacy and bright future of American Legion Baseball in Corvallis, a program that has shaped generations of youth and fostered pride across the region.

Key features of the stadium upgrades include:

• ADA accessibility improvements, featuring low-carbon concrete walkways from dugout to dugout and from the entrance to the new bleacher area, as well as an ADA accessible bleacher system.
• Permanent, raised aluminum bleachers seating approximately 530 spectators, replacing the current temporary bleachers that accommodate no more than 150. The new seating qualifies the stadium to host regional and national American Legion tournaments and state high school baseball championships.
• Two multi-purpose storage buildings connected to each dugout to securely house equipment and streamline game-day operations.

“This project represents our ongoing commitment to baseball in Corvallis, and American Legion is proud to be a part of that legacy,” said Vance Croney, President of the Corvallis American Legion Baseball. “These improvements are long overdue and will provide an enhanced experience for both players and fans. This project honors the great tradition of Legion Baseball in Corvallis while ensuring a more accessible and sustainable future for the stadium.”

The concrete improvements are part of an innovative research partnership with the Oregon State University College of Engineering. The site will serve as a demonstration project for sustainable concrete, showcasing efforts to reduce the material’s global warming potential without compromising durability or construction efficiency. OSU engineers will also test advanced methods to reduce cracking and improve curing.

Funding for the project has been secured through the generosity of private donors and community partners, building on over 15 years of grassroots fundraising and dedication to this vision.

“Hansen Stadium at Taylor Field is dear to our hearts as it provided a great experience and sense of pride throughout our high school years,” said Kevin and Nicole Gregg, donors and project supporters. “We are grateful to be a part of the rebuilding of the stadium. We want the same experience for the future generations of baseball players to come through the Corvallis High School and American Legion programs.”

Tim Sissel of the Sissel Family Impact Fund added, “The intersection of community-focus, improving the athletic experience for kids and fans, and transforming facilities for generations to come speaks to the Sissel Fund’s philanthropic ‘why’ and the ability to make an immediate impact. The athletic ‘classroom’ is an incredible complement to the traditional learning ‘classroom’ in developing well-rounded student-athletes and future leaders in our communities.”

Gerding Builders American Legion Baseball extends heartfelt thanks to the generous donors and supporters who made this project possible—including the Sissel Family Impact Fund, the Gregg Family, and the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation—as well as the many community members and supporters whose contributions over the years helped lay the foundation for this effort. We also thank our valued partner, the Corvallis School District, for their collaboration and support.

This project honors the enduring legacies of Gene and Helen Hansen and the Taylor Family, while inspiring future generations of youth through the power of baseball and community.