The Joanna Project: Reviving a Community’s Legacy Through Baseball
August 21, 2024
The Joanna Project, a non-profit organization, is on a mission to breathe new life into the historic Joanna textile mill baseball stadium in Joanna, South Carolina. With a deep commitment to preserving the town’s rich history and reconnecting the community, the organization has embarked on an ambitious renovation project that will transform the stadium into a vibrant hub for local baseball and a tribute to the region’s textile heritage.
A Vision Rooted in History
The Joanna Project’s mission is clear: to revive the heart of Joanna, reconnect the community, and develop the future. The organization has carefully chosen a color scheme that pays homage to the original Joanna Mills teams, incorporating black and white with athletic gold, a nod to the town’s original name, Goldville.
The centerpiece of this revival is the renovation of the Joanna Mill Baseball Stadium, a project that is being carried out in three phases. Once completed, the stadium will not only host games and tournaments for non-profit baseball organizations, high schools, and colleges but also serve as the home of the South Carolina Textile Baseball Museum.
“Our goal is to create a space that honors our past while inspiring future generations,” said Michael Riefsnyder, Project Leader and president of the Joanna Project Board of Directors. “The Joanna Stadium renovation is about more than just baseball; it’s about bringing our community together and preserving the legacy of our town.”
The Three Phases of Renovation
Phase 1: The initial phase focuses on essential infrastructure improvements, including the installation of a new playing surface, fence installation, and backstop replacement. Renovations will also be made to the bleachers, bathrooms, and press box, along with the construction of a field house, ticket booth, and batting cages.
Phase 2: The second phase will see the addition of the South Carolina Textile Baseball Museum, a concession stand, offices, a scoreboard, and a gravel parking lot. This phase will further enhance the stadium’s ability to serve as a venue for significant baseball events.
Phase 3: The final phase will involve the installation of stadium lights, the construction of locker rooms, and the paving of the parking lot, completing the transformation of Joanna Stadium into a state-of-the-art facility.
A Hub for Baseball Excellence
Joanna Stadium is poised to become a premier destination for baseball in South Carolina, offering an immersive experience that celebrates the sport’s rich and diverse history. The stadium will support a wide range of organizations, including the NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, SCHSL, SCISA, American Legion Baseball, Little League Baseball, and Dixie Youth Baseball. It will host individual games, preseason and conference tournaments, state tournaments, player development sessions, high school fall leagues, pro days, and scouting combines.
In addition to hosting events, the stadium will offer comprehensive player development programs, including batting cages, practice mounds, hitting and pitching instruction, group sessions, camps, team practices, and recruiting assistance.
The South Carolina Textile Baseball Museum
The South Carolina Textile Baseball Museum will be a cornerstone of the Joanna Project, showcasing exhibits that explore the rich history and legacy of textile baseball in Joanna and across the state. The museum’s mission is to educate and inspire visitors through carefully curated stories and artifacts that highlight the intersection of baseball and South Carolina’s textile industry.
Supporting the Joanna Project
The Joanna Project is fully funded by grants and private donations, and the community is invited to contribute to this meaningful cause. There are several ways to support the project:Buy a Brick: Individuals can purchase a laser-engraved brick, customizable with up to three lines of text and an optional image. These bricks will be used to construct the stadium concourse, creating a lasting legacy for contributors.
- Naming Rights Opportunities: Corporations, businesses, and organizations can explore various naming rights opportunities within the stadium.
- Sponsorships: Tax-deductible sponsorships are available for both businesses and individuals who wish to support the project.
For a limited time, bricks purchased by September 7th will be included in the initial construction phase of the stadium concourse. Click HERE to support the Joanna Project by purchasing a brick.
A Spark for Revitalization
The Joanna Project is more than just a renovation; it’s a catalyst for revitalizing the community of Joanna. By preserving the town’s rich baseball history and creating professional-quality facilities, the project aims to inspire future generations of players and foster a renewed sense of pride and connection within the community.
