"In this place of sadness, injustice and pain,
we will do something joyful, righteous and healing.
We will play baseball."
What's happening at Manzanar?
WE'RE BRINGING JAPANESE AMERICAN HISTORY TO LIFE
* BALLFIELD RESTORATION (Manzanar's project)
Led by performance artist Dan Kwong, the backstop, foul-line fencing, bleachers, and player benches were re-constructed in summer 2024. Next phase will be a 22' tall announcer booth and centerfield scoreboard - two very challenging structures! All restoration work is based on a handful of archival photographs and scant wartime documentation, guided by Construction Supervisor Chris Siddens and in consultation with Manzanar archeologist Jeff Burton and supported by other Manzanar Staff.
We thank our major community partners who have generously donated expertise & resources for restoration work:
* The Fund for People in Parks
* Herrick Steel
* Toyo Miyatake Studio
* EXHIBITION DOUBLEHEADER (Great Leap's project)
Also led by Project Director Dan, last year's semi-private "soft opening" doubleheader was a powerful experience for the lucky few in attendance. With the 2025 Grand Opening open to the public, we expect an even more impactful day of baseball, community spirit, and social justice. (exact date to be announced)
Florin Athletic Club vs. Li'l Tokio Giants
Two of Northern and Southern California's oldest JA teams square off in the morning.
North vs. South All-Stars
Top players from California's JA baseball leagues, dressed in custom-made 1940s style uniforms and using vintage baseball equipment battle it out for the marquee match-up in the afternoon!
Great Leap thanks our wonderful partners and many, many donors who have supported the doubleheader:
* Manzanar National Historic Site
* Southern California Nisei Athletic Union Baseball League (NAU)
* Northern California Japanese American Baseball League
* California Wellness Foundation
* Japanese American National Museum
* Independence Volunteer Fire Department
* Los Angeles Dodgers
* Venice Japanese American Memorial Monument Committee
* Highways Performance Space
* Owens Valley Unifed School District
* Los Angeles DWP
* Mike Boulia
This website is still under construction and will be continually evolving.
Join us on this journey to preserve, celebrate, and share the unique role of baseball in helping the Japanese American community to persevere through wartime incarceration.
Let's swing for the fences (or tumbleweeds) and make this project a home run!