New Boonville Ballpark Brings Big-League Boost to Mid-Missouri

Mid-Missouri’s travel baseball and softball teams now have a home-field advantage a little closer to home.

A new four-field complex called Ballparks Central just opened in Boonville, cutting down on long weekend drives for families.

Operations Director Barrett White calls Boonville “a baseball town,” and locals agree many kids grow up playing from Little League through high school here.

The facility is already drawing crowds.

Economic developer Jim Gann estimates about 37,000 visitors could come to town this season, bringing in more than three million dollars in local spending.

Players and parents say they’re just happy to compete close to home and sleep in their own beds after the game.

The first tournament kicks off Saturday.