The words “Play Ball” will soon be resounding at Clemens Field.

An exhibition game of a 16-U team from the Hannibal area will play a team from Elsberry starting at 6 p.m. tonight, June 2.

Sean Hampton is the coach of the Hannibal team, “We have players from Hannibal, Mark Twain, Marion County R-2, Van-Far and North and Shelby Shelby high schools.”

Most of the players will be juniors in high school. “All these kids lost out on their last high school season so are really anxious to get some playing time in,” Hampton said.

The 18U Hannibal team, coached by Charlie Culp, will play at 6 p.m. Friday, June 5; 1 p.m. Saturday, June 6; and 10 a.m. Sunday June 7; and the 16U team will play again at 2 p.m. Sunday June 7. Other games are scheduled for weekends in June and July.

Hampton said he appreciates that the Hannibal Parks & Recreation Department has had “all hands on deck” to get the field ready for the games. “We wouldn’t be able to do this without the use of Clemens Field.”

The baseball players are ready. “They’re really excited, this has basically resurrected their summer season.”

There is no admission fee at the games and limited concessions available for purchase, such as drinks, chips, popcorn and candy bars.

There is plenty of room for spectators at historic Clemens Field, which first hosted games in 1938. Hampton said, “Social distancing will be encouraged in the grandstand, there is plenty of room, we encourage the parents and spectators to sit with their families”.