Willard J. Castle

Willard "Butch" Castle was a lifelong resident of Anoka, a Marine Corps corporal, a World War II veteran, and an outstanding athlete who earned All-Region and All-District basketball honors at Anoka High School and was also a notably talented baseball player. His life ended tragically at age 25 in a work accident while he was employed by the City of Anoka Electric and Water Utility. In 1953, the first Castle Field, previously known as Greenhaven Field and located on the west end of Main Street, was named and dedicated in his memory. For 62 years, youth and adults played baseball at the original Castle Field, and his memory has continued through those who played on this community field. With cooperation and support from the Anoka American Legion Post #102 and Anoka Hennepin School District, the City of Anoka constructed a new field that kept traditions of the original by including a sunken infield with elevated seating, while monuments from the original facility connected the past to the present and future. Castle Memorial Field was rededicated on July 3, 2013.

Anoka, Minnesota · United States