EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah — A newly formed youth baseball team in Eagle Mountain isn’t just preparing for its first season—they’re rebuilding the very field they’ll play on.
The Eagle Mountain Nuggies, a 12U competitive team, have spent the past several weeks restoring the baseball fields at Pony Express Park, putting in hours of hands-on work to create a playable space for themselves and the broader community.
The team was formed in response to a growing need in the area. With Eagle Mountain’s rapid population growth, families found few local options for competitive baseball at the 12U level.
“We couldn’t find a 12U team in the Eagle Mountain area,” organizers said. “We created the team to help kids who moved here from other areas and played on comp teams, so they wouldn’t have to travel as far.”
Even the team’s name reflects its youth and personality. “Nuggies” was chosen by the players themselves, who thought a chicken nugget-themed name and logo would be fun.
Turning a problem into a project
The team’s unexpected restoration effort began out of necessity.
With Corey B. Wride Memorial Park fields closed during the winter months, the team trained indoors from December through mid-February. When it came time to transition back outside, they needed a field—any field.
They found one at Pony Express Park, but it was far from game-ready.
“It was in rough shape,” organizers said. “We started working on it just to make it acceptable until other fields opened.”
What began as a temporary fix quickly turned into something more.
As the players continued practicing and improving the field, they developed a connection to it—embracing what they began calling their “sandlot field.”
Hard work on and off the diamond
The restoration work has been anything but easy.
Players and families have spent countless hours:
- Raking and weeding overgrown infields
- Leveling dirt disrupted by animals
- Filling holes caused by voles and dogs
- Adjusting bases and cutting baselines
- Cleaning up thousands of pieces of debris—including pet waste
The City of Eagle Mountain has also assisted, helping address rodent issues in the area.
For the players, the payoff has been immediate—and personal.
“Playing on it feels like my own Sandlot movie,” said Aiden Call.
“I love knowing my work did this,” added Jackson Edwards.
Taggart Conrad summed it up simply: “I love playing here.”
Building toward the future
As the spring season approaches, the Nuggies will compete in the RMSB Super League, focusing on development and long-term growth.
“Our goal is to keep these boys together through the years and prepare them to play high school baseball,” organizers said.
The team is also seeking community support to help offset costs, including tournament fees, equipment, and ongoing field maintenance supplies such as gloves, trash bags, and weed control materials.
Local businesses or residents interested in supporting the team can connect with them through their Facebook page.
More than just baseball
For the Nuggies, this season is about more than wins and losses.
Their work at Pony Express Park stands as a reminder that community pride doesn’t require permission—it just takes initiative.
In a fast-growing city like Eagle Mountain, that kind of ownership may be just as important as anything learned on the field.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Kjersti Conrad (Kjersti Kachelle Photography)
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.