Letter to Johnny Rosenblatt praises late Omaha Mayor for his vision of real-life field of dreams

Following is a letter addressed to the late Johnny Rosenblatt by Romancing the Blatt author Paul Fiarkoski on September 2, 2010 – the day the Omaha Royals played the final baseball game at Omaha’s Rosenblatt Stadium.

September 2, 2010

Dear Mr. Rosenblatt:

I am writing to thank you for the vision you had in the 1940s to build a baseball park in South Omaha. At the time, our country was still feeling the impact of the Great Depression and was very much focused on the war effort. I’m sure you received your share of criticism for your insistence that Omaha needed to build Municipal Stadium to attract a professional baseball team to town. Sixty-plus years hence, I say with confidence, “Good move!”

Sixty-plus years hence, I say with confidence, “Good move!”

Romancing The Blatt: Memoir of a Love Affair with Omaha’s Field of Dreams

By all accounts, you were an accomplished player and a passionate fan of the game. You had big dreams to share your passion with the City of Omaha. I wonder if you dreamt this big. The demand for the stadium you helped bring to life far outweighed what she could supply. She expanded her waistline and endured multiple facelifts as more and more people came to bask in her glory. Three generations of aspiring legends have clamored to make an appearance on your field of dreams and left humbled by the honor. Fans have come to love her as a family member, forming annual traditions and hosting gatherings in her shadow.

Three generations of aspiring legends have clamored to make an appearance on your field of dreams and left humbled by the honor.

Today, the final game of baseball will be played at the legendary diamond on the hill that now bears your name. We knew this day was coming and we’ve had time to prepare for it. Still, the moment is painful. It hurts to look forward to a day without Rosenblatt Stadium. We must move on, but we won’t forget. The Rosenblatt name will always be synonymous with baseball and the City of Omaha. We will never forget the indelible legacy you left for us all to cherish.

With love and gratitude,

Paul Fiarkoski (on behalf of your fans)