Little League to honor Matt Malkowski

The Grafton Little League will dedicate its newest baseball field in honor of a Grafton High School senior who died nine years ago.

The village’s Plan Commission on Wednesday, April 23, approved a site plan for the second phase of the Little League complex, which will include a “Field of Dreams” for Matt Malkowski.

“This means our son will never be forgotten. That is our goal to keep his memory alive in the village for many years to come,” said Jan Malkowski, Matt’s mother.

“We want all children to play on his field. Maybe someday, we’ll have grandchildren who can play on their uncle’s field. That would be pretty cool.”

Matt Malkowski died from injuries he sustained in a 2010 car accident.

“We want his name up there so the community can think of him because our biggest fear is that he will be forgotten,” Jan Malkowski said. 

The Grafton High School senior was a Little League player and a member of the Black Hawks’ baseball and football teams. Malkowski was also a volunteer with the Grafton Fire Department.

“He did more in his short 18 years than some people do in a lifetime,” his mother said.

About a dozen representatives from the Little League organization attended the commission meeting, along with benefactors from Mel’s Charities and Ansay & Associates. 

“Our goal is to have the field built in memory of Matt for our opening day ceremonies,” Grafton Little League President Greg Schaefer told the commission.

The cost of the project at the northeast corner of Lakefield and Riverbend roads is more than $100,000. 

For the past three years, the Malkowski family has raised about $47,000 through an annual Pitch for Matt cornhole tournament.

“We want this field to be a beacon in Grafton and we want people to come to Grafton to play baseball,” said Tom Stanton, executive director of Mel’s Charities.

“This family went through a tragedy and all we want to do is give them a community hug.”

The commission unanimously approved the plans with several conditions. The league must add 58 parking spots and two parking islands with landscaping, improve general access for emergency vehicles and limit tournament play to one day with a maximum of two tournaments per year.

About 400 children play in the Little League program.

“This community is unbelievable with its support,” Jan Malkowski said. “They’ve wrapped their arms around us to grieve and grow with us.”