BIG WIN, BIG FUTURE PLANS. The Chippewa Valley Patriots, a new youth baseball and softball organization, ended its competitive summer season with a milestone win. Looking ahead, its coaches and founding members hope to continue growing. (Submitted photos)

While Iowa is often on the receiving end of many corn-related jokes (thanks to its abundance of corn crops), perhaps its actual claim to fame – among baseball players and fans, at least – is thanks to the 1989 hit flick Field of Dreams. Just weeks ago, Chippewa Valley youth baseball players got a taste of the magic when they walked away as Field of Dreams Tournament Champions.

The Chippewa Valley Patriots, a traveling youth baseball and softball organization brought to life this year by local parents and coaches, won big at the tournament – “a perfect 5-0,” Head Coach Paul Wilkes stated proudly – which was held right at the iconic field from Aug. 8-10.

“This was more than just baseball,” Wilkes said. “It was about creating unforgettable memories for these kids and their families. To play on such a historic field and come away with a championship – it’s something they’ll carry with them forever.”

Based in Chippewa Falls, the Patriots’ 12U team is made up of 10 players, ages 11 to 12, from a mix of area communities including Eau Claire, Colfax, Independence, and others.

The season-capping championship win is just the start for the Patriots, Wilkes said, noting while the competitive summer season is now complete, fall scrimmages will start up in a few weeks.

"We wanted to build an organization that not only develops athletic skill, but also instills discipline, leadership, and a sense of pride in young athletes."

PAUL WILKeS

HEAD COACH, CHIPPEWA VALLEY PATRIOTS

The Patriots' 10-player 12U baseball team soaks in the views –  of corn, that is – while traveling to Iowa for the Field of Dreams Tournament.

Prior to the championship weekend, the Patriots saw over 130 players at tryouts for the 2026 softball and baseball season. Looking ahead, those numbers are likely to result in eight to 10 baseball teams and four to five softball teams. “This is a huge leap from our three original baseball teams for the 2025 season that we started with,” Wilkes said.

While a number of youth ball leagues and traveling leagues permeate the Chippewa Valley, Wilkes described the Patriots as an organization founded on more than a love of the game.

“We wanted to build an organization that not only develops athletic skill, but also instills discipline, leadership, and a sense of pride in young athletes,” Wilkes said. “We also wanted to form a core organization that does its best to eliminate the 'adult interference' often times found in youth sports and do our best to solely make this a player-driven organization.”

The Patriots’ big plans for the future? Expand off-season opportunities for its youth players, including development programs, skills clinics, and community engagement. The organization hopes to set up indoor training sessions to keep its players active and bolster team chemistry year-round, Wilkes said.

Founded by passionate parents and coaches – several of whom come from military families – the organization’s name was selected with personal intention. “(A patriot’s) spirit of loyalty, courage, and service is exactly what the Patriots organization seeks to instill in its young athletes,” Wilkes said.

The Patriots also offer scholarships for kids of military personnel and first responders, in line with the team's values.

“The founders wanted the name to reflect the values they hold dear: honor, sacrifice, and unity,” Wilkes said. “Every player who wears the CV Patriots jersey is challenged to live up to that name – not just on the field, but in life.”

Learn more about the Chippewa Valley Patriots youth baseball and softball travel team at www.cvpatriots.org and keep up with the org online.