Minnesota’s first softball field for competitive wheelchair play-Todd Anderson Field, Brooklyn Park-was inaugurated August 9. The celebration included a ribbon cutting ceremony, a home-run derby, and an inaugural softball game.
The field was named after Todd Anderson, CP, FAAOP, who passed away unexpectedly nearly two years ago at the age of 50. It was funded in part by a $200,000 grant through the Major League Baseball (MLB)/Pepsi Refresh Project.
Anderson, a transtibial amputee, was a longtime employee at Ottobock US HealthCare, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and established himself as a leader in the O&P community by publishing clinical papers and giving presentations at numerous national and international meetings.
He was an eight-time National Wheelchair Softball Association (NWSA) National Tournament most valuable player and hall of fame inductee. He was also a member of the U.S. Disabled Volleyball team and a winner of multiple awards for archery.
“Todd had a substantial impact on a great number of people in his personal and professional life, and he continues to be greatly missed at Ottobock,” said Brad Ruhl, president and CEO of Ottobock US HealthCare. “The Todd Anderson Field is a very fitting tribute to the life he lived with engagement and passion, and we are very pleased his memory is being honored in such a lasting way.”
