In this episode, I welcome Mike Riefsnyder, the driving force behind The Joanna Project, an ambitious community effort to restore a historic 1950s ballpark and bring it back to life. Riefsnyder shares the inspiring story behind the renovation, the challenges of reviving a mid-century stadium, and how this revival will soon become home to the Joanna Hornets summer collegiate baseball team.

We explore the vision for the ballpark’s future, the importance of preserving local baseball history, and the impact this project will have on Joanna, South Carolina.

From infrastructure upgrades to community engagement, Riefsnyder offers a deep look at how a forgotten field is transforming into a premier home for summer collegiate baseball. If you’re passionate about ballpark restoration, small-town baseball culture, or the growth of collegiate summer leagues, this episode is packed with insight.