Although no longer affiliated with the then Brooklyn Dodgers, Danville Stadium still remains relevant today as a centerpiece of the Danville community.

Just a 30-minute drive from Champaign-Urbana, the home of the Danville Dans satisfies all the baseball needs of the community.

“My parents and grandpa brought me out here when I was little,” Danville resident Jessica Dahlenvurg said. “It’s like being at a major league game but not having to pay as much as a Cubs or Cardinals game. But you still get to see some pretty good players. It’s something to do in Danville over the summer.”

The Dans are composed of college players, all with hopes of continuing their baseball careers after gaining experience in the summer. The players come from across the country, from baseball powerhouses Louisiana State and Mississippi State Universities to a more local Illinois State University.

Fourteen players that have worn Dans jerseys eventually got called up to the major leagues, including all-star closer Jonathan Papelbon of the Boston Red Sox and current Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan.

The Dans are in the Prospect League, a summer wood-bat league of teams throughout the Midwest, though mostly focused in Illinois.

Although the team came up short against the Terre Haute Rex on Wednesday, the Dans routinely play fine baseball as they find themselves at the top of the standings in the league’s Central Division. As players have come and gone, the atmosphere in Danville has stayed the same.

“I played Legion ball here years ago, back in the 70s,” Terre Haute, Ind., resident Charlie Vicars said. “The upkeep here is pretty good as old as it is. It’s been here quite a few years.”

The stadium was built in 1946 to serve as a minor league affiliate for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Scenes from the movie “The Babe” were filmed there, and today the all-wooden structure provides one of the best baseball values in all east central Illinois. With its $2 admission and beer each Tuesday, it’s hard to find a better deal in baseball.

On the weekends, the 4,000-seat stadium can fill up with reasonably priced admission and concessions, providing families with a way to spend time together for a cheap price.

“To me, it’s just as good as going to a big-league stadium,” Philo resident Jodi Miller said. “It’s just as good of an atmosphere, if not more-so because you’re really able to get into the game.”

“The live atmosphere here is much better than sitting at home and watching a game,” Dahlenvurg added. “You’re involved in the game and all of the action.”