Skip to main content

Mertz Softball Field

A baseball game in progress on a sunny day, with players on the field and spectators seated on the grass nearby.
Junior Giants Playing at Mertz Softball Field
A child in an orange shirt swings a baseball bat on a sunny day, with spectators in the background.
Junior Giants Playing at Mertz Softball Field
Kids playing baseball, one running to a base and another trying to catch the ball.
Junior Giants Playing at Mertz Softball Field
A baseball game in progress on a sunny day, with players on the field and spectators seated on the grass nearby.
A child in an orange shirt swings a baseball bat on a sunny day, with spectators in the background.
Kids playing baseball, one running to a base and another trying to catch the ball.

Mertz Softball Field in Community Park is named in honor of Frank Mertz, a dedicated advocate for Chico athletics. A local businessman and KPAY-AM radio executive, Mertz helped establish the annual Almond Bowl football game in 1971, a beloved tradition between Chico and Pleasant Valley High Schools. His commitment to sports extended beyond football—he was inducted into the Chico State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989 for his contributions to the community. Mertz Field stands as a tribute to his lasting impact on Chico’s athletic programs and youth sports.