Hamilton Chang is an 18-year resident of Wilmette. Now retired from investment banking, Chang is a co-founder of Ballparks of America, which is a facility in Branson, Mo., where youth leagues from around the country can play in ballparks that are miniature replicas of major leagues field such as Wrigley Field or Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Ballparks of America began operations in the summer of 2016 and will start up again in March.
Q: What was the idea behind Ballparks of America?
A: I, along with another Wilmette resident, Craig Hutson, plus Glenview native Doc Snyder, thought there was nothing else like this for 10- to 13-year-olds. We chose Branson, Mo., because it is drivable for one-third of the U.S. population. There are 18,000 hotel rooms in Branson, which is the number one vacation destination for Trivago. We believe this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for players and families.
Q: Why is this important to you?
A: I want to build something that adds to youth sports and family because I’ve watched my four sons grow up in Wilmette, and have seen what sports and athletics have done for them and also for our family. Traveling around produced some of the best memories we had.
Q: Did interest heighten because of the Cubs’ World Series championship?
A: I think everyone in baseball was excited by the Cubs winning the World Series. Even St. Louis Cardinals fan might admit to that privately.
Q: Is it fun to think about baseball at this time of year when it is so cold out?
A: Yes, because we know every time a team from Florida or California registers, it reminds us warm weather and spring training (are) not that far away.
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
