LANSING — A long-term vision became reality for John Smoltz and Jeff Lazoros.

Smoltz, the Hall of Fame pitcher who grew up in Lansing and starred at Waverly High School, teamed with Lazaros, the project's visionary, to officially open the John Smoltz Strikeout Baseball Stadium on June 6 at Ferris Park in Lansing.

Smoltz, Lazaros and Lansing Mayor Andy Schor cut the ribbon at the front entrance before students from Waverly, Eastern and Everett schools participated in the first official game in front of a large crowd of Lansing residents.

"This has been a labor of love for a long time, and I'm blown away by the support from all the people here," Lazaros said. "This has been a vision I've had to not only grow the game of baseball, but to instill hope in the young kids to develop a love for

See Full Page