General
General
“OYO Knows” helps share insights into the goals and mission of the Oaklandon Youth Organization. In this section — General — we feature answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the topics of:
What OYO Knows
Reflecting on 50+ Years of Baseball and Softball Excellence
2026 marked the completion of our 52nd year of baseball and softball in Oaklandon, serving the Lawrence community.
Recently, 2024 marked a momentous milestone for OYO as we celebrated 50 years of providing baseball and softball experiences to our incredible ballplayers and their families. Founded in 1975, OYO began its journey on fields adjacent to Oaklandon Elementary before relocating in 1995 to Veterans Memorial Park, which has since undergone three major expansions to accommodate our growing community.
The success of OYO over these five decades is no accident. Our league has consistently exemplified excellence, greatness, and dedication. It’s a place where families dive into the heart of the action—from raking fields and leading park prep day projects to coaching rec league teams and full-time travel squads. Our volunteers have always been the driving force behind OYO’s success, stepping up to support one another and ensuring that every player and fan feels welcome and valued.
Now, here’s to the start of our next 50-plus years of community spirit, growth, and the love of the game!
City of Lawrence Partnership
Since 1975, OYO and the City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department have enjoyed a true partnership to provide baseball and softball experiences to all interested youth ballplayers in Lawrence and surrounding communities.
OYO and the City of Lawrence have established 10-year annual agreements for use of the facility, which includes five-year reviews for any necessary addendums. These terms document proper expectations for usage and maintenance of the facility by both parties.
To ensure it remains in good standing, OYO delivers and presents an annual State of OYO Report to the Parks and Recreation Board, which addresses the organization’s annual performance including program participation, fundraising and fiscal activity.
Long-Term Partnerships
OYO Knows: Long Term Partnerships
At OYO, we understand that building a winning program involves building long-lasting partnerships. This continuity with key service providers has enabled us a chance to establish consistency in our processes and programs, even as our Board of Directors turnover every few years.
What’s more, when it comes to forming win-win-win alliances, we know our partners win, our league wins and, most importantly, our players and families win. Here are just some examples of the exclusive partnerships we have formed since the early 2000s:
- Since 2001 | Alarm Security provided by Nelson Alarm
- Since 2003 | Trophies provided by Crown Trophy
- Since 2004 | Concessions Products provided by Gordon Food Service and Pepsi
- Since 2006 | Design Services provided by Brindle Box and Andrea McCloskey Design
- Since 2007 | Uniforms provided by Classic Designs
- Since 2008 | Player and Team Photos provided by H&R Photography
- Since 2015 | Signage Printing provided by Premier Design Group
Our Why
At the Oaklandon Youth Organization (OYO), we believe in more than just teaching baseball and softball skills—we are dedicated to providing valuable life lessons through teamwork, respect, and responsibility.
Our program fosters an environment where children learn the importance of collaboration, good sportsmanship, and accountability. By playing on a team, players not only develop their athletic abilities but also gain essential life skills that extend far beyond the field. Whether it’s supporting a teammate, respecting the game, or accepting challenges with integrity, these lessons stay with them for life.
OYO is a place where families come together, build lasting relationships, and share the experience of watching their children grow, both on and off the field. This sense of community and shared values is why so many families continue to choose OYO for their youth sports experience.
To summarize, following the principles of Start with Why by Simon Sinek, here’s the OYO model:
Why | To provide valuable life lessons through teamwork and responsibility
How | Through strong role models leading by example as fans, players, coaches and volunteers
What | Delivering high-quality, fundamentally sound and competitive baseball and softball experiences
Who | Each and every person who calls OYO home for some way of life (playing, coaching, cheering, umpiring, volunteering, working in concession stands, etc.)
Read The OYO Way and The OYO Code of Conduct online.
Veterans Memorial Park
OYO Knows: Park Management
Veterans Memorial Park is located at 12150 East 62nd Street on the northeastside of Indianapolis and serves as the home of Oaklandon Youth Organization baseball and softball.
Generally speaking, OYO is located on Pendleton Pike in the community of Oaklandon just northeast of Indianapolis, Indiana. The park is just northeast of the Oaklandon Road intersection (between Family Leisure and the new U.S. Post Office). Entrances are off Pendleton Pike and also East 62nd Street.
Access the OYO Park Map for details on the locations of all 14 fields, three batting cages and two concession stands/restrooms.
- Veterans Memorial Park / 12150 East 62nd Street / Indianapolis, Indiana 46235: P.O. Box 36037 / Indianapolis, Indiana 46236
See you at the ball park!