Propane tank donated and converted into giant baseball

NORFOLK, Neb. -- A larger-than-life baseball, with a meaning. 

“Everybody wants to live on, one way or the other, even if it's just your name on a little plaque on the bottom of a ball out in the middle of Norfolk, Nebraska,” said Rick Bussey, owner and donator of the propane tank.

Once a propane tank, it was converted into a large display at Ta-Ha-Zouka Fields.

“It's still a viable propane tank, if I could have sold it that way,” said Bussey. “But I think it's got a better resting place here.”

The propane tank originally sat at the Norfolk Livestock Market. It now serves a new purpose. 

“I think that it just adds to the beauty of Norfolk,” said Bussey. “It's another attraction. What they're doing here at these ball fields is excellent.”

“It took a lot of people to kind of coordinate this move,” said Fran Arnes, Norfolk City Council. 

With help from City Council members, as well as donated time and effort from around the community, the tank was moved, sandblasted, then painted white. The stitching was painted by local artist Adam Boggs.

“It did help that all these people were willing to donate not only their time, but their equipment, and the idea that they could be a part of this,” said Arnes.

The project used zero city funding. Just elbow grease from a prideful community. 

“We envision that a lot of teams from around the state will come here, and once you know their team maybe wins the championship, they're going to take a photo op,” said Arnes.

“We could be competitive for a lot of state tournaments,” said Bussey. “So once you get that in, it's going to bring a lot of stuff to Norfolk.”

The project is still not complete, Bussey plans to add a concrete pour in the shape of home base, as well as a giant glove to fit underneath.

“I'm very happy that it's something that's going to live in perpetuity,” said Bussey. “It's going to be way past our lifetime.”

“People across the state will recognize, hey, that picture was taken to Norfolk,” said Arens.