Just a guess here, but a record might have been set in our own backyard.

In our own ballyard, actually.

Pullman Park will host its final baseball game of the season Aug. 12, when a contingent of Japanese players faces a group of Western Pennsylvania 15-year-olds in a Friendship Series doubleheader at 6 p.m.

When Japan takes the field that night, it will become the 81st baseball team to do so at Pullman Park this season.

Such a total is mind-boggling.

It's possible to find records on pretty much everything these days, but it's doubtful national records are kept on how many different baseball teams play at one field in a given season.

If such a record exists, the number 81 might challenge it.

"That was the goal from day one," Pullman Park manager Dess Schnur said. "I wanted as many different teams from all levels from age 15 on up to experience playing here."

It makes sense. It's a community ballpark; let the community use it.

Here's the breakdown of teams that have been on the Pullman diamond since March:

• Eight Prospect League teams, hosted by the Butler BlueSox.

• 27 high school teams.

• 10 American Legion teams, not including the Pennsylvania All-West Game.

• Seven Eagle County League teams, hosted by Saxonburg.

• 12 Colt League teams.

• Five college teams, including Butler County Community College, Robert Morris and Penn State's club team.

• Eight NCBA Division II Wooden Bat teams at the organization's tournament.

• Others: North Allegheny Palomino, BB Rooners, NA Tigers and the Japan squad.

Out of 123 games played, there were only seven rainouts.

Schnur said more than 1,200 different baseball players will have played on the Pullman Park diamond before its doors close for the year.

During the high school season, teams called Schnur to inquire about Pullman's availability when their fields were too wet to use.

"There were plenty of times we opened the park and got the field prepared on less than 24 hours notice," he said. "We were always standing by to do that."

Pullman Park failed to host a game on only five days in June and only six in July.

The artificial turf infield has stood up to the daily wear and tear. The outfield grass continues to drain well. With the only dirt on the field being the mound and batter's box, Pullman Park bounces back from bad weather as well as any field anywhere.

When the BlueSox are playing at home, public address announcer Jay Miranda begins his night's work with the words "Welcome to historic Pullman Park."

It is historic because of the minor league teams that played there during the 1940s and 1950s.

The place is now historic because of today.

Build it and they will come?

That works.

Renovate it and re-use it — over and over again.

That works even better.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle.