We recently had the pleasure of hosting the George Bode JR Benevolent Trust members. We had the pleasure of our first pitch being thrown by the legendary Mr. Bob Slater. Before going on the field, Mr. Slater was sharing stories about 1939, when Phil Welch first opened- he was there! Bob is a treasure in our community. We are thankful for all that Mr. Slater and the rest of the Bode Trust has contributed to our community. Formed in 1945, The George Bode JR Benevolent Trust focuses its mission on maintaining and improving the city parks and recreation facilities of the City of Saint Joseph, Missouri. The Trust made a large gift towards the purchase of the Video Board that is now at Phil Welch Stadium.