Kids Incorporated was founded by Dr. Ray Leo Lessert Jr. in 1964. Mr Lessert was born in Ponca City in 1920. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1939. After a stint in World War II, he returned home to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine. In 1954, Ray Lessert received a degree from A & M School of Veterinary Medicine and opened a practice west of Ponca City.
Before Kids Inc. began Dr. Lessert needed a place for a Ponca City semi-pro baseball team to play. He Donated almost sixteen acres toward the building of a ball field complex. When Kids Inc. First got off the ground there was only one ball field. After word got out about the complex, Kids Inc became an established program in the McCord area community.
Dr. Lessert wanted a safe environment for the McCord and surrounding area kids to come together, play ball, and have fun. He wanted the fields to be readily available to anyone wanting to play regardless of age, race, religion, or abilities. He is quoted as saying, "If kids have gloves in their hands and cleats on their feet, then we're keeping them out of trouble."
Although Ray Lessert died in 1997, his legacy still carries on through the heart and dedication of like minded players, coaches, parents, families, and friends. As long as kids are still playing baseball, softball and t-ball, there will always be a Kids Inc. We will keep his dream alive.
