Louisville, KY

Memorable Moments:

• July 19, 1897: Honus Wagner's Major League debut.

When the Colonels needed a new park, the Kentucky & Indiana Railroad Company offered land and were willing to help finance a new grandstand. Instead of negotiating with the club, though, the Colonel's Vice President, George Ruckstuhl, negotiated the purchase of the land along with other club directors, John F. Kellner and Charles P. Dehler. They bought the property for $35,000 down from $50,000 for a thirteen acre site. Ruckstuhl and friends created an amusement area that also contained a smaller ballpark, bicycle paths, and picnic areas. The bleacher along the third base side ran from the entrance to the left field corner. The grandstand cost $6,000 and held 3,000. Bleachers cost between $1,000 and $2,000 and held 3,000. Everything was going alright for the Colonels until the park burned to the ground August 12, 1899. Temporary bleachers were erected, but there was not enough space for the fans. During a double header against the Orioles, team owner, Barney Dreyfuss was so fed up he had to turn away so many fans, he ordered the remaining games to all be played on the road. Then he left to become president of the Pittsburgh Pirates. This park was used on and off until 1920.

© 2004-08 Paul Healey.