Appalachian Power Park facts for kids
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The view from Rowdy Alley: night game at Appalachian Power Park, July 2010, vs Lexington Legends.
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| Location | 601 Morris Street Charleston, WV 25301 |
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| Coordinates | 38°20′56.5″N 81°37′30.4″W / 38.349028°N 81.625111°W |
| Owner | City of Charleston |
| Operator | Palisades Baseball |
| Capacity | 4,500 |
| Field size | Left Field: 330 ft (101 m) Center Field: 400 ft (122 m) Right Field: 320 ft (98 m) |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | March 18, 2004 |
| Opened | April 14, 2005 |
| Construction cost | $25 million ($34.5 million in 2022 dollars ) |
| Architect | HNTB |
| Services engineer | Henderson Engineers, Inc. |
| General contractor | BBL Carlton, LLC |
| Tenants | |
| West Virginia Power (SAL) (2005–present) Charleston Golden Eagles (NCAA) (2005–present) Marshall Thundering Herd (NCAA) (2006–present) West Virginia Mountaineers (NCAA) (2013) |
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Appalachian Power Park is a cool baseball stadium in Charleston, West Virginia. It opened in April 2005. This park was the home field for the West Virginia Power. They were a minor league baseball team.
The stadium can hold 4,500 fans. It cost about $25 million to build. The field has specific sizes:
- Left field: 330 feet
- Center field: 400 feet
- Right field: 320 feet
Besides the Power, the park has also been used by college baseball teams. These include teams from West Virginia University, Marshall University, and the University of Charleston.
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History of the Park
Appalachian Power Park is a busy place! It hosts the West Virginia state high school baseball championships. Many young athletes get to play their big games here.
For many years, from 2006 to 2018, it was the home field for Marshall University's baseball team. Their own campus did not have a big enough baseball field. So, they traveled about 50 miles to play their games here.
West Virginia University's baseball team also played some of their games in Charleston. This happened when their campus field needed upgrades to meet league standards.
The stadium isn't just for baseball. It has also hosted fun events like concerts and boxing matches. They even showed college football games on the big scoreboard!
The name "Appalachian Power Park" comes from a company called Appalachian Power. They bought the rights to name the stadium. This company provides electricity to West Virginia and southwest Virginia.
In its very first season, the park had a record number of fans. About 10,400 people came for "Buck Night." This is a special night where hot dogs, drinks, and other items cost only $1.
In 2008, parts of the "World's Strongest Man" competition took place at the stadium. This event features super strong athletes doing amazing feats.
In 2009, the stadium hosted the 50th All-Star game for the South Atlantic League. There was also a home run derby, which is a contest to see who can hit the most home runs.
Stadium Journey Magazine recognized Appalachian Power Park in 2012. They said it was one of the ten best minor league baseball parks in the country. It was also ranked among the top 100 athletic venues worldwide.
Cool Stadium Features
This baseball park has some unique and fun features.
The Locomotive Horn
You might hear a loud train horn at the park! It's a real locomotive horn. It was given to the park by Norfolk Southern Corporation. Their train tracks run right next to the stadium. The horn adds to the exciting atmosphere during games.
The "Toast Man"
One of the most famous fans at the park is a local politician named Rod Blackstone. People call him the "Toast Man." He brings a toaster and bread to games! When a Power pitcher strikes out a batter, he yells "You are toast!" Then, he throws slices of toast into the seats around him. He always reminds everyone, "Don't eat the toast. You don't know where it's been." He also brings many signs and leads the crowd in cheers.
Rowdy Alley
Behind the visiting team's dugout, there's a special section called "Rowdy Alley." This is where a group of fans, led by "Billy Bob," sit. They are known for their funny and good-natured heckling. They cheer for the home team and playfully tease the opposing players and umpires.
The Rowdys have some funny traditions:
- When an opposing player strikes out, you might hear Billy Bob's unique cackle.
- They shout "DIRT BALL!" or "BORING!" at opposing pitchers.
- If an opposing coach walks to the mound, they chant "LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT-RIGHT" until the coach returns.
- They use fun props like duck-shaped umbrellas, costumes, and noise-makers to entertain everyone.
Party Deck
In 2007, a special party deck was built near the right field foul pole. It can hold up to 250 people. For an extra fee, you can get access to this deck. It offers all-you-can-eat hot dogs, nachos, and other yummy "baseball food," plus unlimited drinks. This area is now known as the "Budweiser Party Deck."
Charleston Baseball Wall of Fame
Also in 2007, the Charleston Baseball Wall of Fame was created. It's located behind the press box, near home plate. This wall honors important people in Charleston baseball history. Some of the people inducted include "Wheeler" Bob, Rod "Toast Man" Blackstone, and famous former player Dave Parker.
