Calfee Park facts for kids
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Newly renovated press box at Calfee Park |
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| Location | 700 South Washington Ave, Pulaski, Virginia, 24301 |
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| Owner | Shelor Motor Mile |
| Operator | Calfee Park Baseball, Inc. |
| Capacity | 3,200 |
| Field size | Left Field: 338 feet Center Field: 405 feet Right Field: 301 feet with 19 foot wall |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1935 |
| Renovated | 2015 |
| Main contractors | Works Progress Administration |
| Tenants | |
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Motor Mile Field
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| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Location | Washington and Pierce Aves., SE, Pulaski, Virginia |
| Built | 1935 |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| NRHP reference No. | 00001432 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | November 22, 2000 |
Calfee Park is a famous baseball stadium located in Pulaski, Virginia, United States. It's the home field for the Pulaski River Turtles, a team in the Appalachian League. This league is where college baseball players play during the summer.
The park was built way back in 1935. It was part of a big government project called the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA helped create jobs during a tough economic time. Calfee Park is so special that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site.
The park got its name from Ernest W. Calfee, who was the mayor of Pulaski when it was built. It can hold about 3,200 people. Calfee Park is owned and run by David Hagan and Larry Shelor. Fans have even voted Calfee Park as the best rookie-level ballpark in America several times!
Calfee Park is tucked away in a valley, surrounded by houses. This means some lucky people living nearby can watch games right from their homes!
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What Makes Calfee Park Special?
Calfee Park has seen many changes over the years to make it even better.
Early Upgrades (1999)
Before the 1999 baseball season, Calfee Park got some big updates.
- A new grandstand was added behind home plate and along the first-base side.
- They also added "open-air suites." These are special areas with picnic tables, perfect for groups to enjoy the game.
- A new scoreboard was installed to keep track of all the action.
Modern Makeovers (Since 2015)
In 2015, a new ownership group bought Calfee Park. They invested over $9 million to make it super modern while keeping its historic charm.
- A brand new press box and VIP towers were built.
- The home team's clubhouse was renovated, and a new clubhouse for visiting teams was added.
- A giant jumbotron was installed, making it easier to see replays and scores.
- More outdoor suites were added for a premium viewing experience.
- New concession stands and souvenir shops were built.
- They added more general admission seats and upgraded padded club seating.
- The ticket offices were renovated, and more parking lots were created.
Recent Improvements (2018-2019)
Even after 2015, the park kept getting better!
- A picnic pavilion was added, a great spot for pre-game meals.
- A three-tiered party deck was built in left field. This area is perfect for groups and parties.
- A walk-in retail store was opened, making it easy to grab team gear.
- The party deck was even named the "Best Ballpark Improvement" under $1 million by Ballpark Digest!
Teams That Called Calfee Park Home
Many different baseball teams have played at Calfee Park over the years.
- Pulaski Counts (1942, 1946–1950)
- Pulaski Phillies (1952–1955)
- Pulaski Cubs (1957–1958)
- Pulaski Phillies (1969–1977)
- Pulaski Braves (1982–1992)
- Pulaski Rangers (1997–2002)
- Pulaski Blue Jays (2003–2006)
- Pulaski Mariners (2008–2014)
- Pulaski Yankees (2015–2020)
- Pulaski River Turtles (from 2021)
