Cardines Field facts for kids
| Former names | Basin Field |
|---|---|
| Location | 20 America's Cup Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island, USA |
| Coordinates | 41°29′28″N 71°19′01″W / 41.491006°N 71.316861°W |
| Owner | City of Newport, RI |
| Capacity | 3,000 |
| Field size | Leftfield: 315 ft Left Centerfield: 365 ft Centerfield: 395 ft Centerfield Indent: 315 ft Right Centerfield Corner: 340 ft Right Field: 285 ft Fences: 28 ft |
| Surface | Grass |
| Scoreboard | Electric |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1908 |
| Renovated | 1938, 2000 |
| Tenants | |
| Newport Gulls (NECBL) (2001-present) Salve Regina Seahawks (CCC) | |
Cardines Field is a famous baseball stadium in Newport, Rhode Island. Many people believe it is one of the oldest baseball parks in the United States. It has even been called "a small urban gem of a ballpark."
The field is located between homes and businesses in an old part of Newport. Its unique outfield shape comes from the nearby houses. The spectator side of the park is next to America's Cup Avenue.
The field was first called Basin Field. Records show it was used as early as 1893. Back then, it was a drainage area for steam engines. Neighbors complained about the standing water and mosquitoes. So, the area was drained, allowing baseball to be played. There is a debate about whether baseball started before 1900 or in 1908. Either way, it is a very old field!
Later, Basin Field was renamed for Bernardo Cardines. He was a Newport baseball player who died in World War I. Today, Cardines Field is home to the historic George Donnelly Sunset League. It also hosts the Newport Gulls of the New England Collegiate Baseball League.
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History of Cardines Field
Railroad workers from the Old Colony Division built this field. They played unofficial baseball games here. Many famous players visited and played at Cardines. This included Negro league teams like the Baltimore Elite Giants. Even legendary pitcher Satchel Paige once played at Cardines. The first backstop was built around 1908. That's when the city started its first six-team league at the park.
Cardines Field looks similar to other old ballparks. These include Ebbets Field, Fenway Park, and Wrigley Field. It has stone walls and wooden bleachers. The outfield has unique angles. The outside of the stadium has curved arches. These look like the original Yankee Stadium.
In 1936, the city of Newport took over the field. Stone and concrete bleachers were added in 1936-1937. This work was done by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was a government program that created jobs during tough economic times. A plaque at the entrance shows the year "1937." The main grandstand was built by the WPA after a big hurricane in 1938. The curved grandstand behind home plate was finished in 1939. Over the years, more parts were added. This created the unique, patchwork stadium you see today.
Baseball During World War II
During World War II, many professional baseball players were stationed nearby. They were at Naval Station Newport. Many of these players played in Newport's George Donnelly Sunset League. This was an amateur league that started in 1919. Famous players like Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, and Bob Feller played in this league.
Wednesday night all-star games drew thousands of fans. They even needed extra bleachers in the outfield. The Sunset League got its name because games started at 5:30 p.m. They ended at dusk, before lights were added. It is the oldest continuous amateur baseball league in the country. The Sunset League was also ahead of its time. It included Black players like Larry Doby and Luke Easter. This was several years before Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. The league is still an important part of Cardines' history today.
Who Plays at Cardines Field Now?
The George Donnelly Sunset League still plays many games all summer. Now, the park has lights, so games can go on after dark. Cardines Field is home to several teams. These include Rogers High School baseball. It also hosts Newport's Babe Ruth League and American Legion team. Salve Regina University and the Naval Academy Preparatory School also play here. And, of course, the Newport Gulls of the New England Collegiate Baseball League play their games here.
In 2004, Baseball America magazine chose Cardines Field. It was named one of the top five places in America to play college summer baseball. This was thanks to the Newport Gulls' growing reputation.
The Newport Gulls Era
Most teams at Cardines have a few dozen or a few hundred fans. But the Newport Gulls are different. Since they moved to Newport in 2001, they have brought the field back to its glory days. Hundreds of fans come to their games every night.
In the 2004 season, the Gulls attracted over 50,000 fans. This was for just 26 home games! They often had sold-out crowds. After the 2010 season, the Gulls set a record. They had 45,683 fans for 21 home games. This was a record for both the team and the NECBL.
Improvements and Renovations
Renovation work started in 2000. Funds came from a $500,000 grant from the state. A group called the Friends of Cardines Field Foundation also helped. In recent years, many parts of the park have been updated. The grandstands, concession stands, and bathrooms were all renovated. A new, modern field lighting system was also added.
In the winter of 2005-2006, the entire outfield and infield were replaced. A new drainage system was put in. A new outfield fence was also added. These improvements cost another half million dollars.
The Newport Gulls also needed more space for concessions. A team office, storage rooms, and a souvenir stand were renovated. The ticket booth, scoreboard, and public address system were also improved. The city's Parks and Recreation Department led this work. The Gulls' former owners and a professor from Roger Williams University also helped.
The most recent improvements help with broadcasting games. High-speed internet and phone lines were added. New camera positions and a control room were built. This allows a volunteer crew to produce games.
Cardines Field looks much better today than it did in the past. About ten years ago, some people wanted to tear down the old field. They thought it could be used for more parking in the busy downtown area. But thankfully, that didn't happen!
Future plans for Cardines include finishing the outfield fence. They also plan to make the dugouts wider and longer. A locker room and an umpire's room will be added. More bleachers, framework, and other parts will be restored. There has also been talk about removing an old warehouse in right field. But no official plans have been announced yet.
Images for kids
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Newport Gulls playing the Bristol Blues during a NECBL game.
