Deltaville Ballpark facts for kids
Deltaville Ballpark is a special place in Deltaville, Virginia, where people have enjoyed baseball games for a long time. It was first built in 1948 and is owned by the Deltaville Community Association. Many different teams and groups use this ballpark as their home field.
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History of Deltaville Ballpark
The ballpark was built in 1948 by local boatbuilders and skilled workers. The very first game was played there in June of that year.
Over the years, the ballpark has been updated several times to keep it safe and modern.
- In 1976, the main seating area, called the grandstand, was largely rebuilt.
- In 1996, new dugouts were added, and the outfield fence was replaced.
More recently, between 2016 and 2024, the ballpark had a big renovation project.
- In 2016-2017, the old roof, which was 68 years old, was replaced with new materials that looked like the original.
- By 2020, a new building for snacks and drinks (concessions) was finished. This also created a ramp for easy access for people using wheelchairs.
- In 2022, the old restrooms were replaced with new, larger ones that are also accessible for everyone.
- The lighting system, which had parts from the 1950s and 1980s, was updated to bright LED lights. These new lights were made to look just like the old ones.
About the Field and Stadium
The ballpark has wooden grandstands that offer covered seating for about 300 fans. A special crab pot wire fence protects fans from foul balls. High above home plate, there's a small press box. From here, announcers can control the scoreboard and play music.
Near the home team's dugout, there's a small extra seating area for about 15 to 20 people.
The infield is made of dirt, and it drains water very well. This is because hundreds of holes filled with rock are drilled underneath to help water flow away. The outfield walls are about 9 feet tall. Even with these high walls, many home runs are hit because the distance down the lines is quite short.
You might even spot an Osprey nest on one of the light poles! Sometimes, the birds leave fish remains for players to find.
Who Plays Here?
Many teams use Deltaville Ballpark as their home field. Games are played regularly from late February to early November.
Current Teams
Deltaville Deltas Baseball
The Deltaville Deltas are a semi-pro baseball team for players aged 18 and older. They use wooden bats, just like in the old days! The Deltas have called this ballpark home since it was built. Their season usually runs from May to early August.
Many players are college students from nearby universities. Some former college and even professional players also join the team. Two players who pitched for the Deltas, Keith Atherton and Jim Coates, even won the World Series in Major League Baseball!
Tickets for Deltas games cost $7 for adults and $3 for teens. Kids aged 12 and under get in free!
Middlesex Little League
For many years, Deltaville Ballpark was a main place for young baseball players in Middlesex County. While most youth games now happen at the Middlesex Sports Complex, the ballpark still hosts special events.
Since 2016, the ballpark has held an annual "Little League Weekend." During this event, young teams from ages 7 to 16 get to play games at the stadium. It's a great chance for kids to experience playing on a big field! Admission to these Little League games is always free.
241 Baseball League
This league took over from another program in 2019. About 150 players, aged 13 to 16, form 10 teams from seven different counties. Deltaville Ballpark is one of two main fields for this league. They play two seasons: a summer season from June to Labor Day, and a fall season in September and October.
Past Teams
Middlesex High School Chargers
From 1996 to 2014, the local high school baseball team, the Middlesex High School Chargers, used the ballpark for their home games and practices. They even hosted tournaments and important playoff games here.
In 2015, the high school opened its own new baseball field. However, in 2019, the Chargers returned to the ballpark for a special game. In 2020, the ballpark hosted a "Senior Game" doubleheader. Forty-six high school seniors from ten different schools played a final game in their school colors. They were also honored with a "senior walk" on the field with their parents and coaches.
Middle Peninsula Mariners
The Middle Peninsula Mariners were another semi-pro team that played at Deltaville Ballpark from the 1990s until 2010. Like the Deltas, they used wooden bats. The Mariners won league titles in 2008 and 2009.
For many years, the Deltas and Mariners played against each other in exciting games often called "The Battle for the Ballpark." These games always brought in large crowds.
Other Events at the Ballpark
Besides baseball, the ballpark has been used for many other fun events. These include recreational softball games, charity events like donkey baseball games, and outdoor concerts.
Heritage Day Celebrations
For many decades, around the 4th of July, Deltaville celebrated "Heritage Day." This special Saturday event included arts and crafts, crab races, a parade, and ended with a Deltas baseball game at the ballpark.
After the Deltas game, there was a short "Old-Timers Game." Former Deltaville players of all ages would play a few innings, reliving their baseball days. The evening ended with a large fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day. The grandstands would be packed, and many people would gather on the field or in the nearby open space to watch the fireworks.
The Deltaville Community Association stopped Heritage Day in 2014. They started a new event called the Deltaville Seafood Festival, which happens on a different weekend in May. Fireworks have not been held at the ballpark since 2012, but there have been efforts to bring back the town's Independence Day celebration.
