Jackie Robinson Ballpark facts for kids
{{Infobox venue | stadium_name = Jackie Robinson Ballpark | nickname = "The Jack" | image = Jackierobinsonstadium1.jpg | fullname = Jackie Robinson Ballpark | address = 105 East Orange Avenue | location = Daytona Beach, Florida | coordinates = 29°12′34″N 81°1′0″W / 29.20944°N 81.01667°W | broke_ground = | built = | opened = June 4, 1914 | renovated = 1930, 1951, 1962, 1973, 1999 | expanded = | closed = | demolished = | owner = City of Daytona Beach | operator = Checkerboard Baseball, LLC | surface = FieldTurf | construction_cost = | architect = Fuquay & Gheen, Inc. | former_names = Daytona City Island Ballpark (1914–1988) | tenants = Daytona Beach Islanders/Dodgers/Astros/Admirals (1920–1924, 1928, 1936–1941, 1946–1973, 1977–1987)
St. Louis Cardinals (spring training) (1925–1937)
Minneapolis Millers (spring training) (1940)
Brooklyn Dodgers (spring training) (1947)
Baltimore Orioles (spring training) (1955)
Montreal Expos (spring training) (1973–1980)
Bethune–Cookman Wildcats baseball (1993–present)
Daytona Cubs (1993–2014)
Daytona Tortugas (2015–present) | seating_capacity = 4,200 | dimensions = Left Field: 317 ft
Center Field: 400 ft
Right Field: 325 ft | nrhp =
The Jackie Robinson Ballpark is a famous baseball field in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is also known as Jackie Robinson Stadium or City Island Ball Park. You can find it on City Island, right next to the Halifax River.
Contents
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City Island Ball Park
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| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Built | 1914 (ball field) 1929 (grandstand) |
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| MPS | Daytona Beach Multiple Property Submission |
| NRHP reference No. | 98001253 |
| Added to NRHP | October 22, 1998 |
Discovering Jackie Robinson Ballpark
This historic ballpark first opened its doors in 1914. Back then, it was called City Island Ball Park. It started with just a baseball field and simple wooden seats. The main grandstand and press box you see today were built in 1962.
Today, the ballpark is home to two exciting teams. The Daytona Tortugas play their games here. They were formed in 1993 and have won six championships in the Florida State League. These wins happened in 1994, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2011, and 2013.
The Bethune–Cookman Wildcats college baseball team also calls this park home. They have been very successful too! They won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) baseball championship six times in a row from 1999 to 2004. They added seven more championships between 2006 and 2012.
A Look Back at the Ballpark's History
Baseball's Important Moments
The city of Daytona Beach and this stadium played a big part in baseball history. In 1946, it was the first city in Florida to let Jackie Robinson play during spring training. Jackie Robinson was a talented player for the Triple-A Montreal Royals. His team held spring training in Florida with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Other cities like Jacksonville and Sanford would not let Robinson play. They closed their stadiums because of local rules against "mixed" sports. But Daytona Beach welcomed the game, which took place on March 17, 1946. This event helped Jackie Robinson break the color barrier in Major League Baseball the next year. He then joined the Dodgers.
Because Jacksonville refused to host the Dodgers, the team moved their spring training to Daytona in 1947. They later built Dodgertown in Vero Beach for the 1948 season. You can find a statue of Jackie Robinson at the south entrance of the ballpark today. It honors his bravery and impact.
Over the years, many teams have played at this ballpark. These include the Daytona Beach Islanders, Daytona Beach Dodgers, and Daytona Beach Astros. The major league Montreal Expos also used the park for their spring training from 1973 to 1980. As of 2021, Jackie Robinson Ballpark is the oldest active ballpark in Minor League Baseball.
Beyond Baseball Games
The stadium has faced some tough weather over the years. In 1960, Hurricane Donna caused a lot of damage. After Hurricane Floyd tore off the metal roofs in 1999, a big renovation project began. In 2004, Hurricane Charley also caused some damage, making a few home games move to Melching Field at Conrad Park in nearby DeLand.
The ballpark is also recognized for its historical importance. On October 22, 1998, it was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special place that is protected for future generations. In 2025, the park was named a National Commemorative Site. It was also added to the African American Civil Rights Network.
See also
- List of NCAA Division I baseball venues
