List of baseball parks in Kansas City, Missouri facts for kids
Kansas City, Missouri, has a rich history of professional baseball, with many different stadiums and fields hosting exciting games over the years. From the early days of the Union Association to today's Major League Baseball, these venues have been home to famous teams and legendary players. This article explores the places where baseball history was made in Kansas City.
Early Baseball Parks in Kansas City
Athletic Park: A Historic Start
Athletic Park was one of the first professional baseball venues in Kansas City. It was home to the Kansas City Cowboys/Unions for part of the 1884 season. The park was located near Southwest Boulevard and Summit Street. Today, this area is used for businesses.
Association Park (I): "The Hole"
The first Association Park, sometimes called "The Hole," hosted several teams. The Kansas City Cowboys/Blues played here in 1886. Other teams from the Western League and American Association also used this field. It was located where Lydia Avenue, Sixth Street, John Street, Tracy Avenue, and Independence Avenue met. Now, the Al-Taqwa Islamic Center stands on this historic spot.
Exposition Park: A Busy Venue
Exposition Park was a very active baseball park for many years. It was home to the Kansas City Blues from 1889 to 1901, playing in various leagues like the American Association and Western League. The park was situated near East 15th Street (now Truman Avenue) and Montgall Avenue. Today, the area is filled with businesses and industrial buildings.
Sportsman's Park: A Short-Lived Home
Also known as Recreation Park, Sportsman's Park hosted the Kansas City Blue Stockings and Cowboys. These teams played in the Western League during 1902 and 1903. The park was located near Indiana Avenue and 17th Street. Now, parts of this area are commercial, and some are under the I-70 highway.
Shelley Park: Home of the Royal Giants
Shelley Park was an important venue for Negro league baseball. The Kansas City Royal Giants played here from 1910 to 1912. This park was located near Oak Street, Missouri Avenue, Locust Lane, and Independence Avenue. Today, a fire station and a highway interchange (I-35 & Hwy 9) are in its place.
Association Park (II): A New Era
The second Association Park was a significant home for two important teams. The Kansas City Blues played here from 1902 until mid-1923. The famous Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro leagues also called this park home during the same period. It was located near 19th Street, Olive Street, 20th Street, and Prospect Avenue. Today, this site is a public green space called Blues Park.
Gordon and Koppel Field: Federal League Baseball
Gordon and Koppel Field was the home of the Kansas City Packers for two seasons, 1914 and 1915, when they played in the Federal League. The park was located near Lydia Avenue, The Paseo, 47th Street (now Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard), Tracy Avenue, and Brush Creek. Today, Kiely Park and various businesses are found there.
Modern Baseball Stadiums in Kansas City
Municipal Stadium: A Long History
Municipal Stadium had several names over the years, including Blues Stadium, Ruppert Stadium, and Muehlebach Field. It was a very important stadium for Kansas City baseball. The Kansas City Blues played here from mid-1923 to 1954. The legendary Kansas City Monarchs also played many seasons here. Later, Major League Baseball teams like the Kansas City Athletics (1955–1967) and the Kansas City Royals (1969–1972) made it their home. The stadium was located near Brooklyn Avenue, 22nd Street, Euclid Avenue, and 21st Street. Now, the site is a community garden and a public park.
Kauffman Stadium: Home of the Royals
Kauffman Stadium, originally known as Royals Stadium, has been the proud home of the Kansas City Royals since 1973. It is a major league ballpark where fans cheer on their team today. The stadium is part of the Truman Sports Complex and is located at One Royal Way, near Interstate-70 and Interstate-435.
CommunityAmerica Ballpark: Independent League Action
CommunityAmerica Ballpark is located in Kansas City, Kansas. It is home to the Kansas City Monarchs (American Association), an independent league team. This team was formerly known as the Kansas City T-Bones. They have played here since 2003, first in the Northern League and then in the American Association. The ballpark is located at 1800 Village West Parkway, near State Avenue.
See also
- Lists of baseball parks
