List of baseball parks in Providence, Rhode Island facts for kids
Providence, Rhode Island, has a rich history with baseball, and over the years, many different fields and stadiums have hosted professional and amateur games. This article explores some of these important baseball venues where teams played America's favorite pastime.
Contents
Early Baseball Fields in Providence
Adelaide Park (First Location)
One of the earliest places where professional baseball was played in Providence was Adelaide Park. In 1875, it was a neutral field for games involving teams from other cities like New Haven, Boston, Hartford, and Brooklyn. This park was located near Broad, Hamilton, and Sackett Streets. Today, this area is mostly homes.
A Mystery Ballpark
For a short time in 1877, a Providence team from the League Alliance played at a ballpark whose name is now unknown. It's a small mystery from baseball's early days!
Messer Park: Home of the Grays
Messer Park was a very important baseball field. It was the home of the famous Providence Grays team from 1878 to 1885. The Grays played in the National League, which is still a major league today. The park was located between Messer, Willow, Wood, and Ropes (now Ellery) Streets. Today, like many old ballparks, this area is now covered by houses.
Adelaide Park (Second Location)
Later, another baseball park called Adelaide Park (II) opened. This park was home to the Providence Grays again, playing in different leagues from 1891 to 1903. It was located west of Broad Street, in an area that was once a large garden. This second Adelaide Park was close to where the first one had been. This area is also residential now.
Melrose Park: A Long-Standing Home
Melrose Park served as the home field for the Providence Grays for many years, from 1904 to 1925. Teams from the Eastern League and International League played here. The park was situated near Longfellow and Melrose Streets, close to railroad tracks. Today, the land where Melrose Park once stood is used for housing and a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) road test area.
Weston Field: A Brief Stop
For a short period, the Providence Grays also played at Weston Field, starting around 1918. This field was located in Cranston, Rhode Island, but its exact spot is not well known today.
Kinsley Park: Industrial History
Kinsley Park hosted the Providence Grays from mid-1925 until 1930. It was located near Kinsley Avenue and Acorn Street, across from a tool-making company. Today, this area is mainly industrial, meaning it has factories and businesses.
Cranston Stadium: Modern Era Baseball
Cranston Stadium is a larger complex in Cranston, Rhode Island, that has hosted baseball games. From 1946 to 1949, the Providence Chiefs (who later became the Grays) played here in the New England League. More recently, from 1999 to 2000, the Rhode Island Gulls, a college summer league team, played at Cranston Stadium. The stadium is still used for sports today, with baseball fields and a football stadium.
See also
- Lists of baseball parks
