Luther Williams Field facts for kids
![]() |
|
Location | Central City Park Macon, Georgia |
---|---|
Owner | City of Macon |
Operator | City of Macon |
Capacity | 3,500 |
Field size | Left Field: 338 feet (103 m) Center Field: 402 feet (123 m) |
Opened | 1929 |
Tenants | |
Macon Bacon (CPL) 2018–present Macon State Blue Storm (club) 2011–2012 Macon Pinetoppers (PSL) 2010 Macon Music (SCL) 2007 Macon Peaches (SEL) 2003 Macon Braves (SAL) 1991–2002 Macon Pirates (SAL) 1984–1987 Macon Dodgers (SAL) 1956–1960 |
|
Williams, Luther, Field
|
|
Location | 225 Willie Smokey Glover Blvd., Central City Park, Macon, Georgia |
Area | 6.5 acre |
Built | 1929 |
Architect | Curran R. Ellis |
Engineer | Watson Walker |
NRHP reference No. | 04000627 |
Added to NRHP | June 24, 2004 |
Luther Williams Field is a historic baseball stadium located in Macon, Georgia. It was built in 1929 and is a main attraction in Central City Park. Today, it is the home field for the Macon Bacon, a collegiate summer baseball team. This team uses wooden bats, just like professional players. The stadium still has its original covered grandstand, which gives it a classic feel. A black iron gate around the field proudly says "Macon Base Ball Park."
Contents
Discovering Luther Williams Field's History
Luther Williams Field has a long and exciting history in baseball. Many different teams have called this stadium home over the years. It has been a place for baseball fans to gather for nearly a century.
Early Baseball Teams at the Field
The stadium first opened in 1929. It quickly became home to the Macon Peaches, a team that played in various leagues. Other teams like the Macon Dodgers, Macon Redbirds, and Macon Pirates also played here. From 1991 to 2002, the Macon Braves played their games at Luther Williams Field. In 2007, the Macon Music team also played here.
Luther Williams Field in Movies and TV
This historic stadium has been featured in several movies and TV shows. Its classic look makes it perfect for filming baseball scenes.
- In 1976, it was used for the movie The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings. This film was about a fictional Negro league baseball team.
- In 2012, two more movies were filmed here. One was 42, which tells the story of baseball legend Jackie Robinson. The other was Trouble with the Curve, starring Clint Eastwood.
- The stadium also appeared in the TV show Brockmire, which features baseball stories.
Who Was Luther Williams?
The stadium is named after Luther Williams, who was the mayor of Macon when it opened. He loved sports and worked hard to bring baseball to the city. He helped make sure the stadium was built. The city council decided to name the new park after him. The very first game played at Luther Williams Field was on April 18, 1929.
Famous Baseball Players Who Played Here
Many future Major League Baseball stars played at Luther Williams Field. They either played here as young players in the minor leagues or during special games.
- Pete Rose played for the Peaches in 1962. He later became the all-time hit leader in MLB history.
- Tony Pérez was a Peaches player in 1963. He is now a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Vince Coleman played for the Redbirds in 1983. He set a record for stolen bases in professional baseball.
- Chipper Jones played for the Braves in 1991. He is a Baseball Hall of Famer and was the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1999.
- Jermaine Dye played for the Braves in 1994. He was named the World Series Most Valuable Player in 2005.
- Andruw Jones, Sr. played for the Braves in 1995. He won nine Gold Glove Awards for his amazing defense.