On today’s episode of “Ballparks Around The World” we focus on Sullivan Field in Grand Rapids MI. This baseball field was renamed in 1996 after a person who had major ties with Dutch baseball.
Sullivan Field is a community ballpark on the corner of Sixth Street and Valley Avenue on the west side of Grand Rapids. The park has been a mecca for baseball in Grand Rapids since the 1930s, but over the years the park began to show disrepair due to age and limited maintenance.
Four days ago it was announced that a $5 million restoration is underway. The wooden stand, built in 1937, will be completely rebuilt. Part of the restoration includes new entrances, toilets and common areas. Below you will find some renderings that show the future situation. The Fans of Valley Field organization is partially responsible for the restoration of the ballpark as it was created to raise money for the restoration.
The design plans for the historic grandstand will maintain its traditional appearance, while upgrading the park to ensure it is enjoyed to the fullest by current and future generations.
When Sullivan Field opened in 1937, it was called Valley Field. But in 1996, the ballpark was renamed after Bob Sullivan. Sullivan owned a large furniture store and had his own semi-professional baseball team, called the Grand Rapids Sullivans. In addition to running his furniture store and managing his baseball team, Sullivan was a scout for the Detroit Tigers. His team played in every NBC World Series tournament from 1955 to 1987 and won four championship titles.
In addition to this competition, the Sullvians participated several times in the Haarlem Baseball Week, the first time in 1963. For the Dutch fans it was quality baseball, something we did not see very often at the time. But in addition to this quality baseball, the Sullivans also entertained the fans, especially Carl Angelo with his trumpet.
In addition to the Grand Rapids Sullivans, this ballpark was home to a team named The Dutch Krafts, the Grand Rapids Black Sox (a Negro League team), and many others.
As a Dutch baseball fan, it is nice to know that a baseball field with indirect ties to Dutch baseball will be preserved for future generations.
Here is a website dedicated to Bob Sullivan and his teams.
Here are some photos of the ballpark’s current situation:
Here’s a fun video from The Ballpark Hunter about this gem of a ballpark:
Post views: 17
#Ballparks #world #Sullivan #Field