The “Pastimes” initiative, presented by Fifth Third Bank, serves as a bridge between Spartanburg’s professional baseball future and its storied past. Each of the six designated nights will have a different throwback theme, highlighting teams that once called Duncan Park home.
A century of history in Duncan Park
The ‘Pastimes’ identity celebrates a location where some of the greatest moments in American sports history have taken place. Since the gates opened on July 8, 1926, with the Spartans’ 5-1 victory over the Macon Peaches, Duncan Park has been a cornerstone of the community.
Record-breaking crowds: In 1936, the park hosted Game 5 of the American Legion World Series. A whopping 21,000 fans were in attendance – a figure that remains the largest crowd for a single sporting event in Spartanburg history.
Legends on the Diamond: In 1937, the New York Yankees stopped by for an exhibition game, bringing icons Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio to the Sparkle City sand.
Championship History: The stadium has hosted countless winners, from the Spartanburg Peaches (Tri-State League champions in ’51 and ’55) to the 1966 Phillies, who claimed the Western Carolinas League title with a 91-35 victory.
Philadelphia Connection: In 1970, Duncan Park received 587 wooden chairs from Philadelphia’s legendary Shibe Park; Many have been restored and remain part of the stadium’s unique character today.
Over the years, the park has hosted everything from the Alley Cats and Crickets to the current Spartanburg High School Vikings and American Legion Post 28, which has called the park home since 1933.
Preserving the legacy
The Spartan Citizens have committed to donating a percentage of all sales of Pastimes-specific merchandise to the Friends of Duncan Park to ensure this landmark survives for another century.
The ‘Pastimes’ gear has a vintage color scheme and a ‘throwback’ feel that captures the soul of an old-fashioned ball. I already have my eye on one of the new hats I’ll be wearing to the April 7 opener. It’s the perfect way to take a piece of that 100-year legacy into the new season.
Spartanburg Pastime 2026 Schedule:
April 7: vs. Greenville
May 22: vs. Rome
June 28: vs. Winston-Salem (Pat Williams Appreciation Night)
July 8: vs. Bowling Green (100th anniversary of Duncan Park)
August 12: vs. Greenville (American Legion Night)
September 1: vs. Jersey Shore
The Spartanburgers season officially begins April 3 at Fifth Third Park. Tickets and “Pastimes” gear are currently available for pre-order at HubCitySpartanburgers.com.
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