Stadium Minor League History:
South Atlantic League 1992-present
Current Status:
Home of the Asheville Tourists of the South
Atlantic League (single-A)
What's Good: Replacing the ancient and storied stands of old McCormick Field (site of Babe Ruth's "bellyache heard 'round the world" and many other historic moments in baseball) is no easy task, but the new stadium (which opened in 1992) isn't all that bad. Situated in the same location -- against a lush, tree-covered hill -- the new place enjoys a similar pastoral beauty (for a view of the stadium from the top of the hill, click here). In addition, the walls around the field and at the top of the grandstand are brick, which add a little warmth to the otherwise mostly concrete structure. A pretty substantial roof is cantilevered out over the seating area, and the seating at the ends of the grandstand is just plain concrete benches -- not the most comfortable seating option, but plenty of space to stretch out and put your stuff. In addition, the city of Asheville is quite pretty and in one of the more pleasant areas of the south.
What's Not So Good: It's not the greatest-looking stadium and doesn't have the historic appeal of its predecessor, but it's a good place for baseball. My only complaint -- and a minor one at that -- is the annoying netting strung around the infield.
This Photo:
August 16, 1993 Asheville Tourists vs. Savannah Cardinals
