Recreation Park Visalia, CA
Stadium Minor League History:
California League 1946-1962,
1968-1975, 1977-present
Current Status: Home
of the Visalia Oaks of the California League (single-A)
What's Good: Recreation Park is one of the most unique ballparks I've encountered, with a tiny grandstand angling around the field only 28 feet from home plate. Even more distinctive than the cozy dimensions of the grandstand is its odd appearance -- the stands were shored up with large amounts of dirt from the expansion of Highway 198, then encased in Gunite. Already one of the smallest parks in pro ball, an extensive renovation during the last year (which included a handsome new entrance and replacing the old grandstand benches with individual seats, among other things) reduced the capacity even more, to just over 1,600 (click here for a shot of the grandstand from 1999). A new deck and picnic area are down the third base line (the seating has a tent-like canopy and ceiling fans -- a very nice touch in a part of California that can routinely reach 100 degrees in the summer), and there are aluminum bleachers down the first base side. Concessions, souvenirs, and the like are scattered behind the grandstand, creating a pleasant, open-air concourse, while the top of the grandstand features open-air "skyboxes" and the tiny press box. But what makes it so great to see a game here isn't the (admittedly basic) facility itself -- it's the overall experience. Maybe it's how close the seats are to the field, maybe it's the incredibly friendly and helpful staff, or perhaps it's the lack of distractions, but baseball here just feels right. I had a terrific time during the game I attended, and am a bit envious of those season ticket holders who get to watch baseball here all summer long.
What's Not So Good: There was very little that I didn't like -- my only real gripe is the backstop, which protects the entire grandstand and is kind of distracting. To be fair, however, with home plate so close to the stands it's clearly a necessity, and the bleachers down the first base offer a seating alternative with clear, unobstructed views. Overall, folks who are used to the high-tech amenities at many newer ballparks would probably be put off by the simplicity of things here, but that's OK with me -- I really enjoyed my visit.
This Photo:
June 29, 2003 Visalia Oaks vs. Stockton Ports
