Add Event My Events Log In

Upcoming Events

    We see you appreciate a good vintage. But there comes a time to try something new. Click here to head over to the redesigned Louisville.com. It's where you'll find all of our latest work. And plenty of the good ol' stuff, too, looking better than ever.

    LouLife

    Print this page

    Near the University of Louisville at third and eastern parkway there used to sit a stadium that built a grand tradition in it’s over sixty years of existence until it’s eventual demolition.

    That stadium was known simply as Parkway Field, initially built in 1923 the ballpark is arguably most known for being home to Louisville’s major league baseball team, the Louisville Colonels from the park’s initial opening into the 50’s.

    The Colonels of course had a storied tradition, and many of the notables from that team are currently enshrined in Cooperstown’s baseball hall of fame. More than that though, the stadium meant something to so many, past the share of all-stars that played there at one time or another like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson the stadium stood as a source of pride for so many Kentuckians who loved nothing more than cheering on the Colonels.

    After the Colonels departure though, the stadium wasn’t unused for long as a deal was quickly signed with the University of Louisville for their baseball team. The Cards called the park home until 1998, at which time they made their way to Cardinal Stadium.

    It’s contributions to the city have long been forgotten by so many but it was the joint efforts of the Louisville Slugger company and Parkway Field that initially put the Derby City on the baseball mat.

    And, it’s my contention that this is worth remembering.
    In most American cities sport means a sense of pride and time after time the old stadiums and arenas are left behind in favor of new technology. New technology I enjoy, but we can’t forget our athletics past and what it meant to so many through the years. Currently, there is a contingency pushing for a plaque, statue, or some sort of remembrance of the arena where it used to stand and well personally, I think I could get behind that.

    Image courtesy of the University of Louisville

    Sources

    Parkway Field

    Louisville Library

    Ball Park Reviews

    Dave Rose's picture

    About Dave Rose

    Recently, I completed a Masters degree in Education and have been writing for Louisville.com for over a year now, prior to that I published a humor book for young adults titled Wearing Socks with Sandals, a book about getting through high school, college, and all of the requisite problems that present themselves during that time. Currently, I spend much of my time in classroom settings as well as writing in various areas. Of course, I’m a big sports fan and love music and film, and love finding new stuff around Louisville.

    More from author:

    Share On:

    Most Read Stories