Melaleuca Field named best Rookie ballpark

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho -- Per a Baseball Digest competition where fans voted in a March Madness-style bracket over the last week, Melaleuca Field was named the "Best Rookie League Ballpark" in all of Minor League Baseball early Friday morning.

Of the 18 ballparks mentioned, Melaleuca Field grabbed a number-four overall seed before the voting started. After surpassing Bryce Cox Field (Bristol Pirates) by a 55-45 margin in the second round, the crown jewel of Idaho Falls beat fellow Royals-farmhand Burlington Athletic Stadium (Burlington Royals) to head into the fourth round.

Rolling in to the final four, the pride and joy of Jim Garchow Way took down Pioneer League brethren Dehler Park (Billings Mustangs) to advance into the final round. In the championship, Melaleuca Field reigned victorious by beating the #14 seed Howard Johnson Field (Johnson City Cardinals) to come away with the honorary title.

"Everyone in Idaho Falls should be proud of this competition," said Chukars GM/President Kevin Greene.

"It's a city-owned facility, so anyone from the fans who come to the games to Melalueca as a sponsor should take pride in this. I know I am certainly proud to come to work here everyday." Around for over a half-century as McDermott Field, the facility was named Melaleuca Field in 2007 after a 5.6-million dollar renovation. The Chukars will return back to their award-winning stadium on June 30, as they will welcome the Ogden Raptors and Orem Owlz for a combined seven-game series.

For tickets or any other information, call (208) 522-8363, follow the Chukars on Facebook and twitter at @Ifchukars or visit www.ifchukars.com.