Mustangs, Billings call Cobb home

Since 1948, Cobb Field has been giving rookies a unique introduction to playing in the Minors.

The stadium has been around since the 1930s, making it one of the oldest parks in the league. Home to the Billings Mustangs, Rookie Advanced affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, it's one of the more intimate ballparks in the country with a seating capacity of 4,000.

Located in Billings, Mont., Cobb Field takes advantage of its natural surroundings to add to its allure. The stadium has a stucco exterior with mostly wood and little concrete or metal, giving it a traditional look.

"If people were to look at pictures of Cobb Field from when it came around to now, they'd see the same thing. It's a city facility -- they've done very little over the years, just little things to fix it up so it's always been small, quaint and intimate, but that's what people love," said Mustangs General Manager Gary Roller.

Cobb Field is nestled in the heart of downtown Billings yet it maintains the feel of a neighborhood ballpark at the same time.

A state highway lines the western edge of the ballpark while a major city hospital is located directly across the street. To the east, Cobb Field is adjoined by residential homes.

Another attraction of Cobb Field is the Billings Rimrocks: large sand hills that resemble cliffs complete with an airport over them. Roller says that it is common to have planes fly right over the field during games.

"I think it's a residential downtown ballpark," he said. "It really doesn't fit in the middle of downtown like other places where they're trying to use the stadium to rebuild a downtown area. Cobb Field is a part of this community."

Roller also says that although the Mustangs' market size is roughly 100,000-130,000, it feels more like being a part of a small hometown.

When fans enter the ballpark, they are greeted by an all-bleacher seating bowl with the second level housing three rooms for press and team officials. With adult tickets at $5 and childrens' tickets at $4, trips to Cobb Field have easily become a routine for families that want to enjoy a good night out.

"It's the perfect family entertainment," Roller said. "You can't do anything else with your entire family or group of friends for the price you'll pay for seats at Cobb." The size of the ballpark is another wonderful feature that gives fans the chance to really get to know the young and upcoming rookies. There is only about 30 feet separating home plate and the first row of seats.

"Fans are here to see these new players who are just getting started so it's a great experience for everyone," Roller said. "Fans and players love the closeness at each game."

In keeping with its old-fashioned atmosphere, concessions at Cobb Field run the gamut of traditional ballpark cuisine. From hot dogs to beer to ice cream and peanuts, fans who eat at Cobb Field are in for a taste of old-time treats.

What do the players think of Cobb? Roller says most are college players and some come from big schools, where they were used to playing in more modern facilities. So Cobb Field is a real eye opener to them.

"I'm sure it's not what they imagine life in professional baseball is like," Roller said, "but it doesn't last long. They learn to love and appreciate Cobb Field. It becomes home to them just like it has to the fans and to us." Last season, a campaign to build a new stadium was proposed but failed to be approved. This year, the Mustangs find themselves in the same predicament but believe the outcome will be different.

"I'm confident that it will pass this time around, people want to see that happen," said Roller. "This means next year will be our last at Cobb Field. The new park will be on the same plot, though, and we are going to make sure we do our best to replicate what we already have here."

Whether a new ballpark gets approved or not, the Mustangs are aware of how special their home is and would not trade Cobb Field's distinctive charm for anything.