History
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| HISTORY OF LOUISVILLE SLUGGER FIELD
The Louisville Bats and the City of Louisville broke ground on Louisville Slugger Field back on November 13th. In front of a crowd estimated at about 1000, Mayor Jerry Abramson and Governor Paul Patton cut out the first home plate before they broke the ground with Bats President Gary Ulmer and other officials. Miniature Louisville Slugger Bats were given to the first 500 guests. Architectural drawings of the new park and baseball memorabilia were on display and there was ball park food available--hot dogs, popcorn, caramel corn and soft drinks. "After this ground breaking, we are looking forward to the Bats throwing out the first pitch at Louisville Slugger Field in the spring of 2000," Mayor Abramson said. "All the elements of the ballpark that we envisioned when we first announced the project last year are included in the design." Patrons will enter the park at the concourse level through the restored "train shed" building, formerly the Brinly-Hardy warehouse. Mayor Abramson said the ballpark would replicate the glory days of baseball. "We believe the combination of the historic train shed building and the modern, comfortable ballpark integrated with it will provide a feel and an aura that could not be replicated anywhere." The design of Louisville Slugger Field is a joint effort of HNTB Architects of Kansas City, Mo., and K. Norman Berry and Associates of Louisville. The field will be financed through a partnership between the city, the Bats, Hillerich & Bradsby, the Brown Foundation, Human Inc. and the Humana Foundation. The stadium which opened in April of 2000 seats over 13,000 and was built on the banks of the Ohio River, within one block of the Waterfront Park. A key designs feature is the integration of an historic rail freight depot in the over all project. Retaining and restoring the depot in the late 1800's, is a vital component of the new stadium. "The converted structure, which will encompass more than 62,000 square feet, will serve as the ballparks' front door and provide 22,000 square feet of retail shops and restaurants. It's a tremendous opportunity to save a piece of historic architecture while giving this stadium a unique atmosphere." |
| STADIUM FACTS
The stadium cost $39 million and includes 32 private suites, second-level club seating, a continuous concourse around the field, an outfield seating berm, extensive press facilities, concessions and restrooms, a children's play area, team and administrative offices and numerous retail amenities. And, most importantly for baseball purists, the recessed playing field features natural grass. Dimensions: 325' (LF), 405' (CF), 340' (RF) Capacity: 13,131 Playing Surface: Natural Grass |
| LOUISVILLE SLUGGER FIELD FIRSTS
First Game: April 12, 2000 vs. Norfolk Tides (L, 8-5) Honorary First Pitch: Governor Paul Patton, Mayor David Armstrong, then-former Mayor Jerry Abrahamson First Pitch: A ball thrown by Louisville's Osvaldo Fernandez First Batter: Norfolk's Lauriel Gonzalez First Louisville Win: April 13, 2000 vs. Nofolk (8-7, 11 innings) First Louisville Save: April 14, 2000 by Norm Charlton First Hit: A single by Norfolk's Ryan McGuire in the first inning First Louisville Hit: A single by Chris Sexton in the first inning First Run: By Louisville's Deion Sanders in the first inning First RBI: By Louisville's Chris Sexton in the first inning First Single: By Louisville's Chris Sexton in the first inning First Double: By Norfolk's Ryan McGuire in the third inning First Triple: April 26, 2000 by Louisville's Deion Sanders in the seventh inning First Home Run: April 12, 2000 by Louisville's Mike Bell in the sixth inning with two runners on First Grand Slam: June 6, 2000 by Louisville's Ron Wright in the fifth inning First Stolen Base: April 13, 2000 by Norfolk's Jason Tyner in the first inning First Louisville Stolen Base: April 13, 2000 by Louisville's Deion Sanders in the first inning First Strikeout: April 12, 2000 by Louisville's Mike Bell in the first inning First Walk: April 12, 2000 by Louisville's Deion Sanders in the first inning |
| STADIUM HIGHS & LOWS
Largest Crowd: 14,123 on April 14, 2006 vs. Ottawa Longest Game (Time): 5:34 on August 3, 2014 vs. Rochester (L, 6-5) Longest Game (Innings): 18 on June 6, 2003 vs. Richmond (W, 4-3) Longest Home Run: 490' by Louisville's Rob Stratton on April 26, 2006 vs. Toledo Most Runs by Louisville: 22 on July 13, 2012 vs. Gwinnett Most Runs by Opponent: 20 on April 13, 2014 vs. Toledo Most Hits by Louisville: 23 on July 13, 2012 vs. Gwinnett Most Hits by Opponent: 21 on April 18, 2012 vs. Toledo |
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