History oozes from Savannah's Grayson Stadium

It may play home to the lowest level of the Minors, but historic Grayson Stadium has enjoyed some high moments as it's opened its doors for some of baseball's greats.

Located in the heart of Savannah, Ga., Grayson Stadium has survived a hurricane, a gas explosion and even a steel shortage during World War II, yet it remains one of the most charming ballparks in the Minor Leagues.

In 1926, the year Grayson was built, legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig took the field. In 1957, a young outfielder by the name of Mickey Mantle played at game at Grayson. Even the Home Run King himself, Hank Aaron, has launched one over its fences.

Today, it's home to the Savannah Sand Gnats, a Class A affiliate of the Washington Nationals.

The 5,000-capacity ballpark was rebuilt in 1940 -- at a cost of $150,000 -- after the wooden bleachers succumbed to hurricane damage, leaving only the concrete outfield wall standing.

The most recent renovation, in 1995, added new clubhouses, bigger restrooms and press box, and a computerized sound system to update Grayson Stadium.

The concrete bleachers down the right- and left-field lines still remain, but the main seating bowl foundation was changed to brick. When fans enter Grayson Stadium, they can either sit in one of 250 box seats or wooden bleachers in the covered grandstand.

Willie Smith Jr. came to Grayson Stadium with his father during the 1940s. Since then, Smith has never missed a game at Grayson -- except on Sundays.

Growing up during the civil-rights movement, Smith said he remembers sitting in the left-field bleachers -- the "colored section" -- as a child. After desegregation, Smith watched his first game from behind home plate.

"My father brought me when I was an infant," said Smith. "It just became an everyday thing, sitting in the left-field bleachers, but I remember we were happy. Even though we were segregated, everyone came together to watch baseball."

When the city tears down those left-field bleachers, a project slated to happen soon, Smith be there watching that part of America's history removed.

Smith, who saw Aaron, Ty Cobb and Jackie Robinson play at Grayson, said his only regret is not sitting behind home plate with his father, Willie Smith Sr., who passed away before desegregation.

"It was a thrill to see, I love baseball's roots so much. I just think of so many players I saw in my time," said Smith. "We got to know so many of them; we'd just jump the fence and see them up close before games."

The long-time fan also draws a parallel between his growing up and Grayson Stadium's evolution.

Today's Grayson houses a grill area down the right-field line, a place packed on "Thirsty Thursdays." Party decks called "Pods" are scattered around the grandstand, allowing groups to enjoy games.

Competing with newer ballparks is also a challenge, as Grayson Stadium does not feature the amenities of modern parks.

"It's tough because we really can't compare," said Sand Gnats media relations director Scott Geirman. "It doesn't take a lot of effort to sell out games in those new parks, but here it's a little tougher because not everyone knows Grayson's history."

Grayson Stadium features no luxury skyboxes or tiered seating. Its allure lies in the rich baseball history oozing from every square foot of it.

"There's no comparison to Grayson Stadium," Gierman said. "Just the way it's built, there's a lot of comfort in it. As far as I know, this is the best stadium."