Quad Cities ballpark ready for Midwest stars

John O'Donnell Stadium, the home of the Swing of the Quad Cities and site of Tuesday's Midwest League All-Star Game, is one of the oldest parks in all of Minor League Baseball.

The venerable facility has been in existence since 1931, when it was built as part of a massive riverfront renovation project in the city of Davenport, Iowa. Since then, John O'Donnell Stadium has hosted a record six MWL All-Star Games. Tuesday's game will be the seventh.

The last time that John O'Donnell Stadium hosted a Midsummer Classic was in 1990, when the Southern Division All-Stars doubled up the Northerners, 10-5. Minor League fans who haven't visited the ballpark since then are in for a shock the next time they walk through the turnstiles.

After all, John O'Donnell Stadium is one of the newest parks in all of Minor League Baseball.

This apparent contradiction is, in fact, the simple truth -- the ballpark underwent a massive renovation in 2004. Whether John O'Donnell Stadium is baseball's newest old ballpark or it's oldest new one is left for the fans to decide. It's really just a semantic distinction they can debate while they explore the splendid restoration.

The 2004 project cost $12.5 million and was designed by HOK Sport, which also planned modern baseball landmarks such as Baltimore's Camden Yards and Pittsburgh's PNC Park. While the park's enduring brick facade remained untouched, the inside of the stadium was entirely redone.

The laundry list of improvements included a 360-degree walkway, a grass berm beyond the outfield wall, a party deck, expanded clubhouses and new batting and pitching tunnels.

Full flood protection was another major feature of the extensive upgrade. The stadium stands on the banks of the Mississippi River, and was completely flooded in both 1965 and 1993.

John O'Donnell Stadium is now the best of both worlds: a charming 75-year-old ballpark that also delivers all the amenities and fan-friendly characteristics that have come to be expected in modern facilities. Ben Chiswick, the Swing's director of broadcasting and media relations, believes the All-Star Game will be the perfect opportunity to showcase the splendor of the revitalized venue.

"We truly believe we have one of the best facilities in all of Minor League Baseball," said Chiswick. "The stadium offers views of the Mississippi River and the Centennial Bridge, which connects Illinois and Iowa. It's an unbelievable backdrop, especially when the sun starts to set and the bridge is lit up."

Chiswick, who also serves as Quad Cities' radio announcer, is well acquainted with the quirks of the playing field's layout.

"The left-field corner is odd," he said. "It extends out a little because of a storage area, and the ball usually rattles around down there. You see more triples down that way."

The stadium also features some unusual dimensions. The left-field foul pole is 343 feet from home plate, while right field is a mere 318 feet away.

"Left-handed hitters get excited when they see the right field fence," said Chiswick. "But the wind usually evens it all out."

The Swing of the Quad Cities is justifiably excited to be hosting Tuesday's All-Star Game. But Chiswick is quick to make an important distinction.

"It's more than a game, it's an event," he said.

A quick glance at the crowded schedule confirms his claim. On Monday, the team is hosting a charity luncheon, as well as a dinner for Midwest League personnel. And while Tuesday's game starts at 8 p.m. ET, fans are going to want to get there early. An autograph session with the players is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Home Run Derby one hour later.

The game itself should be very enjoyable for Swing fans, as six of the club's players have been named to the Western Division's All-Star squad. Of the six, three will be in the starting lineup: catcher Bryan Anderson, outfielder Colby Rasmus and DH Randy Roth.

But no matter how those players fare, and no matter what the outcome of the game itself, this year's Midwest League All-Star Game is certain to be a memorable one.

"People who haven't been here for a while will be shocked to see John O'Donnell Stadium," said Chiswick. "We're proud of what it's become. The All-Star Game is our chance to show everyone our house and our hospitality."