When it opened in 1925 Lanphier Park was known as "Reservoir Park" and cost $50,000 to build (quite expensive in those days). 12,000 fans arrived on May 12th 1925 to see its Triple-I franchise, the Springfield Senators, take on the Terre Haute Tots. Baseball was off and running at this ballpark which it would last on and off for the next 25 years. The Triple-I League (Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League) was a Class B System... sort of like Double-A ball today. The league featured teams in
   Bloomington, Danville, Decatur, Evansville (Bosse Field is the only ballpark from the 1920's era still standing), Peoria, Quincy, Terre Haute and here in Springfield Illinois. Lanphier Park's first baseball team would be a bit disappointing coming in 2nd to last place with a 56-79 record. Attendance however broke the 100k mark with 116k coming through the gates. The second highest Peoria only drew 75,000 so this ballpark met with some tremendous fan loyalty.