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.
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