Built in 1964, little Joe Martin Field would be destined to become one of the most historic stadium's in the Pacific Northwest and bring a return of professional baseball to this town for the first time since the Bellingham Chinooks played at Battersby Park in 1939 (Northwest League). The ballpark was considered to be a wonderful addition to this little town when it opened. Despite all the fanfare, a very historic return of Single-A ball, wasn't going to happen right away.