A history of baseball in Plymouth
Did you know that baseball has been played in Central Park, Plymouth since the second World War? And did you know that Plymouth was the first city in the South West to have a purpose built permanent baseball facility built?
It might be called America’s pastime but baseball has been enjoyed by the residents of Plymouth for decades. In 1998 the team now known as the Plymouth Mariners began to take shape. Initially a passion project set up to introduce the great game of baseball to youth players, the Plymouth Mariners have grown to be one of the most well developed and successful teams in the city.
Back in the late 90s there were no proper facilities to play baseball in Plymouth. The team made do by using scaffold poles and fishing nets in order to be able to play, using a site in Central Park that American servicemen played on during the 1940s.
In 2002, when plans and funding were being put in place to build the Life Centre leisure complex, funding was granted to improve the facilities of all the sports being played in the park. Roll around to 2003 and the Plymouth Mariners now had a state of the art of baseball field to call their own. Opened by the then Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Wilson Field was born.
Wilson Field was named after Angie and Tug Wilson, who have been at the heart of Plymouth baseball for over 20 years. With their help Plymouth has become the heart of baseball in region. Wilson Field has hosted the Championship Game of the WestCountry Baseball League since the league’s inception.
Where we are today / How we will spend the money
After 21 years of use it’s clear to see that Wilson Field is in dire need of some maintenance. Whilst there have been a couple of upgrades made over the years the basic structure is unchanged since 2003.
We are looking to raise funds to aid in fully resurfacing the baseball infield as well as provide the means to replace the fences. The home and away dugout structures are also in need of maintenance to remain fit for purpose.
Since its opening in 2003 Wilson Field has been the best and only permanent facility in the region. In recent years a number of cities have begun preparations to create purpose built baseball fields. Whilst we are delighted to see the game of baseball growing in the region, we want to make sure that Plymouth remains up there as one of, if not the best facility in the area.
We want to ensure that the people of Plymouth have access to baseball for the next 20+ years and to do that we really need your help!