Geronimo Park was a baseball park in Apache Junction, Arizona that was in use from 1962 until 1963. It lay vacant from 1963 until it was dismantled in 1969 after being sold to Mesa Public Schools. Its location is currently occupied by a lodge of the Loyal Order of Moose. With a view of Superstition Mountains, it was the first spring training ball park of the Houston Colt .45s.
Video Geronimo Park
History
Planning and construction
Geronimo Park was constructed on a 12-acre plot of desert land near Superstition Freeway in Apache Junction, Arizona. Despite there being little in unincorporated Apache Junction, the Superstition Ho Hotel was opened in September 1960 in an effort to capitalize on the nearby Apacheland Studio movie ranch. Developer William W. Creighton, with financial backing from owners of the hotel, made promotional guarantees to team ownership which eventually resulted in an agreement for the Houston team to make Apache Junction their home for spring training.
Opening and use
Upon first arriving at the ball park, players complained of being unable to properly track baseballs, as the flat desert environment lacked landmarks to see the dimensions of the horizon. It was reported that pitcher Turk Farrell hiked regularly from the Superstition Ho Hotel to Geronimo Park, and carried a .22 caliber pistol as he trekked across a vacant field of cactus and sagebrush, shooting snakes and beer cans as he made his way.
Maps Geronimo Park
References
Source of article : Wikipedia
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