The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes will celebrate Robin Roberts Stadium’s 100th anniversary beginning with their home season opener on Tuesday, May 27.
Here’s everything to know ahead of the first pitch against the Normal Cornbelters at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Standing the test of time
Robin Roberts Stadium, which neighbors Lanphier High School on North Grand Avenue, initially opened as Reservoir Park on May 12, 1925.
Kenesaw Mountain Landis, commissioner of Major League Baseball, threw out the first pitch in front of approximately 12,000 fans.
It wasn’t renamed Robin Roberts Stadium until 1977 before becoming the home of the St. Louis Cardinals’ AAA affiliate Redbirds from 1978-1981, then the Class A affiliate Cardinals from 1982-1993 and the Kansas City Royals‘ Class A affiliate Sultans the ensuing two years.
That doesn’t include a number of other teams over its extensive past.
Shoes executive and co-owner Jamie Toole underscored not many things last 100 years.
“One of the things about baseball in particular out of all the sports is how it’s very tied to history from stats to the fact that Kennesaw Mountain Landis the first commissioner threw out the first pitch here 100 years ago and all the players that have come through here.
“It’s just an awesome honor to be able to be a part of operating the stadium and the Shoes. It’s just pretty cool.”
How will the Shoes commemorate the century mark on Tuesday?
Tickets will cost just $1 at the box (and $2 online due to fees) for the season opener, only, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ballpark.
The Shoes also released a commemorative video on social medial ahead of the opening day on Tuesday.
But Toole said most of this season will be built around the centennial season. That includes the Prospect League Alumni Game on July 7 and All-Star Game on July 8, along with other entertainment offerings that can be found on its web site.
What else is new this year?
The Shoes will unveil a new team store, constructed by the Capital Area Career Center. The original Shoe Box, meanwhile, has been converted into a craft beer cove featuring local brews.
The stadium will also include a new full-service bar, according to Toole.
“We’re in the business of fun,” Toole said. “All you do is brainstorm fun ideas and bring them to the community.”
What does the future hold?
The Shoes, owned by Capital City Baseball LLC, replaced the Sliders prior to the 2022 season and is entering their fourth year in a five-year agreement with the Springfield Park District to use the stadium.
The collegiate summer baseball organization has made various upgrades over that span, including a new scoreboard and a beer garden.
But in a phone interview on Saturday, Toole doubled down on the team’s commitment to Robin Roberts Stadium.
Toole said there is no shortage of parking with renovations now completed at Lanphier, plus the looming demolition of the nearby Pillsbury Mills site offers further reason for optimism.
“I believe the future of the north end is super bright, and we’re bullish on the north end and very excited about the potential of what’s happening.” Toole said.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Springfield Lucky Horseshoes to celebrate Robin Roberts’ 100th anniversary