Baseball at Brookside Reservation in Cleveland

In Cleveland, most of these memories, passed from generation to generation, occurred at League Park, Cleveland Municipal Stadium, and now Progressive Field. League Park was the home of Cleveland’s first three professional championship teams: The 1895 Cleveland Spiders, the 1920 Cleveland Indians, and the 1945 Cleveland Buckeyes, making it unique in providing home field for an American League, National League, and Negro American League championship team (though the 1895 park was regarded as different from the 1920 park). Cleveland Municipal Stadium provided the memories of the 1948 World Series Championship and a 1954 World Series appearance. Progressive Field has been the home of American League Championship teams of 1995, 1997, and 2016 as well as consistent competitive baseball for decades.1,2,3

There is another Cleveland “stadium” that is mostly forgotten, even though it’s recognized with a state historical marker at the corner of Fulton Road and Denison Avenue on Cleveland’s Southwest side. Brookside Stadium no longer stands, but it is currently designated as ‘Diamond #1’ at Brookside Park. The Brookside Park Reservation included Brookside Stadium, providing many forms of outdoor recreation for Clevelanders over multiple generations, including baseball.4’5

The land, originally acquired by the Cleveland Park Board in 1894 and expanded to 160 acres by 1897, was ideal for city dwellers to utilize for picnicking, playgrounds, outdoor sports, and especially baseball. The Brookside Reservation included a natural amphitheater formed by the retreat of ice-age glaciers, which would provide the perfect setting for large crowds attending sporting events, and eventually Brookside Stadium.6,7,8

Cleveland City Clerk Peter Witt made a presentation to the Cleveland Athletic Club in 1908 for the natural terrain to be developed into a 100,000-seat amphitheater. This vision was included in the city’s ambition to attract the Olympic Games. Cleveland made a serious bid to host the 1916 Olympic Games, but the International Olympic Committee selected Berlin, and the games were later canceled during World War I.9,10

The stadium was officially dedicated in a ceremony on May 29, 1909. The following year, an ordinance was passed by the city to begin construction on a section of concrete seats. There would not be Olympic games, but Brookside Stadium would support a rapid increase of interest in baseball, and stage some of highest-attended baseball games in history.11,12

At the turn of the century, interest in baseball in Cleveland was on the rise with formation of industrial baseball leagues of company-sponsored teams. Baseball fields were in high demand for these industrial leagues as well as organized church games and pick-up games for youngsters and other amateur competition. The increased enthusiasm for the game began to generate large crowds of interested fans—and challenges to secure playing fields.

To manage the challenge of increased demand and to oversee scheduling, the Cleveland Amateur Baseball Association (CABA) was established in 1910. CABA worked closely with the City of Cleveland’s Division of Recreation to schedule games and assign diamonds. CABA promoted amateur baseball to an unprecedented popularity and became one of the most influential amateur organizations in the nation. CABA’s efforts included consolidating 18 leagues and nearly 250 teams and the creation of four divisions (A-D).13,14,15

The mission of fostering and promoting amateur baseball saw results, beginning with the 1910 City Championships. The Class A championship game was played at Brookside Stadium, drawing nearly 30,000 spectators. By 1913, attempts were made to schedule the first intercity championship games including leagues from St. Louis and Chicago. In 1914, the National Amateur Baseball Association (NABA) was formed to provide the continuity needed to develop an elimination process for teams representing 14 cities. This set the stage for the highest attended baseball games in amateur baseball history. Brookside Stadium would host the amateur baseball championships of 1914 and 1915.16,17,18

The 1914 championship game, on September 20, would see the Telling Strollers defeat the Hanna Street Cleaners, 8-3, in front of an estimated crowd of 91,000. The first anointed national Class A Amateur championship team was sponsored by William E. Telling, the head of Cleveland’s largest dairy enterprise.19,20,21

The big 1915 game was played on October 10 in front of an estimated crowd of 100,000. The Cleveland White Autos defeated the Omaha Luxus, 11-6. Pitcher “Big Six” Louis Crowley was carried off the field on the shoulders of his teammates and included in a procession all the way to Public Square.22,23

These two games represent a handful of baseball games claiming attendance in excess of 100,000, and represent the pinnacle of amateur baseball in Cleveland. No tickets were sold and all seating in the open amphitheater makes attendance claims uncertain. The panoramic photos from these games clearly show the incredible support by the city of its amateur baseball teams.24, 25

Amateur baseball remained popular throughout the country, and especially in Cleveland and at Brook-side Stadium, where several great teams consistently played for the intercity championships into the 1950s. The 1915 Champion Cleveland White Autos also added championships in 1918 and 1921. The most notable amateur Cleveland team was Fisher Foods, a powerhouse with Class A Championships in 1931, 1932, and 1936. Rosenbaum’s would earn national titles in 1934 and 1946. The 1923 Bauer Meats squad is recognized by many as one of the greatest Cleveland amateur teams.26,27

The lineage of Cleveland baseball greats and their connection to sandlot baseball and Brookside Park is impressive. Roger Peckinpaugh was identified and signed as a high school student by Napoleon Lajoie in 1909. ‘Peck’ went on to a lengthy Major League career that included becoming one of the majors’ youngest managers at the age of 24 for the New York Yankees in 1914. He played for the World Champion Washington Nationals in 1924 and won the American League MVP award the following year. Peckinpaugh managed the Cleveland Indians from 1928-33 and in 1941 and later became the team’s general manager.28

Peckinpaugh scouted Cleveland sandlot great Joe Vosmik while he played ball as a teenager as well as for Rotbart Jewelers in municipal play. Vosmik is considered the best hitter to play on the Cleveland sandlots, as well as a solid pitcher. He was a 1935 American League All-Star and compiled a .307 batting average over 13 major league seasons.29

Following his coaching career, former Indians player Bill Wambsganss returned to the area at the Lakewood home of his wife Effie. Wamby, a member of the 1920 Cleveland Indians World Series Championship team and the owner of the only unassisted triple play in World Series history, became highly involved with city sandlot baseball, managing his son Bill Jr. as well as the teams from Tru-Fit, Lyon Tailors, and Fisher Foods. He spent time coaching several players in 14U Class F sandlot baseball including future major leaguer Al Aber.30

Bob Feller’s transition from high school to the major leagues included three appearances with the Cleveland Rosenblums, a semi-pro team sponsored by a prominent clothing store, prior to his major league debut on July 19, 1936. Interestingly, Feller lost his third and final start with the Rosenblums 3-2 while striking out 15.31

Not only is Brookside Park on record for the largest baseball crowds in Cleveland history, the Indians’ first night baseball game in Cleveland took place in May 1938 at Brookside Park with the installation of a lighting system including 100 1,500-watt bulbs. The first night game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium was played on June 27, 1939, with a large crowd watching the Indians defeat the Detroit Tigers 5-0 behind Feller’s one-hit pitching.32,33

Brookside Park transitioned from baseball to slow pitch softball during the 1960s and two fields were constructed to support the national surge of interest in slow pitch softball: Rose Field in 1970, followed by Elder Field in 1975. These fields’ namesakes are two men instrumental in the popularity of Cleveland baseball. Irving S. Rose served as treasurer of the Cleveland Baseball Federation for more than 50 years, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to equip youngsters to play sandlot baseball in Cleveland. John Elder served as member of the board of the Cleveland Baseball Federation from 1948 to 1976, including service as President from 1960-76. These two men, and others, coordinated the funding and fields for youth baseball in Cleveland.34,35,36

Cleveland softball teams pursued the coveted American (ASA) Slow Pitch National Championship. Sheffield Bronze were runner ups in 1958 and 1960 and Swing Inn finished third in 1965 and 1966. Then in 1975, Cleveland’s Pyramid Cafe achieved top honors in dramatic fashion led by MVP Steve Loya. Loya hit a walk off home run to defeat favored Poindexter Lumber in the winners bracket final. Notably, Steve Loya played the whole weekend with eight stitches in his wrist, due to a work-related accident. Cleveland had its first ever Slow Pitch National Championship.37, 38

Professional softball came to Brookside Park as the Cleveland Jaybirds played home games at Rose Field from 1977 through 1980, prior to moving to Daniels Field in Willoughby. Ted Stepien (who was an Indians minority owner) purchased the team in 1978, changing its name to the Cleveland Stepien’s Competitors (1979-80) and the Cleveland Competitors (1982). Loya starred for Cleveland’s professional team as did national Hall of Famer Mike Macenko.39, 40

The evolution of baseball at Brookside Park continues. The Jim Thome All-Star Complex was unveiled in 2019 to support youth baseball with modern facilities for Cleveland Metropolitan School District Teams, RBI Leagues, and clinics. This unveiling coincided with the 2019 All-Star game in Cleveland and included the upgrade of Talty Field to artificial turf, new dugouts, and fencing. This investment, one of four artificial turf ball diamonds, is part of the commitment of Cleveland Guardians Charities to provide fields and equipment to intercity youth baseball and softball programs.41, 42

The final chapter to date of the historic Diamond #1 at Brookside Park is not ideal. Brookside Stadium and site of the historic crowds and the grassy field located in the natural amphitheater went into decline with the movement to suburbia. The original concrete stadium seating was removed during the 1980s. The ground was damaged during the construction of the Fulton Road Bridge in 2007. The field was not restored following the bridge construction; instead, it was backfilled with clay and seeded grass that resulted in poor drainage. Although still honored by an Ohio historical plaque, this field of dreams is now an often overgrown, open space, in the natural amphitheater. 43,44,45

A complete history of Brookside Park and its meaning to Clevelanders since the park opened in the late 1890s goes well beyond the story of baseball. Brook-side Park became a destination for Clevelanders for many interests. The Cleveland Zoo was moved to Brookside Park beginning in 1907 and housed the city’s first elephant ‘Minnie’ as well as the famed rescue dog Balto. The Brookside Pool was built in 1920 and remained operational until 1981. Brookside Park has also included two “documented sightings” of Bigfoot, in 1968 and 1972.46

It was the site of the 1961 Cleveland episode of the television show Route 66, with a cast that included Robert Redford. In addition to the zoo and pool, park activities include motorbike racing, Soap Box Derby, sledding, and many other outdoor activities. But from the very start, baseball was center stage at Brookside Municipal Park. It was the standard of amateur baseball. It drew communities together by neighborhood, church, and place of work. Brookside Stadium drew the largest crowds to ever witness a baseball game. It was a place where many of the greatest players to call Cleveland their home developed their craft. Baseball’s connection to Brookside Park has been a proud and amazing journey.

THOMAS C. HABLITZEL is a retired executive of the Sherwin-Williams Company. In retirement, Tom is active with several charitable organizations in the Cleveland area including the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame (GCSHOF). Tom is a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Guardians and a baseball fan in general, attending games in 52 Major League stadiums. Tom and his wife, Jan, split time between Hudson, Ohio, and Seabrook Island, South Carolina, and enjoy time with their two children and three grandchildren.

 

Notes

1. Richard Raponi, “Amateur Baseball at Brookside Park,” Cleveland Historical, April 14, 2013, https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/606. Accessed July 5, 2026.

2. Craig S. Miller, “Baseball,” Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, http://case.edu/ech/articles/b/baseball. Accessed July 5, 2026.

3. O’Karma, Dave. “The Forgotten Championship.” Cleveland Magazine, April 28, 2006, https://clevelandmagazine.com/articles/the-forgotten-championship/. Accessed July 5, 2026.

4. James A. Toman, “Sandlot Baseball,” Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, https://case.edu/ech/articles/s/sandlot-baseball. Accessed July 5, 2026.

5. Christoper Roy, “Brookside Reservation,” Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, https://case.edu/ech/articles/b/brookside-reservation. Accessed July 5, 2026.

6. Miller, “Baseball.”

7. Donald Billie, “Brookside Park—Then and Now, Part 1,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXdC-CI7yzs. Accessed July 5, 2026.

8. Forgotten Places, “Brookside Stadium: Cleveland’s Forgotten Stadium,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nCL9OC2_yg. Accessed July 5, 2026.

9. Miller, “Baseball.”

10. Patrick Andres, “The 10 Strangest Cities Ever to Bid on the Olympic Games,” Sports Illustrated, July 19, 2024, https://www.si.com/olympics/10-strangest-cities-bid-on-olympic-games. Accessed July 5, 2026.

11. Raponi, “Amateur Baseball.”

12. Jim Gates, “Clicking Turnstyles,” National Baseball Hall of Fame, https://baseballhall.org/clicking-turnstiles. Accessed July 5, 2026.

13. Raponi, “Amateur Baseball.”

14. Miller, “Baseball.”

15. Toman, “Sandlot Baseball.”

16. Raponi, “Amateur Baseball.”

17. Toman, “Sandlot Baseball.”

18. Raponi. “National Amateur Baseball.”

19. Raponi. “National Amateur Baseball.”

20. National Championship Results, National Amateur Baseball Federation, https://www.nabf.com/layout_container/show_layout_tab?layout_container_id=23941652&page_node_id=2568155&tab_element_id=82941. Accessed July 5, 2026.

21. Jim Lanese, “William E. Telling Dairyman and Businessman,” Cleveland Historical, https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/1027. Accessed July 5, 2026.

22. Raponi. “National Amateur Baseball.”

23. Jim. “William E. Telling.”

24. Raponi. “National Amateur Baseball.”

25. Gates, “Clicking Turnstyles.”

26. Raponi. “National Amateur Baseball.”

27. National Championship Results.

28. Peter M. Gordon, “Roger Peckinpaugh,” SABR Biography Project, https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/roger-peckinpaugh/. Accessed July 5, 2026.

29. Bill Nowlin, “Joe Vosmik,” SABR Biography Project, https://sabr.org/ bioproj/person/joe-vosmik/. Accessed July 5, 2026.

30. Bill Nowlin, “Bill Wambsganss,” SABR Biography Project, https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bill-wambsganss/. Accessed July 5, 2026.

31. C. Paul Rogers III, “Bob Feller,” SABR Biography Project, https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bob-feller/. Accessed July 5, 2026.

32. Raponi, “Amateur Baseball.”

33. Rogers, “Bob Feller.”

34. “Rose, Irving S,” Case Western Reserve University, https://case.edu/ ech/articles/r/rose-irving-s. Accessed July 5, 2026.

35. “Irving S. Rose,” Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame, https://www.clevelandsportshall.com/rose-i-s-nig/. Accessed July 5, 2026.

36. “John Elder,” Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame, https://www.clevelandsportshall.com/elder-john/. Accessed July 5, 2026.

37. “Steve Loya,” USA Softball, https://www.usasoftball.com/hall-of-fame/steve-loya/. Accessed July 5, 2026.

38. Steve Dimitry, “1975 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals,” Steve Dimitry’s Softball History Website, https://www.softballhistoryusa.com/1975-asa-mens-open-slow-pitch-nationals/. Accessed July 5, 2026.

39. “Steve Loya.”

40. “Cleveland Jaybirds,” Fun While it Lasted, https://funwhileitlasted.net/2022/09/05/cleveland-jaybirds/. Accessed July 5, 2026.

41. Bob Dibiasio, personal interview.

42. Stephanie Metzger, “Cleveland, MLB unveil Jim Thome All-Star Complex at Brookside Reservation,” WKYC, July 8, 2019, https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/watch-live-former-indians-mlb-commissioner-rob-manfred-unveil-renovated-field-at-brookside-reservation/95-a62320ec-dc08-4ee8-b5d5-cae3bab193e0. Accessed July 5, 2026.

43. Billie, “Brookside Park—Then and Now, Part 1.”

44. Forgotten Places, “Brookside Stadium.”

45. Roy, “Brookside Reservation.”

46. Billie, “Brookside Park—Then and Now, Part 1.”