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MWL1 Clinton LumberKings

Clinton ballpark a Midwest gem

by Marc Viquez
July 4, 2008 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Clinton LumberKings


The state of Iowa had been experiencing heaving flooding throughout many counties the weekend I decided to venture up to The Hawkeye State to catch a few baseball games. I had four visits planned on my schedule and three of them were canceled due to Mother Nature; however, I was able to get to the one ballpark that I was anticipating the most, Alliance Energy Stadium in Clinton, Iowa. If you had to ask me, this is what minor league baseball is all about.

The stadium opened up in 1937 as Municipal Stadium under Franklin Roosevelt's WPA. The facility still has that classic charm that many buildings have from the era, but also features a few modern accommodations to satisfy the folks of the later part of the century. Still, the park is still an ideal place to catch the Lumber Kings, charter members of the Midwest League. The town's population is just over 27,000, which makes this a true statement on how a small town can still support minor league baseball.

Ron Jaworski"I just love watching baseball," said Ted Kepple. "It is great to have a minor league stadium right in my hometown."

The ballpark's distinguishing feature is the covered grandstand that was the standard of its day, along with the multiple steel beams that support it. It was the perfect stadium to be at since heavy thunderstorms ripped through the city causing a 90-minute delay. The thousands of fans waited patiently and applauded when the gray skies opened up. I am not sure how large the crowd would have been if they were at a newer ballpark that did not feature a roof, perhaps the fans did not mind waiting it out and socializing with a few friends.

"I had to get out of my house," said an older gentleman who evacuated his house with his wife. "We were told to leave our neighborhood due to the river flooding. We know is we will be at least dry underneath here. This is the only stadium in the area that has covered seating. You can't find this in Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids."

Ron JaworskiWhen the game finally started and people starting packing all areas of the stadium there was a unique sense that does not exist at too many ballparks these days. I am not sure if it was the nostalgia of the old park or the small tight-knit community setting, but it just seemed very simple and right here tonight. The newer ballparks are great facilities, but they are almost ultra professional, especially on the AAA level. This sometimes can take away some of the charm of what the minor league baseball experience was like at one time. I guess the times have changed, but this is just the baseball purist in me venting.

The stadium was renovated after the 2005 season at a cost of $3.5 million and expanded the home clubhouse, improved the drainage system, lengthened the grass seating in left field and added levels to the Lumber Lounge in right field. The grass seating area curves around the left field fence and provides a familiar view that is found at most modern minor league parks. The stadium keeps it sense of nostalgia, but adds modern comforts for both players and fans.

Ron JaworskiThere were some interesting food items that included deep fried donuts, pork sandwiches, cheesesteaks and the garbage pail: a collection of mini corndogs, waffle fries, fried cheese curds, fried mini tacos, onion rings, jalapeño poppers and chicken tenders all served together. I do not want to know how many calories are in these, but there were various folks sharing them throughout the stadium. The funnel cakes were another popular menu item that was served at a small stand on the main concourse. The beer was served from a small stand underneath the third base stands and they kept the suds flowing until the end of the game.

The state of Iowa has quite a few choices of minor league ballpark with nearby stadiums in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Burlington, Des Moines and even a college summer team in Waterloo, that can make it baseball destination for baseball travelers during the spring and summer months. I would like to see one day when one could catch a game at all of these parks within a long weekend. However, there was something about Alliance Energy Stadium that made just seeing one game in Iowa worth the trip.

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Midwest League Stories from July 4, 2008


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