Silver Cross Field Among the Elite
December 16, 2003 - Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
JOLIET, IL â Silver Cross Field, the home of the Joliet JackHammers, was ranked as the best ballpark in the 10-team Northern League and second best ballpark among the 66 teams that compete in the independent minor leagues. Baseball America, a leading baseball industry publication, conducted the recent poll and featured its rankings for every level of baseball, high school to the major leagues, in its recent edition that's available for purchase through January 18. Through two seasons, more than 400,000 fans have visited Silver Cross Field to enjoy the JackHammers experience which includes zany promotions and competitive professional baseball.
The rankings for each ballpark classification were "based on conversations with people throughout the game as well as [Baseball America's] opinions." Those "people" include fans, team executives, coaches, scouts, players and umpires. The opinions were based on a wide array of topics including fan experience and ballpark ambiance.
Silver Cross Field opened its gates for the first time on May 24, 2002. The two-year old, $27-million ballpark is owned by the City of Joliet. Mayor Art Schultz, John Mezera (Joliet's City Manager) and Joliet's City Council brought Silver Cross Field and professional baseball to Joliet. A group of local investors own the JackHammers. Silver Cross Hospital (Joliet, IL) acquired the ballpark's naming rights.
Sink, Combs, Dethlefs (Denver, CO) was the architectural firm that designed Silver Cross Field, and Walsh Construction (Chicago, IL) was the general contractor. A complete list of construction facts, Silver Cross Field firsts, a ballpark diagram, virtual tours, pictures, directions to Silver Cross Field and parking information can be found on the stadium page of the team's website. Silver Cross Field features 4,581 fixed seats in the seating bowl and 14 luxury suites. This ballpark can accommodate approximately 3,000 additional fans in the Tru-Green Chemlawn Grassy Berms, DesRochers Spa & Party Patio (hot tub) and Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell Picnic Area. The largest crowd to ever enjoy the JackHammers experience was 7,064 on August 23, 2003.
In addition to the 10 teams that compete in the Northern League, the independent leagues include the Atlantic League, Arizona-Mexico League, Canadian Baseball League, Central League, Frontier League, Northeast League and Southeastern League. The top five independent ballparks were ranked in the following order: 1. Campbell's Field (Camden, NJ â built in 2001...Atlantic League); 2. Silver Cross Field (Joliet, IL â 2002...Northern League); 3. Falconi Field (Washington, PA â 2001...Frontier League); 4. Midway Stadium (St. Paul, MN â 1982...Northern League). 5. LaGrave Field (Fort Worth, TX â 2002...Central League). On the local scene, Wrigley Field was the only other area ballpark ranked, and they were third in the major league category.
Silver Cross Field has also been the site of a Snickers commercial, an Anheuser-Busch national advertising photo shoot and is currently under consideration for movie filming.
"This is a true testament to all the hard work put in by the mayor, city manager, city council, ownership group, front office staff and game day employees as well as all the fans that have visited who enjoyed their experience here. This is impartial proof that Silver Cross Field truly stacks up with the finest ballparks across the country," said Steve Malliet, the JackHammers Executive Vice President and General Manager.
LOOSE GRAVEL: The JackHammers first director of stadium operations, Jamie Toole, has a new baseball home. The 25-year-old is one of the youngest executives in professional baseball. He was recently tabbed as the General Manager for the Salem (VA) Avalanche, Single-A Advanced affiliate of the Houston Astros in the Carolina League. After working with the JackHammers for the 2002 season, Toole was the assistant director of Florida baseball operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates spring training facility in Bradenton, FL.
The JackHammers begin their third season at 7:05 PM on Thursday, May 20 versus the Gary (IN) SouthShore RailCats at Silver Cross Field in Joliet's City Center. The JackHammers have team merchandise, gift certificates, full season tickets, mini-plan ticket packages and group ticket packages available for purchase. For additional information, visit www.jackhammerbaseball.com., the team's administrative offices at Silver Cross Field, or call 815-726-BALL (2255).
Northern League Stories from December 16, 2003
- Holiday Shopping? Why Not The Meat Locker - Kansas City Monarchs
- RailCats Sell Contract of Tim Byrdak to San Diego Padres - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Saltdogs Update - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Silver Cross Field Among the Elite - Joliet JackHammers
- RedHawks Release 2004 Schedule - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
