Bowen Field – Bluefield, West Virginia
Photos* by Paul Crumlish
Former Notable Players: Armando Benitez, Storm Davis, David Dellucci, Sidney Ponson, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Gregg Zaun.
Team | Seating Capacity | Dimensions | Year Opened |
Bluefield Ridge Runners | 2250 | LF 335 CF 365 RF 335 | 1975 |
Bowen Field in Bluefield, Virginia is a classic small-town ballpark, the kind of a charming baseball field that is becoming increasingly rare.
The stadium was originally opened in 1939 but had to be rebuilt after the fire destroyed the all-wood seating bowl.
The new facility with a concrete structure was built in 1975 and went through a major renovation in 1990.
Interestingly, up until 1997, the fans in the seating area had to bring their own chairs or cushions.
Only then, the seats salvaged from the Anaheim Stadium revocation were installed. Currently, Bowen Field holds 2,250 people.
The full name of the stadium is Bowen Field at Peters Park in honor of Charles Peters, who made significant contributions to the renovations.
The park where the ballpark is located is separated in two parts by the Virginia-West Virginia state line.
The field itself is located on the Virginia side, but the stadium is operated by the Bluefield, West Virginia Parks Division.
Currently, Bowen Field is home to Bluefield Ridge Runners of the Appalachian League and to the local college team, Bluefield University Rams.
Throughout its history, the stadium hosted several major league affiliates, most notably Bluefield Orioles (1958-2010) and Bluefield Blue Jays (2011-2020).
*Photos Taken On:
August 20, 2005 (Pulaski Blue Jays vs. Bluefield Orioles)
June 22, 2008 (Princeton Devil Rays vs. Bluefield Orioles)