History on display in Williamsport

WILLIAMSPORT — It's called Historic Bowman Field for good reason.

First, it's the second-oldest operating minor league ballpark in the United States and the oldest in Pennsylvania.

Also, the first ever Little League game took place in the outfield parking lot just across the street from Bowman, adding to the historic lure.

Beyond that, it is historic in the sense of who has played there.

The list of some 400 players who have gone on to Major League Baseball after time in Williamsport includes Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan and Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood.

"Bowman Field is a special place," said Gabe Sinicropi Jr., director of marketing and public relations for the Williamsport Crosscutters, a Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. "Great history has happened here over the past 70 years."

The stadium was built in 1926 and is named after businessmen J. Walton Bowman, who was a large contributor to its construction and was in charge of fundraising efforts to build the park.

The first game played in the ballpark was an exhibition game between the Williamsport Grays and the Bucknell University baseball team on April 22, 1926. The Grays defeated the collegians 5-3.

The first professional competition occurred when the Grays played the Harrisburg Colored Giants on April 27.

In that game, Oscar Charleston, Harrisburg first baseman and manager, hit the first home run at the new ballpark. Charleston became one of the all-time greats of the Negro Leagues and was later enshrined in baseball's Hall of Fame.

Lights came to Bowman in 1932 and were replaced in 1964 with lights from the Polo Grounds, the famous former New York City stadium where New York's Giants and Mets once played.

Minor league teams for the Mets, Indians, Cubs and, now, the Pirates, have called Bowman home.

Bowman's history is certainly an attraction.

But the stadium doesn't feel "old" at all, especially since the recent $1.5 million facelift that created a regional gem.

"The renovations before the 2000 season were paramount to the success of the team for the future. It really helped us turn the corner," Sinicropi said.

The ballpark in Lycoming County's seat is inviting to fans of all ages who want to see some of the best young prospects play in the short-season Class A New York-Penn League.

The Crosscutters play 72 games over a three-month season and are coming off a league title in 2003. They shared the title in 2001.

George Schramm, Williamsport, used to watch the games from a treehouse in his younger days and is a regular at the park now.

"It's more fun than watching the big leagues," because fans can get closer to the players and there's more of a connection amongst the patrons, said Schramm, who was watching the Crosscutters take on the Hudson Valley (N.Y.)Renegades earlier this week. He has attended games at Bowman since its first years.

Pat Newman, Salona, said she has been coming to Bowman Field since she was a child, first with her father.

"I love my baseball," said Newman, who would like to see more fans come out to Bowman Field, including on nights when there isn't free admission.

Bringing the family to Bowman is not an expensive proposition.

"Our highest ticket price is $6, and general admission for the kids is just $3.75," Sinicropi said.

Food prices reflect the inexpensive nature as well, and there is anything from hot dogs to cotton candy and Cracker Jack.

"Each person will get something different out of a night at the park," Sinicropi said.

There is a special promotion each night of the week.

That includes fireworks on Fridays, when everybody is welcomed onto the field after the game to sprawl out on blankets and watch the display over the center-field fence.

During bingo night on Sundays, fans can win vacation trips.

The promise to satisfy everyone even applies to the family dog.

Once a season, the Crosscutters hold Bark in the Park night, in which people are encouraged to bring their dogs for fun and prizes.

On average, 50 pets are part of the crowd. At this year's event on July 11, one lucky pet owner left the stadium with a $10,000 check.

Other promotions at Bowman include giveaways ranging from baseballs to trading cards to miniature replicas of Historic Bowman Field.

Almost every game at the stadium involves either free or discounted tickets, another draw for families.

"Dad might be a baseball fan and enjoy coming out to a game and, even if mom does not like baseball, she is bound to see friends and neighbors and will socialize all night," Sinicropi said. "The kids have a great time either with the promotions on the field or running around the ballpark with our mascot."

In addition to what happens inside Bowman Field, the stadium has wonderful surroundings in a tree-lined grove on the northwestern edge of the city.

There are picnic tables and a state-of-the-art playground.

Gates for the 7:05 p.m. games open at 6 p.m., encouraging families to arrive early and enjoy the time outdoors even more.

At the site of the nation's first Little League game, played in 1929, there is a small museum open to the public for free.

The park, which has been damaged by flooding several times, is now protected with flood walls as high as the grandstands.

A night out at the ballpark has become something unique — no matter the team's success.

"Bowman has become our community front porch," Sinicropi said. "Everybody leaves the ballpark happy."