Play Ball!
New River Gorge National River
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
In New River coal towns, baseball was a major part of social life. Fierce competition sometimes prompted coal companies to hire workers, or pay them more, based upon athletic ability. Glen Jean teams played against other company town teams and its ballpark was considered a showplace – the best in Fayette County.
The Glen Jean ballpark was right across the street from the bank and next to the Athletic Club. Today it's the site of New River Gorge National River's park headquarters.
With an Athletic Club, tennis courts, and croquet courts, Glen Jean was the center for indoor and outdoor sports. The club also offered bowling, a pool, and a snack bar.
The Cincinnati Reds played in Glen Jean in 1913, a highlight in the town.
[begin 1913 announcement]
at
Glen Jean, W. Va.
Thursday,
October 16th, 1913.
Game Called at 3:30 p.m.
The management of the Glen Jean Base Ball Club has secured a date with the Cincinnati Reds for the above day, and will match against them the Glen Jean team, which is the pride of the Fayette County League. The Glen Jean team has lost but two games this season. Interest in the game will be heightened by the novel arrangement had with the Reds for this game. The Glen Jean battery, Malone
this page online
[end 1913 announcement]
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is October 16, 1913.
Location. 37° 55.705′ N, 81° 9.339′ W. Marker is in Glen Jean, West Virginia, in Fayette County. Marker is at the intersection of Glen Jean Lane (Local Road 94) and McKell Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Glen Jean Lane. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 23 Glen Jean Ln, Glen Jean WV 25846, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bank of Glen Jean (here, next to this marker); Glen Jean (within shouting distance of this marker); Glen Jean Athletic Club (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mount Hope Landmarks (approx. 2 miles away); Mount Hope Early Town History (approx. 2 miles away); Mount Hope Coal History (approx. 2 miles away); Dubois School History (approx. 2 miles away); Mount Hope School History (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glen Jean.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 230 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on February 23, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 21, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
