Strathcona in Hamilton, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Baseball at Victoria Park
Photographed By Tim Boyd, April 4, 2023
1. Baseball at Victoria Park Marker
Quick Facts: Baseball since 1860 - Grandstand 1914-2005 - Natural rink in winter
The opening of the Crystal Palace Grounds in 1860 provided a venue for the sport of baseball. A diamond was located at the south end of the grounds and has remained there ever since. Both organized leagues as well as informal matches were played during the latter half of the nineteenth century.
- Actively used from 1860
- 1906 games six days a week
- 1914 grandstand constructed
- 1924 diamond lighted
From early April on, players from the various teams would meet after work. They would change into their uniforms at the Park Hotel at King and Locke Streets or at the Strathcona Fire Hall. Admission was free but it was common for someone to circulate a streetcar collection box for donations. The firemen enjoyed the contests from across the street. By 1900 the ball diamond was utilized as an ice rink, and is still used for skating today.
Erected 2019 by City of Hamilton.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
Location. 43° 15.68′ N, 79° 53.058′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Ontario. It is in Strathcona. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Nine-hour Movement/ Les Mouvement des Neuf Heures (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Royal Visit to Hamilton (within shouting distance of this marker); Hand Fireworks (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Erskine Presbyterian Church (about 90 meters away); Strathcona Avenue Fire Hall (about 120 meters away); Crystal Palace and Grounds (about 150 meters away); Early West End Hotels (about 150 meters away); Zion United Church (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.
Also see . . . William Shuttleworth: A Man for His Seasons. An article in the Society for American Baseball Research on William Shuttleworth, who founded Canada’s first organized baseball team, the Hamilton Young Canadians.
Baseball’s formative stages had deep roots in the Hamilton area. The Hamilton Times newspaper in 1874 had described an old-timer’s memory of locals playing the old-style game on the June 4 Militia Muster Day in 1819 in Hamilton.(Submitted on July 31, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)
Photographed By Tim Boyd, July 28, 2023
2. Baseball at Victoria Park Marker
Photographed By Canadian Illustrated News, June 10, 1876
3. Baseball at Victoria Park Marker detail
Hamilton Public Library Local History & Archives
4. Baseball at Victoria Park Marker detail
5. William Shuttleworth, who founded Canada’s first formal baseball team, the Hamilton Young Canadians
Source: Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 93 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 31, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
