McLaughlin in Muskegon in Muskegon County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Marsh Field

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 29, 2023

1. Marsh Field Marker

Michigan Registered Historical Site 2120.

Inscription. Marsh Field began its tenure as the principal home of Muskegon baseball when it was completed in 1916. Charles W. Marsh—a Muskegon civic leader, industrialist, and sports enthusiast—spearheaded construction of the park, which he donated to the city in 1919. The first minor league franchise to play here, the Reds, was a member of the Central League. Muskegon teams were later part of the Michigan State and the Michigan-Ontario Leagues. The Muskegon Lassies of the All-American Girls Professional League played here from 1946 to 1950. The last professional team played here in 1951. The location of the diamond has not changed since the park opened, and it has been the site of high school games and local amateur baseball programs ever since. The original grandstand was razed in 1957.

Erected 2003 by Michigan Historical Commission – Michigan Historical Center. This marker is the property of the State of Michigan. (Marker Number 2120.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. In addition, it is included in the Baseball Hall of Famers, and the Michigan Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.

Location. 43° 13.163′ N, 86° 14.643′ W. Marker is

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

in Muskegon, Michigan, in Muskegon County. It is in McLaughlin. Marker is at the intersection of Peck Street and East Laketon Avenue, on the left when traveling south on Peck Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1800 Peck St, Muskegon MI 49441, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hackley House (approx. one mile away); Hume House (approx. one mile away); Adelphia Grace Ward (approx. one mile away); Torrent House (approx. one mile away); Hackley-Holt House (approx. 1.1 miles away); Hackley Public Library (approx. 1.1 miles away); Central United Methodist Church (approx. 1.1 miles away); Muskegon Woman's Club (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Muskegon.

Also see . . . Marsh Field – A Jewel on the Lakeshore. Excerpt:

This tradition-rich ballpark has served as the home of the Muskegon Lassies of the All-American Girls Professional League as dramatized in the movie A League of Their Own. It was also the home of two minor league baseball teams, the original Muskegon Clippers (New York Yankees) and the Muskegon Reds (Detroit Tigers).

Baseball historians will recognize many of the names that have appeared at Marsh Field. It is a veritable "who's who" of baseball greats. Hall of Famer Bucky Harris played for the Muskegon Reds in 1916 and Red Ruffing managed the Clippers in 1949. Other names that are
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 29, 2023

2. Marsh Field and Marker
The main entrance to the park is ahead in the distance.
easily recognizable include; Harry Heilmann, Mel Ott, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Elston Howard, Mickey Cochrane, Charlie Gehringer, Hank Greenberg, and the immortal Satchel Paige.

The About page has numerous period photographs and a five minute video sumarizing the history of the ballpark. (Submitted on August 2, 2023.)

Plaques at Entrance to Marsh Field image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 29, 2023

3. Plaques at Entrance to Marsh Field

Close ups are in photo No. 4.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 2, 2023

4. Plaques at Entrance to Marsh Field

Clockwise from top left:

Charles W. Marsh, 1871 – 1943. • Sportsman • Civic Leader • Benefactor • His insight and generosity created and preserved this sports facility for future generations to enjoy.

Jim Grevel, 1959 – 2017. In honor of his dedication to the revitalization of Marsh Field and contribution to baseball in Muskegon.

James Marsh Bradbury, 1923 – 2013, Grandson of CW Marsh. His support of this sports facility helped preserve it for future generations.

Home of the Muskegon Lassies, 1946 – 1950. Member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 2, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A photo of Marsh Field from the stands • Can you help?