Schenectady in Schenectady County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Site of Island Park Stadium

Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 25, 2024

1. Site of Island Park Stadium Marker

Inscription.
In 1913, Island Park Stadium, located on Van Slyck Island in the Mohawk River, was home to Schenectady's great independent professional Negro League baseball team the "Mohawk Colored Giants". To attend a game at Island Park Stadium fans traversed the "Binne Kill" river inlet via a pontoon bridge located near Schenectady's Old Waterfront. In the Fall of 1913, before a crowd of over 7,000 fans, their star pitcher Frank Wickware outdueled Walter Johnson and his barnstorming All-American Team 1-0. Great Negro League stars, such as: Oscar Charleston, George "Chappie" Johnson, Grant "Home Run" Johnson, William Monroe "Buck" Ewing. Harry Buckner and Frank Wickware are all part of Schenectady's rich Negro League Baseball History.

Erected 2024 by Society of American Baseball Research.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 42° 48.948′ N, 73° 57.211′ W. Marker is in Schenectady, New York, in Schenectady County. It can be reached from NY-5. Marker is behind SUNY/SCCC campus in Gateway Landing Park near the intersection of State Street and Washington Avenue. The park can be reached the the Western Gateway Bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Schenectady NY 12302, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

in the Capital District,

and in the Albany Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Schenectady County Vietnam Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Schenectady (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Frontier/ Schenectady (about 800 feet away); George S. Haswell III (about 800 feet away); Gateway Landing (about 800 feet away); Hotel Van Curler (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Empire State Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Hotel Van Curler (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Schenectady.

Also see . . .
1. Frank Winkware. (Submitted on July 25, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)
2. Historical Marker Honors Mohawk Giants. (Submitted on July 26, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)
3. 1913 Baseball Game. (Submitted on July 26, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)

Photographed by Steve Stoessel, July 25, 2024

2. Site of Island Park Stadium Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 490 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 25, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.