Midtown Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Ponce de Leon Ball Park
1908 – 1966
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, September 29, 2011
1. Close-up of the Ponce de Leon Ball Park Marker
Here on these grounds at Ponce de Leon Ball Park, The Atlanta Crackers and the Atlanta Black Crackers began a tradition of baseball championship and athletic excellence which set the high standard for the baseball we enjoy in Atlanta now.
The Atlanta Crackers, known as “The Yankees of the Minors,” were led by Luke Appling, Eddie Mathews, Bob Montag, Ralph “Country” Brown, and many others. For many years, they were owned and operated by “Mr. Atlanta Baseball,” Earl Mann, who rose from peanut vendor to owner. Mann led Atlanta in becoming a major league city, and was instrumental in bringing the Braves to Atlanta.
The Atlanta Black Crackers fielded many of black baseball’s superstars, including Norman “Geromino” Lumpkin, James “Red” Moore, James “Gabby” Kemp, and Vinicus (Nish) Williams. The Rev. John and Billie Harden owned the Atlanta Black Crackers for many years, and the team played on these grounds when the white Crackers were away.
Erected 2004 by The Native Atlantans Club, Inc., with the cooperation of Whole Foods Market.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports.
Location. 33° 46.498′ N, 84° 21.917′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in Fulton County. It
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. B. Mifflin Hood Brick Co. (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Troy-Peerless Laundry (approx. ¼ mile away); National NuGrape Company (approx. 0.4 miles away); Stanley's Sector (approx. 0.6 miles away); Sightless Among Miracles (approx. ¾ mile away); Augustus Hurt Plantation (approx. 0.8 miles away); Augustus Hurt House (approx. 0.8 miles away); Sector of Siege Line (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.
Also see . . . Ponce de Leon Ballpark. New Georgia Encyclopedia website entry (Submitted on October 3, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, September 29, 2011
2. Ponce de Leon Ball Park Marker
The plaque sits atop a concrete pillar in the shape of home plate.
via Atlanta INtown Paper, unknown
3. Ponce de Leon Ball Park
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, September 29, 2011
4. Wide view of the Ponce de Leon Ball Park Marker
The marker sits under the famed Magnolia Tree, the last vestige of the ball park. The tree stood in the outfield and survives today.
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, October 2, 2011
5. Site of Ponce de Leon Ball Park
Looking from the approximately location of the grandstands across the infield toward center and right fields. Today it is the site of Midtown Plaza.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,776 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 2, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 3. submitted on November 24, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4, 5. submitted on October 3, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.
