There was a baseball game at the Parade Ground in Prospect Park to celebrate the publication of Andrew Mele’s book “The Boys of Brooklyn” (Author House), which chronicles the history of baseball in the spot. Per a release about Field of Dreams Day from Eugene Patron:
Mele and members of the The Old Boys of Summer, a group of former minor league baseball players (ages 50s - 70s) who get together regularly to practice and play ball, enjoyed a game against the front office staff of the Brooklyn Cyclones. It was a friendly but serious rematch, with the Cyclones staff – who the Old Boys beat last time they met for a game – out to avenge their previous loss. The Cyclones staff won today’s game, but the Old Boys are already calling for a new rematch! Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz came to the baseball diamond to greet the players and present them with a proclamation honoring all the generations of great Brooklyn Baseball players…2008 is also the 125th anniversary of the only professional game ever played at the Parade Ground. OnMay 9, 1883 the Brooklyn team then known as the Grays took on the team from Harrisburg, Pa. in an official league contest. Brooklyn came away with the victory, 7-1.
Looks like a fun afternoon in the park.
4 responses so far ↓
1 Fran // Aug 7, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I lived across the street from the parade grounds and heard you guys play every Saturday morning. You taught me to love baseball — thanks! Where can I buy your book?
2 larry trapani // Aug 8, 2008 at 12:25 pm
in reading the article i did not get the impression that all the players were former minor leaguers, is the game restricted to former minor leaguers or old timers that played in leagues in the parade grounnds, what are the rules for eligeability.
l.t
3 Joe from Buffalo // Aug 17, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Great to hear about your group. I play with a group called the Delaware Park Old Tymers for the past 28 years. We take fielding and batting practice every Saturday and Sunday for the past 60-70 years. Our group hits fungos during the winter months (November through March) in the snow!! Maybe we could play you some time?
4 frank kelly // Nov 13, 2008 at 10:27 am
i played at the parade grounds 1945 46 for the bucaneers diamond 1 and 19 were the two show case diamonds what memories
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