Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium
Encyclopedia
Lewis-Gale Field at Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium is a minor league baseball
park
located in Salem
, Virginia
, and is part of the James E. Taliferro Sports and Entertainment Complex along with the Salem Civic Center
and Salem Football Stadium
, approximately 1 miles (1.6 km) southeast of downtown. Opened on , it is home to the Single-A Advanced Salem Red Sox of the Carolina League
(CL) and can seat 6,300 people. It was built in 1995 at a cost of $10.1 million to replace Municipal Stadium
, it offers an impressive view of the Blue Ridge Mountains
.
was not adequate to meet the needs of the franchise, Salem leaders looked at options to construct a new stadium in an effort to keep the franchise from relocating. In January 1994, Salem leaders approached both the City of Roanoke
and Roanoke County
in an effort to develop a regional partnership to construct a stadium. In March 1994, the Salem City Council decided a nonbinding referendum would be held later that summer to let the city residents decide if a new facility should be constructed. On July 19, Salem voters voted in favor of constructing a new ballpark with 2,236 people voting for and 398 voting against the proposal. With its citizens strongly supporting its construction, the Salem City Council voted unanimously on July 25 to approve construction of a new stadium.
In August, final designs were unveiled by Kinsey Shane & Associates, with J.M. Turner & Company selected as general contractor for construction of the $5 million ballpark. Its construction was to occur on property already under the ownership of the city adjacent to both the Salem Civic Center
and Salem Football Stadium
. The playing field
was to be set first followed by the construction of the physical stadium with precast concrete
. The facility was tentatively scheduled for completion for the start of the 1995 season
. As a result of its construction, in September, ownership signed an agreement with the Colorado Rockies
to serve as their Single A team beginning in 1995. The choice was made in large part based on the construction of the new stadium.
Although budgeted to be completed for $5 million, in November Salem approved an additional $1 million to be spent on stadium construction. The following April, costs again rose to $10.1 million for its completion primarily as a result of low construction estimates. Slated to open for the start of the 1995 season, its opening was pushed back to May 22 then to June 20 and July 25 due to construction delays. On August 7, the stadium opened before a standing-room only crowd of 6,421 with the Avalanche defeating the Frederick Keys
3–2 in 15 innings
.
The capacity was reduced from 6,300 to 4,968 for the 2009 season
when the new Red Sox ownership decided to place tarps
over four sections of the general admission seats in an effort to create a more "intimate" fan experience. Due to increased attendance, two of the four tarps were removed towards the end of the 2010 season
to expand the stadiums' capacity to 5,503.
Carolina-California League All-Star Game. Before a crowd of 5,133, and live television and radio audiences, the team of Carolina League All-Stars defeated the team of California League All-Stars by a score of six runs to three. Chad Reineke
(Carolina – Salem Avalanche) was the winning pitcher, Rodrigo Escobar (Carolina – Salem Avalanche) earned a save, and José Arredondo
(California – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
) was the losing pitcher. Both teams awarded a "Top Star," with each earning a place in the XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game at the 2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
. The selection from the Carolina League was Nolan Reimold
(Frederick Keys
), and Reid Brignac
(Visalia Oaks
) was selected from the California League. Justin Hedrick (California – San Jose Giants
) was named Pitcher of the Game.
s since its opening in 1995. The first took place on August 4, 1996, when Luther Hackman
pitched a 4–1 no-hit game against the Kinston Indians
. The second took place on April 10, 1997, when Scott Randall
and Lariel González
, combined to pitch a 1–0 no-hit game against the Wilmington Blue Rocks
. The third took place on June 30, 2010, when Nathan Moreau of the Frederick Keys
pitched a 7–0 no-hit game against the Red Sox.
, city officials announced that the NCAA
Division III (D-III) Baseball Championship would be played at the then proposed stadium for five years between 1995 and 1999. Although scheduled to be played in the new ballpark, in April 1995 city officials announced the D-III Baseball Championship would be moved to nearby Municipal Field
as a result of construction delays on the new facility. Due to sagging attendance, in 1998 the NCAA announced the D-III Baseball Championship would be moved to Fox Cities Stadium outside Appleton
, Wisconsin
beginning with the 2000 tournament
.
In December 2001
, the City of Salem was notified of their successful bid against both Durham Bulls Athletic Park
in Durham
and L. P. Frans Stadium
in Hickory
to host both the 2003
and 2004
ACC Baseball Tournament
s. The 2003 tournament saw 18,276 attend the event with Georgia Tech
defeating NC State by a score of six runs to five. The 2004 tournament saw 23,092 attend the event with Florida State
defeating Georgia Tech by a score of seventeen runs to five.
es located above the main concourse
behind home plate
. As of 2011, fixed seating capacity is 5,503. Games can be watched from one of two picnic areas — one on the third base line and one on the first base line.
The stadium features 4 concession stands, numerous other carts, and 8 large restrooms. Lines are usually not a problem even with large crowds. There is ample free parking on site which is easily accessed from U.S. 11
, U.S. 460
, Virginia 419
, and Interstate 81
. In part because of promotions, the Salem minor league baseball teams have been more successful in building and maintaining attendance than the Roanoke Valley
's other minor league sports teams.
s. The name was the suggestion of then mayor Jim Taliaferro, with the American Legion
donating $5,500 for the memorial dedicated inside the stadium. The stadium retained this name from 1995 through mid-2006. On April 5, 2006, the naming rights
of the stadium were sold to the Salem
-based Lewis-Gale Medical Center
. The official name was thus changed to Lewis-Gale Medical Center Field at Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium and remains so to the present day.
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
park
Baseball park
A baseball park, also known as a baseball stadium, ball park, or ballpark is a venue where baseball is played. It consists of the playing field and the surrounding spectator seating...
located in Salem
Salem, Virginia
Salem is an independent city in Virginia, USA, bordered by the city of Roanoke to the east but otherwise adjacent to Roanoke County. It is part of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 24,802 according to 2010 U.S. Census...
, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, and is part of the James E. Taliferro Sports and Entertainment Complex along with the Salem Civic Center
Salem Civic Center
The Salem Civic Center is a 6,820-seat multi-purpose arena in Salem, Virginia. It was built in 1967 and is part of the James E. Taliaferro Sports and Entertainment Complex , which also includes the Salem Football Stadium and the Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium...
and Salem Football Stadium
Salem Football Stadium
Salem Stadium is a stadium in Salem, Virginia, USA. It is primarily used for American football and hosts the home football games of the Salem High School Spartans. It was built in 1985 and seats 7,157 people. The stadium is part of the James E...
, approximately 1 miles (1.6 km) southeast of downtown. Opened on , it is home to the Single-A Advanced Salem Red Sox of the Carolina League
Carolina League
The Carolina League is a minor league baseball affiliation which operates in the South Atlantic Coast of the United States. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth...
(CL) and can seat 6,300 people. It was built in 1995 at a cost of $10.1 million to replace Municipal Stadium
Kiwanis Field
Kiwanis Field is a stadium in Salem, Virginia which was opened in 1932. The ballpark has a capacity of 5,000 people and is primarily used for baseball. Kiwanis Field was the home of a Carolina League team known at various times as the Salem Rebels , Salem Pirates, Salem Redbirds, and Salem...
, it offers an impressive view of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian Mountains range. This province consists of northern and southern physiographic regions, which divide near the Roanoke River gap. The mountain range is located in the eastern United States, starting at its southern-most...
.
History
In 1993, ownership of the then Salem Buccaneers were looking to sell the franchise. As the existing Municipal StadiumKiwanis Field
Kiwanis Field is a stadium in Salem, Virginia which was opened in 1932. The ballpark has a capacity of 5,000 people and is primarily used for baseball. Kiwanis Field was the home of a Carolina League team known at various times as the Salem Rebels , Salem Pirates, Salem Redbirds, and Salem...
was not adequate to meet the needs of the franchise, Salem leaders looked at options to construct a new stadium in an effort to keep the franchise from relocating. In January 1994, Salem leaders approached both the City of Roanoke
Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke is an independent city in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. state of Virginia and is the tenth-largest city in the Commonwealth. It is located in the Roanoke Valley of the Roanoke Region of Virginia. The population within the city limits was 97,032 as of 2010...
and Roanoke County
Roanoke County, Virginia
Roanoke County is a county located in the U.S. state of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is part of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area and located within the Roanoke Region of Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the population was 85,778. As of 2010, the population was 92,376...
in an effort to develop a regional partnership to construct a stadium. In March 1994, the Salem City Council decided a nonbinding referendum would be held later that summer to let the city residents decide if a new facility should be constructed. On July 19, Salem voters voted in favor of constructing a new ballpark with 2,236 people voting for and 398 voting against the proposal. With its citizens strongly supporting its construction, the Salem City Council voted unanimously on July 25 to approve construction of a new stadium.
In August, final designs were unveiled by Kinsey Shane & Associates, with J.M. Turner & Company selected as general contractor for construction of the $5 million ballpark. Its construction was to occur on property already under the ownership of the city adjacent to both the Salem Civic Center
Salem Civic Center
The Salem Civic Center is a 6,820-seat multi-purpose arena in Salem, Virginia. It was built in 1967 and is part of the James E. Taliaferro Sports and Entertainment Complex , which also includes the Salem Football Stadium and the Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium...
and Salem Football Stadium
Salem Football Stadium
Salem Stadium is a stadium in Salem, Virginia, USA. It is primarily used for American football and hosts the home football games of the Salem High School Spartans. It was built in 1985 and seats 7,157 people. The stadium is part of the James E...
. The playing field
Baseball field
A baseball field, also called a ball field or a baseball diamond, is the field upon which the game of baseball is played. The terms "baseball field" and "ball field" are also often used as synonyms for ballpark.-Specifications:...
was to be set first followed by the construction of the physical stadium with precast concrete
Precast concrete
By producing precast concrete in a controlled environment , the precast concrete is afforded the opportunity to properly cure and be closely monitored by plant employees. Utilizing a Precast Concrete system offers many potential advantages over site casting of concrete...
. The facility was tentatively scheduled for completion for the start of the 1995 season
1995 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*World Series: Atlanta Braves over Cleveland Indians ; Tom Glavine, MVP*All-Star Game, July 11 at The Ballpark in Arlington: National League, 3-2; Jeff Conine, MVP-Other champions:...
. As a result of its construction, in September, ownership signed an agreement with the Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
to serve as their Single A team beginning in 1995. The choice was made in large part based on the construction of the new stadium.
Although budgeted to be completed for $5 million, in November Salem approved an additional $1 million to be spent on stadium construction. The following April, costs again rose to $10.1 million for its completion primarily as a result of low construction estimates. Slated to open for the start of the 1995 season, its opening was pushed back to May 22 then to June 20 and July 25 due to construction delays. On August 7, the stadium opened before a standing-room only crowd of 6,421 with the Avalanche defeating the Frederick Keys
Frederick Keys
The Frederick Keys minor league baseball team is the "High-A" class A baseball affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Keys are based in Frederick, Maryland. The franchise is named for Star Spangled Banner poet Francis Scott Key, a native of Frederick County. The team mascot is a coyote known as...
3–2 in 15 innings
Extra innings
Extra innings is the extension of a baseball or softball game in order to break a tie.Ordinarily, a baseball game consists of nine innings , each of which is divided into halves: the visiting team bats first, after which the home team takes its turn at bat...
.
The capacity was reduced from 6,300 to 4,968 for the 2009 season
2009 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*Regular Season Champions*World Series Champions – New York Yankees**American League Champions – New York Yankees**National League Champions – Philadelphia Phillies*Postseason – October 7 to November 4...
when the new Red Sox ownership decided to place tarps
Tarpaulin
A tarpaulin, colloquially tarp, is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material, often cloth such as canvas or polyester coated with urethane, or made of plastics such as polyethylene. In some places such as Australia, and in military slang, a tarp may be known as a...
over four sections of the general admission seats in an effort to create a more "intimate" fan experience. Due to increased attendance, two of the four tarps were removed towards the end of the 2010 season
2010 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*Regular Season Champions*World Series Champions - San Francisco Giants**American League Champions - Texas Rangers**National League Champions - San Francisco Giants*Postseason - October 7 to November 4...
to expand the stadiums' capacity to 5,503.
All-Star Game
On March 3, 2005, Salem Avalanche officials announced that Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium was selected to play host to the 20062006 in baseball
-Headline Event of the Year:*The 2006 World Baseball Classic final 4 teams are Japan, Cuba, Korea and the Dominican Republic, with the United States at 3–3 failing to qualify for the semi-finals. Under the leadership of manager Sadaharu Oh and veterans Ichiro Suzuki and Daisuke Matsuzaka, Japan ...
Carolina-California League All-Star Game. Before a crowd of 5,133, and live television and radio audiences, the team of Carolina League All-Stars defeated the team of California League All-Stars by a score of six runs to three. Chad Reineke
Chad Reineke
Chad Karl Reineke is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball.-Personal life:...
(Carolina – Salem Avalanche) was the winning pitcher, Rodrigo Escobar (Carolina – Salem Avalanche) earned a save, and José Arredondo
José Arredondo
José Juan Arredondo is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...
(California – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes are a minor league baseball team in Rancho Cucamonga, California, USA. They are a Class A – Advanced team in the California League and a farm team of the Los Angeles Dodgers, their third major league affiliate in team history....
) was the losing pitcher. Both teams awarded a "Top Star," with each earning a place in the XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game at the 2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 77th playing of the midseason exhibition baseball game between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 11, 2006 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh,...
. The selection from the Carolina League was Nolan Reimold
Nolan Reimold
Nolan Gallagher Reimold is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles.-Early life:Reimold was born to John and Mary Reimold on October 12, 1983 in Greenville, Pennsylvania. He attended Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage, Pennsylvania...
(Frederick Keys
Frederick Keys
The Frederick Keys minor league baseball team is the "High-A" class A baseball affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Keys are based in Frederick, Maryland. The franchise is named for Star Spangled Banner poet Francis Scott Key, a native of Frederick County. The team mascot is a coyote known as...
), and Reid Brignac
Reid Brignac
Reid Michael Brignac is a Major League Baseball shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Professional career:Brignac was drafted by Tampa Bay Rays in the second round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft out of St. Amant High School as a shortstop...
(Visalia Oaks
Visalia Oaks
The Visalia Rawhide are a minor league baseball team in Visalia, California, U.S. They are a Class A - Advanced team of the Arizona Diamondbacks operating in the California League and have recently agreed to renew their affiliation through 2012....
) was selected from the California League. Justin Hedrick (California – San Jose Giants
San Jose Giants
The San Jose Giants are a minor league baseball team in San Jose, California, USA. They are a Class A - Advanced team in the Northern Division of the California League, and have been a farm team of the San Francisco Giants since 1988. Home games are played at San Jose Municipal Stadium...
) was named Pitcher of the Game.
No-hitters
Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium has been the setting for three no-hit gameNo-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
s since its opening in 1995. The first took place on August 4, 1996, when Luther Hackman
Luther Hackman
Luther Gean Hackman is a professional pitcher for various baseball teams.-Career:Hackman was selected by Colorado Rockies in 6th round of the 1994 Major League Baseball Draft. He has played at the major league level for the Colorado Rockies, St...
pitched a 4–1 no-hit game against the Kinston Indians
Kinston Indians
The Kinston Indians were a minor league baseball team of the Carolina League , and the High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. They were located in Kinston, North Carolina, and were named for their parent club...
. The second took place on April 10, 1997, when Scott Randall
Scott Randall
Scott Phillip Randall is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He appeared in 15 games for the Cincinnati Reds .-External links:...
and Lariel González
Lariel González
Lariel Alfonso González is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for one season. He pitched in one game for the Rockies against the Arizona Diamondbacks on September 22 during the 1998 Colorado Rockies season.-External links:...
, combined to pitch a 1–0 no-hit game against the Wilmington Blue Rocks
Wilmington Blue Rocks
The Wilmington Blue Rocks are a Minor League Baseball team located in Wilmington, Delaware. The Blue Rocks play in the Northern Division of the Carolina League.-Franchise history:...
. The third took place on June 30, 2010, when Nathan Moreau of the Frederick Keys
Frederick Keys
The Frederick Keys minor league baseball team is the "High-A" class A baseball affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Keys are based in Frederick, Maryland. The franchise is named for Star Spangled Banner poet Francis Scott Key, a native of Frederick County. The team mascot is a coyote known as...
pitched a 7–0 no-hit game against the Red Sox.
| No. | |Pitcher(s) | |Score | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor | Home | ||||
| 1 | August 4, 1996 | Luther Hackman Luther Hackman Luther Gean Hackman is a professional pitcher for various baseball teams.-Career:Hackman was selected by Colorado Rockies in 6th round of the 1994 Major League Baseball Draft. He has played at the major league level for the Colorado Rockies, St... |
Kinston Indians Kinston Indians The Kinston Indians were a minor league baseball team of the Carolina League , and the High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. They were located in Kinston, North Carolina, and were named for their parent club... |
Salem Avalanche Salem Avalanche The Salem Red Sox are a minor league baseball team in Salem, Virginia, USA, an independent city adjacent to Roanoke, Virginia. They are a Class High-A team in the Carolina League and are a farm team of the Boston Red Sox... |
4–1 |
| 2 | April 10, 1997 | Scott Randall Scott Randall Scott Phillip Randall is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He appeared in 15 games for the Cincinnati Reds .-External links:... Lariel González Lariel González Lariel Alfonso González is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for one season. He pitched in one game for the Rockies against the Arizona Diamondbacks on September 22 during the 1998 Colorado Rockies season.-External links:... |
Wilmington Blue Rocks Wilmington Blue Rocks The Wilmington Blue Rocks are a Minor League Baseball team located in Wilmington, Delaware. The Blue Rocks play in the Northern Division of the Carolina League.-Franchise history:... |
Salem Avalanche Salem Avalanche The Salem Red Sox are a minor league baseball team in Salem, Virginia, USA, an independent city adjacent to Roanoke, Virginia. They are a Class High-A team in the Carolina League and are a farm team of the Boston Red Sox... |
1–0 |
| 3 | June 30, 2010 | Nathan Moreau | Frederick Keys Frederick Keys The Frederick Keys minor league baseball team is the "High-A" class A baseball affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The Keys are based in Frederick, Maryland. The franchise is named for Star Spangled Banner poet Francis Scott Key, a native of Frederick County. The team mascot is a coyote known as... |
Salem Red Sox | 7–0 |
| Pitched a no-hitter and won | |||||
College baseball
In addition to serving as a second home field for the Roanoke College baseball team since 2002, Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium has hosted several collegiate tournaments since 1996. In July 19941994 in baseball
-Headline events of the year:As a result of a players' strike, the MLB season ends prematurely on August 11, 1994. No postseason is played...
, city officials announced that the NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
Division III (D-III) Baseball Championship would be played at the then proposed stadium for five years between 1995 and 1999. Although scheduled to be played in the new ballpark, in April 1995 city officials announced the D-III Baseball Championship would be moved to nearby Municipal Field
Kiwanis Field
Kiwanis Field is a stadium in Salem, Virginia which was opened in 1932. The ballpark has a capacity of 5,000 people and is primarily used for baseball. Kiwanis Field was the home of a Carolina League team known at various times as the Salem Rebels , Salem Pirates, Salem Redbirds, and Salem...
as a result of construction delays on the new facility. Due to sagging attendance, in 1998 the NCAA announced the D-III Baseball Championship would be moved to Fox Cities Stadium outside Appleton
Appleton, Wisconsin
Appleton is a city in Outagamie, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is situated on the Fox River, 30 miles southwest of Green Bay and 100 miles north of Milwaukee. Appleton is the county seat of Outagamie County. The population was 78,086 at the 2010 census...
, Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
beginning with the 2000 tournament
2000 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*Regular Season Champions*World Series Champion - New York Yankees*Postseason - October 3 to October 26Click on any series score to link to that series' page....
.
| D-III Baseball Championship at Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| |Winning head coach | |Score | |||
| Champion | Runner-up | |||
| 1996 1996 in baseball -Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves ; John Wetteland, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP: Bernie Williams**American League Division Series*National League Championship Series MVP: Javy López... |
Jeff Albies | William Paterson | Cal Lutheran | 6–5 |
| 1997 1997 in baseball -Major League Baseball:*World Series: Florida Marlins over Cleveland Indians ; Liván Hernández, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP: Marquis Grissom**American League Division Series*National League Championship Series MVP: Liván Hernández... |
Ed Flaherty | Southern Maine | Wooster | 15–1 |
| 1998 1998 in baseball -Headline events of the year:*Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey, Jr., and Greg Vaughn all hit 30 home runs before the All-Star break and engage in a historic chase for Roger Maris's single-season record of 61 home runs... |
Bill Holowaty | Eastern Connecticut State | Montclair State | 16–1 |
| 1999 1999 in baseball -Major League Baseball:*World Series: New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves ; Mariano Rivera, MVP*American League Championship Series MVP: Orlando Hernández**American League Division Series:*National League Championship Series MVP: Eddie Pérez... |
Charlie Long | North Carolina Wesleyan | St. Thomas | 1–0 |
| Reference | ||||
In December 2001
2001 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*Regular Season Champions*World Series Champion - Arizona Diamondbacks*Postseason - October 9 to November 4Click on any series score to link to that series' page....
, the City of Salem was notified of their successful bid against both Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Durham Bulls Athletic Park, frequently called the DBAP , is a ballpark in Durham, North Carolina that is home to the Durham Bulls, the AAA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. It is also home to the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Central Eagles college baseball teams. The...
in Durham
Durham, North Carolina
Durham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the county seat of Durham County and also extends into Wake County. It is the fifth-largest city in the state, and the 85th-largest in the United States by population, with 228,330 residents as of the 2010 United States census...
and L. P. Frans Stadium
L. P. Frans Stadium
L.P. Frans Stadium is a stadium in Hickory, North Carolina. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the Hickory Crawdads minor league baseball team. The Catawba Valley Stars of the collegiate summer Great South League also utilize the stadium. It was built in 1993. It holds...
in Hickory
Hickory, North Carolina
Hickory is a city in Catawba County, North Carolina. Hickory has the 162nd largest urban area in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 341,851, making it the 4th largest metropolitan area in North Carolina. The city's population was 37,222...
to host both the 2003
2003 in baseball
-Headline event of the year:*The Florida Marlins become World Series champions, holding off a dynastic New York Yankees team, 4 games to 2.-Major League Baseball:*Regular Season Champions*World Series Champion - Florida Marlins...
and 2004
2004 ACC Baseball Tournament
The 2004 ACC Baseball Tournament was held at the Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium in Salem, VA from May 25th through May 30th. Florida State won the tournament and earned the Atlantic Coast Conference's automatic bid to the 2004 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament.-Play-In Game:The two teams with...
ACC Baseball Tournament
ACC Baseball Tournament
The ACC Baseball Tournament is the conference championship tournament in baseball for the Atlantic Coast Conference . It is a two-group round-robin tournament with the winners of each group facing each other in a one-game match for the championship...
s. The 2003 tournament saw 18,276 attend the event with Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets baseball
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets baseball team represents the Georgia Institute of Technology in NCAA Division I college baseball. Along with most other Georgia Tech athletic teams, the baseball team participates in the Atlantic Coast Conference...
defeating NC State by a score of six runs to five. The 2004 tournament saw 23,092 attend the event with Florida State
Florida State Seminoles baseball
The Florida State Seminoles baseball team represents Florida State University in NCAA Division I college baseball and are one of the most successful collegiate baseball programs in the United States without a College World Series championship....
defeating Georgia Tech by a score of seventeen runs to five.
Facilities
Seating at the ballpark includes fixed stadium seats and ten luxury boxLuxury box
A Luxury box is a special seating section located within stadiums, arenas and other sporting and entertainment venues. They are typically located in the midsection of a stadium grandstand, usually providing the best views of the event...
es located above the main concourse
Concourse
A concourse is a place where pathways or roads meet, such as in a hotel, a convention center, a railway station, an airport terminal, a hall, or other space.-Examples:Examples of concourses include:* Meeting halls* Universities* Railway stations...
behind home plate
Home Plate
Home Plate is the fifth album by Bonnie Raitt, released in 1975 .-Track listing:#"What Do You Want the Boy to Do?" – 3:19#"Good Enough" – 2:56#"Run Like a Thief" – 3:02...
. As of 2011, fixed seating capacity is 5,503. Games can be watched from one of two picnic areas — one on the third base line and one on the first base line.
The stadium features 4 concession stands, numerous other carts, and 8 large restrooms. Lines are usually not a problem even with large crowds. There is ample free parking on site which is easily accessed from U.S. 11
U.S. Route 11 in Virginia
U.S. Route 11 in Virginia runs north–south through the western part of the state, parallel to Interstate 81.-History:What is now US 11 was added to the state highway system in 1918 as portions of State Route 10 and State Route 3 . SR 3 became State Route 33 in 1923, and US 11 was applied to...
, U.S. 460
U.S. Route 460 in Virginia
U.S. Route 460 in Virginia runs east–west through the southern part of the state. It has two separate pieces in Virginia, joined by a relatively short section in West Virginia...
, Virginia 419
Virginia State Route 419
State Route 419, also known as Electric Road, is a primary state highway in the U.S. state of Virginia. It runs from the south split of U.S. Route 220 and U.S. Route 220 Business in southern Roanoke west and north via Cave Spring and Salem to State Route 311...
, and Interstate 81
Interstate 81 in Virginia
Interstate 81 is an long highway. In the U.S. state of Virginia, I-81 runs for , making it longer in Virginia than in any other state. It stretches from the Tennessee state line near Bristol to the West Virginia state line near Winchester. U.S...
. In part because of promotions, the Salem minor league baseball teams have been more successful in building and maintaining attendance than the Roanoke Valley
Roanoke Valley
The Roanoke Valley in southwest Virginia is an area adjacent to and including the Roanoke River between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Appalachian Plateau to the west...
's other minor league sports teams.
Naming
In May 1995, the Salem City Council unanimously voted to name the ballpark Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium in honor of Salem's veteranVeteran
A veteran is a person who has had long service or experience in a particular occupation or field; " A veteran of ..."...
s. The name was the suggestion of then mayor Jim Taliaferro, with the American Legion
American Legion
The American Legion is a mutual-aid organization of veterans of the United States armed forces chartered by the United States Congress. It was founded to benefit those veterans who served during a wartime period as defined by Congress...
donating $5,500 for the memorial dedicated inside the stadium. The stadium retained this name from 1995 through mid-2006. On April 5, 2006, the naming rights
Naming rights
In the private sector, naming rights are a financial transaction whereby a corporation or other entity purchases the right to name a facility, typically for a defined period of time. For properties like a multi-purpose arena, performing arts venue or an athletic field, the term ranges from three...
of the stadium were sold to the Salem
Salem, Virginia
Salem is an independent city in Virginia, USA, bordered by the city of Roanoke to the east but otherwise adjacent to Roanoke County. It is part of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 24,802 according to 2010 U.S. Census...
-based Lewis-Gale Medical Center
Lewis-Gale Medical Center
Lewis-Gale Medical Center is a hospital in Salem, Virginia, USA. The hospital has 521 beds, and is part of Hospital Corporation of America.-Virginia Tech massacre:...
. The official name was thus changed to Lewis-Gale Medical Center Field at Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium and remains so to the present day.