Hammons Field named top stadium in Minor League Baseball

Springfield's Hammons Field has been recognized as the top stadium in Minor League Baseball.

The Sports Field Management Association has named Hammons Field as the 2024 Professional Baseball Field of the Year, according to a news release issued this morning. It's the first time Hammons Field has been recognized with the honor, which is awarded to the top natural grass field among all 120 teams in all levels affiliated with Minor League Baseball.

"Winning this award is a huge honor for the city of Springfield, our organization, our Director of Field and Stadium Operations Derek Edwards and Manager of Field Operations Nathan Strait," Springfield Cardinals General Manager Dan Reiter said in the release. "Since the city purchased Hammons Field in early 2023, we have both been committed to improving this ballpark on the field and in the stands."

Hammons Field, home to the Springfield Cardinals and the Missouri State University Bears baseball team, was purchased by the city in 2023 in a $16 million deal, according to past reporting. The price tag included $4 million in planned repairs. Work done since that time includes new lighting at the stadium, as well as the transition of the field for use as a concert amphitheater.

Hammons Field's recognition also marks the first time since 2010 that a Texas League ballpark has received the SFMA award, according to the release. Hammons Field's previous honors include seven times as Double-A Field of the Year and 11 times as Texas League Field of the Year.