For over three centuries, the Arkansas Travelers baseball team has cultivated a unique identity, marked by a single nickname, a strong connection to its fans, and a history played out on a limited number of home fields. The story of Where Is The Travelers Played is intertwined with the team’s evolution, its relationship with the community, and its enduring legacy in Arkansas baseball.
The team’s commitment to Arkansas is evident in its name change in 1957. To broaden its appeal throughout the state, the Little Rock Travelers became the Arkansas Travelers, a pioneering move for a professional team. This solidified their bond with the entire state and set the stage for a future where fan ownership would play a crucial role. Adding to their historical significance, five future National Baseball Hall of Famers, including Tris Speaker, Travis Jackson, Bill Dickey, Jim Bunning, and Ferguson Jenkins, once donned the Travelers’ uniform.
The Early Years: Southern League and West End Park
In 1895, the Travelers embarked on their journey in the Southern League, competing against teams from cities like Atlanta, Memphis, and New Orleans. However, this initial foray was short-lived. After just 72 games, plagued by a losing record (25–47) and dwindling fan support, the season was cut short.
West End Park, home of the Arkansas Travelers
Following a five-year hiatus, the team re-emerged in the Southern Association, establishing West End Park as their home field. The 1901 season marked a turning point, with the Travelers finishing a close second to Nashville. This success continued in 1902, further solidifying the team’s presence in the league.
Kavanaugh Field: A Tribute and a Transition
William M. Kavanaugh, the team president, played a pivotal role during this era. His leadership, honed through his experience as city editor of the Arkansas Gazette and as Pulaski County judge, earned him the presidency of the league. Tragically, Kavanaugh’s sudden death in 1915 led to West End Park being renamed Kavanaugh Field in his honor, cementing his legacy within the team’s history and the answer to where is the Travelers played at that time.
William Kavanaugh, former president of the Arkansas Travelers
Despite facing challenges, the Travelers experienced a resurgence, culminating in their first championship in 1920. Led by standout players like Harry Harper and Moses Yellowhorse, the team achieved a remarkable 88-59 record.
However, the need for expansion at Little Rock High School in the early 1930s forced the Travelers to seek a new location. Kavanaugh Field’s land was repurposed for the school’s Quigley Stadium. The 1931 season, the team’s last at Kavanaugh Field, saw a significant attendance of 113,758 fans.
Travelers Field (Ray Winder Field): A Longtime Home
With the help of the city, land near the state hospital was secured, giving rise to Travelers Field.
Ray Winder Field, long time home of the Arkansas Travelers
In 1966, the field was renamed Ray Winder Field, honoring Ray Winder, who dedicated over five decades to the team. Winder’s unwavering commitment, from ticket taker to general manager, was instrumental in keeping baseball alive in Little Rock. His efforts ensured the team’s survival during challenging times.
Under the guidance of general manager Bill Valentine, the Travelers continued to thrive, attracting approximately 200,000 fans per season despite occasional struggles on the field. Valentine’s promotional antics and the team’s performance in 1989, which saw them win the league title and draw nearly 300,000 fans, helped keep Ray Winder Field a vibrant hub for baseball.
Dickey-Stephens Park: A New Era in North Little Rock
As Ray Winder Field aged, a new chapter began for the Travelers. Voters in North Little Rock approved a sales tax to fund the construction of a new ballpark.
Dickey-Stephens Park, the current home of the Arkansas Travelers
On April 5, 2007, the Travelers inaugurated Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock, marking the latest answer to the question of where is the Travelers played. This modern facility has since become the team’s home, providing an enhanced experience for players and fans alike.
Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Home Fields
From West End Park to Kavanaugh Field, Ray Winder Field, and now Dickey-Stephens Park, the Arkansas Travelers’ home fields have been integral to the team’s identity and its connection with the community. These locations are more than just ballparks; they are landmarks that tell the story of a team deeply rooted in Arkansas baseball history. In May 2024, an agreement was reached to sell the Arkansas Travelers franchise to Diamond Baseball Holdings, ensuring the team would remain the Class AA Texas League affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. This guarantees the team will continue its legacy at Dickey-Stephens Park for years to come, carrying on the tradition of baseball in Arkansas.
References
- Bailey, Jim. The Arkansas Travelers: 79 Years of Baseball. Little Rock: Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club, 1980.
- Bass, Kelly. “Taking Stock of the Travelers.” Arkansas Times, April 12, 1996, pp. 10–11.
- Johnson, Lloyd, and Miles Wolff. The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball. Durham, NC: Baseball America, Inc., 1997.
- O’Neal, Bill. Texas League 1888–1987: A Century of Baseball. Austin, TX: Eakin Press, 1987.
- Traub, Todd. The Last at Bat: The Arkansas Travelers at Ray Winder Field. Little Rock: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 2006.
- Travelers Crossing. http://www.travs.com/ (accessed May 10, 2024).
- Turner, Terry. Baseball in Little Rock. Chicago: Arcadia Publishing, 2004.
- Weigl, Bruce. “Life, Ambition, and the Love of Baseball in the Texas Leagues.” Arkansas Times, August 1980, pp. 42–50.
- Wright, Marshall D. The Southern Association of Baseball 1885–1961. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc., 2002.
