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Coordinates: 36°8′35.31″N 86°46′24.35″W / 36.1431417°N 86.7734306°W / 36.1431417; -86.7734306
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==History==
==History==
When [[Larry Schmittou]] decided to bring professional [[baseball]] back to [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] in the late 1970s, he knew he would have to build a new [[ballpark]] for his team. He negotiated a lease with the city for a plot of land at the foot of St. Cloud Hill on the grounds of [[Fort Negley]], an [[American Civil War]] fortification, approximately two [[mile]]s (three km) south of [[downtown]]. The city were prepared to lease him the land, but Schmittou would have to build the stadium and pay the property taxes.<ref name=CSTV>Traughber, Bill. [http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/040908aar.html "CHC: Q&A with Larry Schmittou."] ''CSTV''. 9 April 2008. 13 April 2008.</ref> The projected construction cost of the stadium was estimated to be between [[U.S. Dollar|$]]300,000 and $500,000;<ref name=CSTV/> however, the final cost added up to over $1,000,000.<ref name=CSTV/> In addition to looking to local suppliers to donate construction materials, Schmittou also took out a $30,000 loan from a bank and even mortgaged his own home to help pay for the ballpark.<ref name=CSTV/> With the help of [[country music]] star [[Conway Twitty]], other stars such as [[Larry Gatlin]] and [[Jerry Reed]], as well as other members of the Nashville community, were brought in as Sounds [[shareholder]]s.<ref name=CSTV/><ref name=TeamHistory>[http://www.nashvillesounds.com/clubhouse/history.asp "Team History."] ''Nashville Sounds.'' 26 March 2008.</ref> The stadium was posthumously named for [[Herschel Lynn Greer]], a prominent Nashville [[businessperson|businessman]] and the first president of the [[Nashville Vols]] baseball team.<ref>"Herschel Greer Stadium." [http://www.nashvillesounds.com/clubhouse/default.asp?pageId=183 ''The 2008 Nashville Sounds Media Guide''.] 2008: 180.</ref> The Greer family also donated $25,000 for stadium construction.<ref>Nipper, Skip. ''Baseball in Nashville''. Charleston: Arcadia Publishing, 2007. 103.</ref>
When [[Larry Schmittou]] decided to bring professional [[baseball]] back to [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] in the late 1970s, he knew he would have to build a new [[ballpark]] for his team. He negotiated a lease with the city for a plot of land at the foot of St. Cloud Hill on the grounds of [[Fort Negley]], an [[American Civil War]] fortification, approximately two [[mile]]s (three km) south of [[downtown]]. The city were prepared to lease him the land, but Schmittou would have to build the stadium and pay the property taxes.<ref name=CSTV>Traughber, Bill. [http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/040908aar.html "CHC: Q&A with Larry Schmittou."] ''CSTV''. 9 April 2008. 13 April 2008.</ref> The projected construction cost of the stadium was estimated to be between [[U.S. Dollar|$]]300,000 and $500,000;<ref name=CSTV/> however, the final cost added up to over $1,000,000.<ref name=CSTV/> Schmittou looked to local suppliers to donate construction materials, took out a $30,000 loan from a bank and even mortgaged his own home to help pay for the ballpark.<ref name=CSTV/> With the help of [[country music]] star [[Conway Twitty]], other stars such as [[Larry Gatlin]] and [[Jerry Reed]], as well as other members of the Nashville community, were brought in as Sounds [[shareholder]]s.<ref name=CSTV/><ref name=TeamHistory>[http://www.nashvillesounds.com/clubhouse/history.asp "Team History."] ''Nashville Sounds.'' 26 March 2008.</ref> The stadium was posthumously named for [[Herschel Lynn Greer]], a prominent Nashville [[businessperson|businessman]] and the first president of the [[Nashville Vols]] baseball team.<ref>"Herschel Greer Stadium." [http://www.nashvillesounds.com/clubhouse/default.asp?pageId=183 ''The 2008 Nashville Sounds Media Guide''.] 2008: 180.</ref> The Greer family also donated $25,000 for stadium construction.<ref>Nipper, Skip. ''Baseball in Nashville''. Charleston: Arcadia Publishing, 2007. 103.</ref>


[[Image:HerschelGreerStadium-Construction.jpg|thumb|right|Greer Stadium under construction in 1978]]
[[Image:HerschelGreerStadium-Construction.jpg|thumb|right|Greer Stadium under construction in 1978]]
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[[Image:HerschelGreerStadium-1981.jpg|thumb|right|[[Larry Schmittou]] in front of Greer Stadium in 1981]]
[[Image:HerschelGreerStadium-1981.jpg|thumb|right|[[Larry Schmittou]] in front of Greer Stadium in 1981]]


Prior to the 1981 season, Greer underwent a number of renovations including the addition of 1,200 box seats and 1,000 new general admission seats.<ref name=1981program>Schmittou, Larry. "Message from the President." ''The Nashville Sounds 1981 Official Souvenir Program''. 1981: 36.</ref> Also, two wooden general admission seating areas were replaced by 2,000 contoured sports, and all of the existing box seats were re-painted.<ref name=1981program/> The original backstop which consisted of several steel poles was upgraded to a steel cable system which eliminated most of the supporting poles.<ref name=1981program/> The renovations included the construction of two new [[dugout (baseball)|dugout]]s, three new concession stands, one new men's and one new women's restroom, three new entrance and exit ramps, and a rentable VIP booth.<ref name=1981program/> Other stadium upgrades included a new sound system, doubling the size of the reader panel on the scoreboard, enlarging the ticket booth, remodeling the office area, and adding a 400 foot extension to one of the parking lots.<ref name=1981program/>
Prior to the 1981 season, Greer underwent a number of renovations including the addition of 1,200 box seats and 1,000 new general admission seats.<ref name=1981program>Schmittou, Larry. "Message from the President." ''The Nashville Sounds 1981 Official Souvenir Program''. 1981: 36.</ref> Two wooden general admission seating areas were replaced by 2,000 contoured sports, and all of the existing box seats were re-painted.<ref name=1981program/> The original backstop which consisted of several steel poles was upgraded to a steel cable system which eliminated most of the supporting poles.<ref name=1981program/> The renovations included the construction of two new [[dugout (baseball)|dugout]]s, three new concession stands, one new men's and one new women's restroom, three new entrance and exit ramps, and a rentable VIP booth.<ref name=1981program/> Other stadium upgrades included a new sound system, doubling the size of the reader panel on the scoreboard, enlarging the ticket booth, remodeling the office area, and adding a 400 foot extension to one of the parking lots.<ref name=1981program/>


From February through mid-summer 1984, twenty-two [[luxury box|luxury sky boxes]], a new modern [[press box]], a full service restaurant, and a mini-roof to cover the last five rows of the reserved seating section and the main concourse were built.<ref>Schmittou, Larry. "A Message from the President." ''The Nashville Sounds 1984 Official Souvenir Program''. 1984: 8.</ref> Additional major renovations were made after the 1984 season. The press box was upgraded to become "one of the most modern press boxes in organized baseball."<ref name=1985program>Schmittoy, Larry. "Home Sweet Home." ''The Nashville Sounds 1985 Official Souvenir Program''. 1985: 7.</ref> The new press accommodations included space for 25 members of the media, two separate booths for home and visiting team radio broadcasts, and two separate booths for home and visiting team television broadcasts. Other additions included 1,200 new box seats which replaced reserved grandstand seating, additional seating past the right field foul pole, and new restrooms and concession stands. A new four line, 10 [[foot (length)|foot]] (3 m) high scoreboard replaced the stadium's original which was relocated to far left field to serve as an out of town scoreboard, providing scores for [[American League]], [[National League]], and [[American Association (20th century)|American Association]] baseball games.<ref name=1985program/>
From February through mid-summer 1984, twenty-two [[luxury box|luxury sky boxes]], a new modern [[press box]], a full service restaurant, and a mini-roof to cover the last five rows of the reserved seating section and the main concourse were built.<ref>Schmittou, Larry. "A Message from the President." ''The Nashville Sounds 1984 Official Souvenir Program''. 1984: 8.</ref> Additional major renovations were made after the 1984 season. The press box was upgraded to become "one of the most modern press boxes in organized baseball."<ref name=1985program>Schmittoy, Larry. "Home Sweet Home." ''The Nashville Sounds 1985 Official Souvenir Program''. 1985: 7.</ref> The new press accommodations included space for 25 members of the media, two separate booths for home and visiting team radio broadcasts, and two separate booths for home and visiting team television broadcasts. Other additions included 1,200 new box seats which replaced reserved grandstand seating, additional seating past the right field foul pole, and new restrooms and concession stands. A new four line, 10 [[foot (length)|foot]] (3 m) high scoreboard replaced the stadium's original which was relocated to far left field to serve as an out of town scoreboard, providing scores for [[American League]], [[National League]], and [[American Association (20th century)|American Association]] baseball games.<ref name=1985program/>
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Due to the need for additional seating and a desire to make Greer a more attractive ballpark, a major expansion project began after the 1987 season.<ref name=1988program>Schmittou, Larry. "Message from the President." ''The Nashville Sounds 1988 Official Souvenir Program''. 1988: 12.</ref> Schmittou also wanted to put Nashville in a place where it could seriously contend for a major league expansion team.<ref name=1988program/> The number of box seats was increased by 40%, the clubhouse and umpire facilities were upgraded, the dugouts were entirely rebuilt, and upgrades were made in the areas of parking, concessions, restrooms, and ticket sales.<ref name=1988program/> The stadium's main concourse entrance was redesigned to incorporate the [[stonemasonry]] of the adjacent [[Fort Negley]].<ref name=1988program/> This expansion brought Greer's total seating capacity up to 18,000.<ref>"Greer Stadium... Striving to be the best." ''The Nashville Sounds 1988 Official Souvenir Program''. 1988: 22.</ref>
Due to the need for additional seating and a desire to make Greer a more attractive ballpark, a major expansion project began after the 1987 season.<ref name=1988program>Schmittou, Larry. "Message from the President." ''The Nashville Sounds 1988 Official Souvenir Program''. 1988: 12.</ref> Schmittou also wanted to put Nashville in a place where it could seriously contend for a major league expansion team.<ref name=1988program/> The number of box seats was increased by 40%, the clubhouse and umpire facilities were upgraded, the dugouts were entirely rebuilt, and upgrades were made in the areas of parking, concessions, restrooms, and ticket sales.<ref name=1988program/> The stadium's main concourse entrance was redesigned to incorporate the [[stonemasonry]] of the adjacent [[Fort Negley]].<ref name=1988program/> This expansion brought Greer's total seating capacity up to 18,000.<ref>"Greer Stadium... Striving to be the best." ''The Nashville Sounds 1988 Official Souvenir Program''. 1988: 22.</ref>


Greer's distinctive [[guitar]]-shaped [[scoreboard]] was installed behind the left field wall prior to the 1993 season.<ref name=MGScoreboard/> Also from 1993 to 1994, the ballpark simultaneously hosted the Sounds and the [[Nashville Xpress]], the Double-A affiliate of the [[Minnesota Twins]] which played in the Southern League. This came about when the Southern League's [[Charlotte Knights]] became a Triple-A franchise in 1993, leaving their former Double-A club without a home. Sounds owner Larry Schmittou offered Greer Stadium as a temporary home for the team. In order to accommodate two teams, the Xpress scheduled its home games during the Sounds’ roads trips.<ref name=Xpress>Traughber, Bill. [http://www.nashvillesounds.com/news/newsarchive.asp?newsId=1802 "Looking Back: Nashville Hosts Two Teams In 1993 & 1994."] ''Nashville Sounds''. 12 September 2005. 14 April 2008.</ref> This marked the first time since the [[New York Mets]] and [[New York Yankees|Yankees]] shared [[Shea Stadium]] in 1976 that two teams shared a facility.<ref name=Xpress/> ''[[Baseball America]]'' ranked the dual Nashville teams as number one on its list of the "top 10 happenings in minor league baseball." In 1995, the Xpress relocated to [[Wilmington, North Carolina]] and became the [[Port City Roosters]].<ref name=Xpress/>
Greer's distinctive [[guitar]]-shaped [[scoreboard]] was installed behind the left field wall prior to the 1993 season.<ref name=MGScoreboard/> From 1993 to 1994, the ballpark simultaneously hosted the Sounds and the [[Nashville Xpress]], the Double-A affiliate of the [[Minnesota Twins]] which played in the Southern League. This came about when the Southern League's [[Charlotte Knights]] became a Triple-A franchise in 1993, leaving their former Double-A club without a home. Sounds owner Larry Schmittou offered Greer Stadium as a temporary home for the team. In order to accommodate two teams, the Xpress scheduled its home games during the Sounds’ roads trips.<ref name=Xpress>Traughber, Bill. [http://www.nashvillesounds.com/news/newsarchive.asp?newsId=1802 "Looking Back: Nashville Hosts Two Teams In 1993 & 1994."] ''Nashville Sounds''. 12 September 2005. 14 April 2008.</ref> This marked the first time since the [[New York Mets]] and [[New York Yankees|Yankees]] shared [[Shea Stadium]] in 1976 that two teams shared a facility.<ref name=Xpress/> ''[[Baseball America]]'' ranked the dual Nashville teams as number one on its list of the "top 10 happenings in minor league baseball." In 1995, the Xpress relocated to [[Wilmington, North Carolina]] and became the [[Port City Roosters]].<ref name=Xpress/>


[[Image:HerschelGreerStadium-Resod.jpg|thumb|right|Workers resodding the playing surface at Greer Stadium in 1994 to 1995]]
[[Image:HerschelGreerStadium-Resod.jpg|thumb|right|Workers resodding the playing surface at Greer Stadium in 1994 to 1995]]
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In addition to fixed stadium seats and general admission bleachers with contoured seats, the ballpark also features eighteen luxury [[luxury box|skyboxes]] located on the third floor.<ref name=seatingchart>[http://www.nashvillesounds.com/stadium/default.asp?pageId=75 "Seating Chart."] ''Nashville Sounds''. 29 March 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.nashvillesounds.com/tickets/default.asp?pageId=12 "Skyboxes."] ''Nashville Sounds''. 29 March 2008.</ref> Fans can also watch the game from one of three picnic areas—two on the third base line and one in right field.<ref name=picnics>[http://www.nashvillesounds.com/tickets/picnics.asp "Picnics."] ''Nashville Sounds''. 29 March 2008.</ref> A rentable hot tub deck is located beyond the wall in the far right field corner.<ref name=picnics/> There is an additional picnic area near the third base entrance and a concert staging area by the first base entrance, both of which do not offer views of the field.<ref name=picnics/>
In addition to fixed stadium seats and general admission bleachers with contoured seats, the ballpark also features eighteen luxury [[luxury box|skyboxes]] located on the third floor.<ref name=seatingchart>[http://www.nashvillesounds.com/stadium/default.asp?pageId=75 "Seating Chart."] ''Nashville Sounds''. 29 March 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.nashvillesounds.com/tickets/default.asp?pageId=12 "Skyboxes."] ''Nashville Sounds''. 29 March 2008.</ref> Fans can also watch the game from one of three picnic areas—two on the third base line and one in right field.<ref name=picnics>[http://www.nashvillesounds.com/tickets/picnics.asp "Picnics."] ''Nashville Sounds''. 29 March 2008.</ref> A rentable hot tub deck is located beyond the wall in the far right field corner.<ref name=picnics/> There is an additional picnic area near the third base entrance and a concert staging area by the first base entrance, both of which do not offer views of the field.<ref name=picnics/>


Seven concession stands and numerous cart vendors are located on the concourse.<ref>[http://www.nashvillesounds.com/stadium/standmenus.asp "Concessions Menus."] ''Nashville Sounds''. 29 March 2008.</ref> The stadium is also home to a full service restaurant. Judge Bean's Bar-B-Que, located on the fourth floor, is open year-round and during all home games.<ref>[http://www.nashvillesounds.com/stadium/default.asp?pageId=179 "Judge Bean's BBQ."] ''Nashville Sounds''. 29 March 2008.</ref> The game can also be viewed from the restaurant via windows overlooking the field.
Seven concession stands and numerous cart vendors are located on the concourse.<ref>[http://www.nashvillesounds.com/stadium/standmenus.asp "Concessions Menus."] ''Nashville Sounds''. 29 March 2008.</ref> The stadium is home to a full service restaurant. Judge Bean's Bar-B-Que, located on the fourth floor, is open year-round and during all home games.<ref>[http://www.nashvillesounds.com/stadium/default.asp?pageId=179 "Judge Bean's BBQ."] ''Nashville Sounds''. 29 March 2008.</ref> The game can also be viewed from the restaurant via windows overlooking the field.


==Ground rules==
==Ground rules==

Revision as of 08:34, 12 May 2008

Greer Stadium
Map
Full nameHerschel Greer Stadium
Location534 Chestnut Street
Nashville, TN 37203
United States
Coordinates36°8′35.31″N 86°46′24.35″W / 36.1431417°N 86.7734306°W / 36.1431417; -86.7734306
OwnerNashville Metro Government
OperatorNashville Sounds Baseball Club
Capacity10,052
Field sizeLeft Field: 327 ft (100 m)
Left-Center: 371 ft (113 m)
Center Field: 400 ft (122 m)
Right-Center: 371 ft (113 m)
Right Field: 327 ft (100 m)
Surfacegrass
Construction
OpenedApril 26 1978
Renovated1981, 1984, 1985, 1987–1988, 1995, 2007–2008
Expanded1981, 1984, 1985, 1987–1988
Tenants
Nashville Sounds (PCL) (1978–present)
Nashville Xpress (SL) (1993–1994)

Herschel Greer Stadium is a minor league baseball ballpark located in Nashville, Tennessee on the grounds of Fort Negley, an American Civil War fortification, approximately two miles (three km) south of downtown. Opened in 1978, the stadium was posthumously named for Herschel Lynn Greer, a prominent Nashville businessman and the first president of the Nashville Vols baseball team. It is currently home to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and can seat 10,052 fans.

The stadium is best recognized by its distinctive guitar-shaped scoreboard, which displays the line score across the neck. It has been the site of three minor league All-Star Games, eight no-hit games, including one perfect game, and a 23-inning game which tied the record for the longest game in PCL history. In 1993 and 1994, it also hosted the Double-A Southern League's Nashville Xpress, making it the first ballpark to serve as the home field for two different professional teams since the New York Mets and New York Yankees shared Shea Stadium in 1976.

In recent years, the Sounds have been attempting to work out an agreement with the city in order to build a new ballpark to replace Greer. The aging stadium was not meant to last longer than 30 years, and is now showing its age. As one of the oldest stadiums in the league, it now falls well below the standards set for a Triple-A stadium by organized baseball. Greer has been the subject of numerous upgrades and repairs to keep it functioning long enough for the Sounds to secure a deal for a new ballpark.

History

When Larry Schmittou decided to bring professional baseball back to Nashville in the late 1970s, he knew he would have to build a new ballpark for his team. He negotiated a lease with the city for a plot of land at the foot of St. Cloud Hill on the grounds of Fort Negley, an American Civil War fortification, approximately two miles (three km) south of downtown. The city were prepared to lease him the land, but Schmittou would have to build the stadium and pay the property taxes.[1] The projected construction cost of the stadium was estimated to be between $300,000 and $500,000;[1] however, the final cost added up to over $1,000,000.[1] Schmittou looked to local suppliers to donate construction materials, took out a $30,000 loan from a bank and even mortgaged his own home to help pay for the ballpark.[1] With the help of country music star Conway Twitty, other stars such as Larry Gatlin and Jerry Reed, as well as other members of the Nashville community, were brought in as Sounds shareholders.[1][2] The stadium was posthumously named for Herschel Lynn Greer, a prominent Nashville businessman and the first president of the Nashville Vols baseball team.[3] The Greer family also donated $25,000 for stadium construction.[4]

File:HerschelGreerStadium-Construction.jpg
Greer Stadium under construction in 1978

Though construction was underway, the Southern League's Nashville Sounds, Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, knew they could not have the stadium ready for their scheduled April 25 1978 home opener. The team requested to open the season on the road and had to swap a series with the Chattanooga Lookouts in order to have more time to complete the stadium.[1] Even with this additional time, the ballpark was still behind schedule. The sod, which arrived late, was laid and rolled the day before the scheduled opening game with the help of an estimated group of 50 fans who heard an announcement on local radio stations by general manager Farrell Owens inviting them to a "sod party".[1] The home opener was rained out and pushed back to April 26.[5] After playing their first 32 games on the road,[6] and with tractors and grading machines still preparing the field on game day, the Sounds played their first home game at Herschel Greer Stadium on April 26 1978.[5] The first game, a 12-4 victory against the Savannah Braves, was witnessed by a sellout crowd of 8,156 fans.[5] Southern League president Billy Hitchcock was on hand to witness the event,[5] and Conway Twitty threw out the first pitch.[7]

In a 2005 interview, Nashville's first manager, Chuck Goggin, reflected on the brand new field: "The field, the playing surface at Greer Stadium the first year, was the worst ballpark that I had ever been on in 16 years of professional baseball. It was not ready yet."[6] Goggin goes on to say that there were sizable rocks sticking up through the infield and that players did not even want to take infield practice because of all the bad hops.[6]

File:HerschelGreerStadium-1981.jpg
Larry Schmittou in front of Greer Stadium in 1981

Prior to the 1981 season, Greer underwent a number of renovations including the addition of 1,200 box seats and 1,000 new general admission seats.[8] Two wooden general admission seating areas were replaced by 2,000 contoured sports, and all of the existing box seats were re-painted.[8] The original backstop which consisted of several steel poles was upgraded to a steel cable system which eliminated most of the supporting poles.[8] The renovations included the construction of two new dugouts, three new concession stands, one new men's and one new women's restroom, three new entrance and exit ramps, and a rentable VIP booth.[8] Other stadium upgrades included a new sound system, doubling the size of the reader panel on the scoreboard, enlarging the ticket booth, remodeling the office area, and adding a 400 foot extension to one of the parking lots.[8]

From February through mid-summer 1984, twenty-two luxury sky boxes, a new modern press box, a full service restaurant, and a mini-roof to cover the last five rows of the reserved seating section and the main concourse were built.[9] Additional major renovations were made after the 1984 season. The press box was upgraded to become "one of the most modern press boxes in organized baseball."[10] The new press accommodations included space for 25 members of the media, two separate booths for home and visiting team radio broadcasts, and two separate booths for home and visiting team television broadcasts. Other additions included 1,200 new box seats which replaced reserved grandstand seating, additional seating past the right field foul pole, and new restrooms and concession stands. A new four line, 10 foot (3 m) high scoreboard replaced the stadium's original which was relocated to far left field to serve as an out of town scoreboard, providing scores for American League, National League, and American Association baseball games.[10]

Due to the need for additional seating and a desire to make Greer a more attractive ballpark, a major expansion project began after the 1987 season.[11] Schmittou also wanted to put Nashville in a place where it could seriously contend for a major league expansion team.[11] The number of box seats was increased by 40%, the clubhouse and umpire facilities were upgraded, the dugouts were entirely rebuilt, and upgrades were made in the areas of parking, concessions, restrooms, and ticket sales.[11] The stadium's main concourse entrance was redesigned to incorporate the stonemasonry of the adjacent Fort Negley.[11] This expansion brought Greer's total seating capacity up to 18,000.[12]

Greer's distinctive guitar-shaped scoreboard was installed behind the left field wall prior to the 1993 season.[13] From 1993 to 1994, the ballpark simultaneously hosted the Sounds and the Nashville Xpress, the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins which played in the Southern League. This came about when the Southern League's Charlotte Knights became a Triple-A franchise in 1993, leaving their former Double-A club without a home. Sounds owner Larry Schmittou offered Greer Stadium as a temporary home for the team. In order to accommodate two teams, the Xpress scheduled its home games during the Sounds’ roads trips.[14] This marked the first time since the New York Mets and Yankees shared Shea Stadium in 1976 that two teams shared a facility.[14] Baseball America ranked the dual Nashville teams as number one on its list of the "top 10 happenings in minor league baseball." In 1995, the Xpress relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina and became the Port City Roosters.[14]

File:HerschelGreerStadium-Resod.jpg
Workers resodding the playing surface at Greer Stadium in 1994 to 1995

Over $200,000 was spent on renovations in the fall and winter before the 1995 season.[15] The home clubhouse and weight room was remodeled, the aisles behind the dugouts were resurfaced to reduce slippery areas, and the entire playing field was resodded.[15] This was the first replacement and upgrading of the field since the original sod was laid in 1978.[16] First, all of the old grass was stripped from the field. Then, the grounds crew installed a new drainage system. Four trenches were dug and laid with 2,500 feet (762 m) of drainage pipe which carries water away from the field and beyond the center field wall.[16] A layer of gravel was laid over the pipe, and a four to six inch layer of sand was placed above the gravel.[16] After raising the level of the infield dirt and brick warning track to the same height of the new field, 100,000 square feet (9,290 m²) of Tifton 419 Bermuda Grass was installed on the field and edged into a baseball diamond configuration.[16]

In recent years, following the construction of newer, relatively luxurious minor league ballparks, Greer has fallen below standards set for Triple-A stadiums by professional baseball. The aging stadium was not meant to last longer than 30 years,[17] and is now showing its age. It has been the subject of many renovations and upgrades in order to meet current Triple-A standards. Prior to the 2008 season, more than $1 million in upgrades and repairs were made to the stadium.[17] The improvements, which included a new clubhouse beyond the right-center field wall, improved field lighting, and improvements to restrooms, walkways, and seating, should keep the stadium functional for another three to five years.[17]

Notable events

All-Star Games

The Southern League All-Star Game was held twice at Greer Stadium, once in 1979 and again in 1983.[18] In 1979, a team of SL All-Stars competed against the major league Atlanta Braves. The All-Stars defeated the Braves by a score of five to two.[18] The event returned in 1983, but this time featured the SL All-Star team playing against the Nashville Sounds. The All-Stars defeated the Sounds, three runs to two.[18]

Greer played host to the mid-season Triple-A All-Star Game on July 14 1994. Before a crowd of 11,601, in addition to live television and radio audiences, the team of National League-affiliated All-Stars defeated the team of American League-affiliated All-Stars by a score of eight runs to five.[19] Brad Woodall (NL - Richmond Braves) was the winning pitcher, Gary Buckels (NL - Louisville Redbirds) recorded the save, and Kirt Ojala (AL - Columbus Clippers) scored the loss. The "Stars of Stars," or Most Valuable Players, were Luis Lopez (IL - Richmond), Paul Faries (PCL - Phoenix Firebirds), and Ray Durham (AA - Nashville).[19][20]

Major league exhibitions

File:NashvilleSounds-1983YankeesExhib.jpg
Yankees coach Yogi Berra (right), talks with Sounds pitching coach Hoyt Wilhelm (left) at Greer Stadium during their 1983 exhibition game

On April 16 1981, the New York Yankees made a stop in Nashville to play an exhibition game against the Nashville Sounds. The 10-1 Yankees victory was played in front of a standing room only crowd of 17,318 fans.[21] Among those on hand for the game were Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, coach Yogi Berra, and players Reggie Jackson, Bucky Dent, Lou Piniella, Bobby Murcer, Goose Gossage, Tommy John, and Johnny Oates.[21] The Yankees returned for another exhibition game against the Sounds on April 28 1983.[22] This time, Nashville came out on the winning end, beating the Yankees 5-4 before 13,641 fans.[22]

The St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays played an exhibition game at Greer on April 3 1983.[23] Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander was in attendance to watch the teams including players Ozzie Smith, George Hendrick, Rafael Santana, Keith Hernandez, Alfredo Griffin, and former Sounds outfielder Willie McGee.[23]

No-hitters and perfect games

Greer Stadium has been the setting for eight no-hitters. The first took place on May 16 1981, when Jeff Cornell of the visiting Jacksonville Suns pitched a no-hit game against the Sounds. The second no-hitter at Greer occurred on May 4 1984, when Jim Deshaies pitched the first Sounds' no-hitter against the Columbus Astros in the second game of a seven-inning doubleheader. The 4-1 Nashville victory was cut short of being a perfect game following three walks and a batter being hit by a pitch, advancing the runner home for the only Astros run of the game.[24] Nashville's Bryan Kelly pitched a no-hit game against the Oklahoma City 89ers, a 6-0 win, on July 17 1985.[24]

In a rare occurrence, the Sounds and the Indianapolis Indians exchanged no-hitters on back-to-back nights (August 7 and August 8 1988). First, Nashville's Jack Armstrong registered a no-hit game against the Indians, a 4-0 Sounds victory.[24] The next night, Indianapolis’ Randy Johnson and Pat Pacillo combined for a no-hit loss against the Sounds, a 1-0 Nashville win.[24] This was the first time in American Association history that teams played in back-to-back no-hit games.[24]

On April 7 2003, John Wasdin tossed a perfect game at Greer in a 4-0 win over the Albuquerque Isotopes.[24] This was the first perfect game at the stadium and only the second nine-inning perfect game in the 100-year history of the Pacific Coast League.[25] Later in the year, on August 2, Colorado Springs Sky Sox pitchers Chris Gissell and Jesus Sanchez combined for a no-hit 3-0 win against Nashville.[24][26] The most recent no-hit effort at Greer took place on July 15 2006, when Nashville pitchers Carlos Villanueva, Mike Meyers, and Alec Zumwalt combined on a 2-0 win over the Memphis Redbirds.[27]

No. Date Pitcher(s) Teams Score
1 May 16 1981 Jeff Cornell Jacksonville Suns vs. Nashville Sounds -
2 May 4 1984 Jim Deshaies Columbus Astros vs. Nashville Sounds 5-1
3 July 17 1985 Bryan Kelly Oklahoma City 89ers vs. Nashville Sounds 6-0
4 August 7 1988 Jack Armstrong Indianapolis Indians vs. Nashville Sounds 4-0
5 August 8 1988 Randy Johnson
Pat Pacillo		 Indianapolis Indians vs. Nashville Sounds 1-0
6 April 7 2003 John Wasdin Albuquerque Isotopes vs. Nashville Sounds 4-0
7 August 2 2003 Chris Gissell
Jesus Sanchez		 Colorado Springs Sky Sox vs. Nashville Sounds 3-0
8 July 15 2006 Carlos Villanueva
Mike Meyers
Alec Zumwalt		 Memphis Redbirds vs. Nashville Sounds 2-0
Pitched a no-hitter and won • Pitched a no-hitter and lost

Other notable events

On May 5-6 2006, Greer was the site of a game which tied the record for the longest game, in terms of innings played, in Pacific Coast League history. The Sounds and the New Orleans Zephyrs competed in a 24-inning game, played over the course of two days, which lasted a total of eight hours and seven minutes.[28] The record was originally set on June 8 1909 in a game between the San Francisco Seals and Oakland Oaks. A few years later, on September 10 1911, the record was tied by a contest between the Sacramento Solons and Portland Beavers.[28]

Other events at the ballpark

Beginning in the early 1980s, Greer Stadium served as the home field for the Father Ryan High School football team. Father Ryan, a Nashville Catholic school, does have a stadium of its own, though it is not used for games. Depending on the Sounds' home schedule, some of the school's home games are held at the visiting school's field (with Father Ryan designated as the home team) or at other unused local high school fields. In 2006, Father Ryan and the Sounds signed a two-year contract to return to Greer for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.[29] In the football configuration, the field runs along the first base line.

Since 2001, Greer has hosted the "Jeff Fisher & Friends" Charity Softball Game. Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher and players from the team, past and present, compete in order to benefit local charities. Past Titans participants include Vince Young, Steve McNair, Eddie George, Frank Wycheck, Rob Bironas, and Keith Bulluck, among others.[30]

Scoreboard

Greer Stadium's unique guitar-shaped scoreboard

Greer's distinctive guitar-shaped scoreboard was manufactured by the Fairtron Corporation and installed by the Joslin Sign Company prior to the 1993 season. It is painted in a red, white, and blue color scheme, which was the same as the Sounds' color scheme at the time. It is located behind the stadium's left field wall.[13]

The entire scoreboard measures 115.6 feet (35.2 m) across, 53 feet (16.2 m) high, and 2 feet (0.6 m) deep.[13] Individual components of the guitar are as follows: 60 foot (16.2 m) body, 36 foot (10.9 m) neck, and 19.6 foot (5.9 m) tuning key section.[13] It is installed approximately 80 feet (23.4 m) above the ground.[13] It takes 243,155 watts to power its 8,179 total lamps, which are connected to 64,169 feet (19,558.7 m) of wire.[13] The entire display weighs 35,825 pounds (16,249.9 kg).[13]

The previous scoreboard (which can be seen on the far left side of the photograph to the right) was a black, non-descript, rectangular unit with a four line, 10 foot (3 m) high fully animated reader panel. After the installation of the new scoreboard, the old one was used as an out-of-town scoreboard, displaying the scores of other games.[10] It is no longer in use, but remains installed in the park. The ballpark's original scoreboard, which was replaced by this unit and served as an out-of-town scoreboard, was removed from the park concurrent with the installation of the guitar.

Facilities

In addition to fixed stadium seats and general admission bleachers with contoured seats, the ballpark also features eighteen luxury skyboxes located on the third floor.[31][32] Fans can also watch the game from one of three picnic areas—two on the third base line and one in right field.[33] A rentable hot tub deck is located beyond the wall in the far right field corner.[33] There is an additional picnic area near the third base entrance and a concert staging area by the first base entrance, both of which do not offer views of the field.[33]

Seven concession stands and numerous cart vendors are located on the concourse.[34] The stadium is home to a full service restaurant. Judge Bean's Bar-B-Que, located on the fourth floor, is open year-round and during all home games.[35] The game can also be viewed from the restaurant via windows overlooking the field.

Ground rules

The following ground rules apply to baseball games played at Greer Stadium:[13]

  • Any ball striking the upper section of the two-tiered outfield wall on the fly is a home run, regardless of whether or not the ball re-enters the playing field.
  • Any ball striking the guitar scoreboard is considered a home run.

Future

The Sounds had originally planned on leaving Greer Stadium for a new ballpark in the early 2000s.[36] Opening day at the proposed venue was repeatedly pushed back, eventually to as late as 2009.[37][38] After years of the Sounds lobbying for a new park and threatening to leave town (either for the suburbs or a new location altogether), the Nashville Metro Council approved a new stadium on February 7 2006. It was to be called First Tennessee Field and was planned for construction on the west bank of the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville, just two miles (3.2 km) north of the current stadium.

The Sounds and private developers Struever Brothers, Eccles, & Rouse were unable to finalize financing and design plans for the new stadium by the April 15 2007, deadline set by the Nashville Metro Council. As a result, the First Tennessee Field construction project was cancelled. Whether the team will make another attempt to build a new ballpark, stay at Greer (in conjunction with major renovations to the stadium), or pursue a move to another city is not yet certain.[39] The team has looked into the possibility of moving to a suburb of Nashville, such as Franklin.[40] Ultimately, discussions with the City of Franklin came to a halt in late October 2007 after the city's newly elected mayor decided that he did not want the city to help pay for the proposed stadium. Following this announcement, Sounds General Manager Glenn Yaeger said that he was in talks with at least two other cities in the Middle Tennessee area.[41]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Traughber, Bill. "CHC: Q&A with Larry Schmittou." CSTV. 9 April 2008. 13 April 2008.
  2. ^ "Team History." Nashville Sounds. 26 March 2008.
  3. ^ "Herschel Greer Stadium." The 2008 Nashville Sounds Media Guide. 2008: 180.
  4. ^ Nipper, Skip. Baseball in Nashville. Charleston: Arcadia Publishing, 2007. 103.
  5. ^ a b c d Traughber, Bill. "Looking Back: Sounds' First Game." Nashville Sounds. 7 August 2006. 8 March 2008.
  6. ^ a b c Traughber, Bill. "Looking Back: Chuck Goggin First Managed The Sounds." Nashville Sounds. 11 April 2005. 13 April 2008.
  7. ^ "Sounds in 1978." The Tennessean. 13 April 2008.
  8. ^ a b c d e Schmittou, Larry. "Message from the President." The Nashville Sounds 1981 Official Souvenir Program. 1981: 36.
  9. ^ Schmittou, Larry. "A Message from the President." The Nashville Sounds 1984 Official Souvenir Program. 1984: 8.
  10. ^ a b c Schmittoy, Larry. "Home Sweet Home." The Nashville Sounds 1985 Official Souvenir Program. 1985: 7.
  11. ^ a b c d Schmittou, Larry. "Message from the President." The Nashville Sounds 1988 Official Souvenir Program. 1988: 12.
  12. ^ "Greer Stadium... Striving to be the best." The Nashville Sounds 1988 Official Souvenir Program. 1988: 22.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h "About the Scoreboard..." 2008 Nashville Sounds Media Guide. 2008: 180.
  14. ^ a b c Traughber, Bill. "Looking Back: Nashville Hosts Two Teams In 1993 & 1994." Nashville Sounds. 12 September 2005. 14 April 2008.
  15. ^ a b Schmittou, Larry. "Message from the President." Nashville Sounds 1995 Official Souvenir Program. 1995: 12.
  16. ^ a b c d "Dave Nasypany's Field of Dreams." Nashville Sounds 1995 Official Souvenir Program. 1995: 24.
  17. ^ a b c Stults, Rachel. "Sounds cover all the bases to ready ballpark for opener." The Tennessean. 11 April 2008: 1A.
  18. ^ a b c Elliott, Jeff. "All-Star game survives years of dormancy, format changes." The Florida Times-Union. 5 July 2003. 7 March 2008.
  19. ^ a b "Triple-A All-Star Game Results (1997-1993)." Triple-A Baseball. 7 April 2008.
  20. ^ "1994 in Review." Nashville Sounds 1995 Official Souvenir Program. 1995: 92.
  21. ^ a b Traughber, Bill. "Looking Back: 1981 New York Yankees Visit Greer Stadium." Nashville Sounds. 7 August 2006. 7 April 2008.
  22. ^ a b "Nashville Sounds in 1983." The Tennessean. 11 April 2008.
  23. ^ a b "Nashville Sounds in 1983." The Tennessean. 11 April 2008.
  24. ^ a b c d e f g Traughber, Bill. "Looking Back: Sounds No-Hitters." Nashville Sounds. 30 June 2005. 7 April 2008.
  25. ^ "Wasdin Perfect Game." Nashville Sounds. 25 March 2008.
  26. ^ "Sounds No-Hit By Sky Sox In 3-0 Loss." Nashville Sounds. 2 August 2003. 6 April 2008.
  27. ^ "Sounds Toss Fifth No-Hitter In Club History." Nashville Sounds. 15 July 2006. 7 April 2008.
  28. ^ a b "Sounds Fall To Zephyrs In 24-Inning Marathon." Nashville Sounds. 5 May 2006. 7 April 2008.
  29. ^ "Ryan, JPII head toward second Bishop’s Cup battle." Diocese of Nashville. 11 August 2006. 30 September 2007.
  30. ^ "Jeff Fisher & Friends Charity Softball Game To Be Held June 28 At Greer Stadium." Nashville Sounds. 18 March 2008. 6 April 2008.
  31. ^ "Seating Chart." Nashville Sounds. 29 March 2008.
  32. ^ "Skyboxes." Nashville Sounds. 29 March 2008.
  33. ^ a b c "Picnics." Nashville Sounds. 29 March 2008.
  34. ^ "Concessions Menus." Nashville Sounds. 29 March 2008.
  35. ^ "Judge Bean's BBQ." Nashville Sounds. 29 March 2008.
  36. ^ "First Tennessee to put name on proposed Sounds stadium." Nashville Business Journal. 21 November 2003. 26 March 2008.
  37. ^ "Purcell Firm On City, Sounds Stadium Agreement." WSMV.com 11 September 2006. 26 March 2008.
  38. ^ "How Do I Reserve My Seats At The New Downtown Ballpark?" Nashville Sounds. 25 October 2005. 26 March 2008.
  39. ^ Carter, Cindy. "Downtown Nashville Property Up For Bids Again." WSMV.com. 22 May 2007. 29 July 2007.
  40. ^ Brewer, Clint and Bill Harless. "Sounds, Franklin talk ballpark." The City Paper. 15 August 2007.
  41. ^ Walters, Kevin. "Talks to move Sounds to Franklin end." The Tennessean. 27 October 2007: 1A.

External links

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