{"id":13862,"date":"2024-11-05T13:03:30","date_gmt":"2024-11-05T18:03:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/?p=13862"},"modified":"2024-11-05T13:03:32","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T18:03:32","slug":"dexter-park-the-lost-baseball-diamond-of-queens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-dexter-park-the-lost-baseball-diamond-of-queens","title":{"rendered":"Dexter Park: The Lost Baseball Diamond of Queens"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once located in the Woodhaven area of Queens, Dexter Park was a hub for legendary baseball\u2014and later football\u2014players. Today, a commemorative plaque is all that remains of this sporting center, while a C-Town supermarket parking lot occupies its former grounds. Read more about this historic site on <a href=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/\">i-queens<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a37e9fab2e5d\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a37e9fab2e5d\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-dexter-park-the-lost-baseball-diamond-of-queens\/#A_Recreational_Park\" >A Recreational Park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-dexter-park-the-lost-baseball-diamond-of-queens\/#The_Largest_Stadium_of_Its_Time\" >The Largest Stadium of Its Time<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-dexter-park-the-lost-baseball-diamond-of-queens\/#Football_and_Boxing\" >Football and Boxing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-dexter-park-the-lost-baseball-diamond-of-queens\/#Auto_Racing\" >Auto Racing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Recreational_Park\"><\/span>A Recreational Park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The area\u2019s history dates back to the 19th century when it served as a recreational park. In 1821, the Union Course racetrack was established here, followed by the Centerville racetrack four years later. According to legend, the park is named after a horse named Dexter, allegedly buried there. Another story suggests the park\u2019s right field slope, known as \u201cHorse Heaven,\u201d resulted from the burial of horses. In 1934, a local newspaper reported that workers had unearthed a horse jawbone while digging in Dexter Park. However, the <em>Brooklyn Eagle<\/em> claimed that the park was named after Charles Dexter, one of its early overseers, rather than a horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The park\u2019s location near Brooklyn was intentional. Since horse racing often attracted gambling, it wasn\u2019t considered an ideal neighbor for Brooklyn\u2019s numerous churches. State legislators encouraged horse racing in nearby Queens instead. Horseback riding was a popular pastime among the upper classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under Louis Miller\u2019s management, the park gained a poor reputation for pigeon shooting, which led to public complaints. In 1900, it made headlines when local residents voiced concerns about the daily shooting, fearing for their safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Largest_Stadium_of_Its_Time\"><\/span>The Largest Stadium of Its Time<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1901, the William Ulmer Brewery acquired Dexter Park, transforming it into a home for various sports and entertainment. By 1909, local newspapers advertised the park\u2019s baseball field, bowling lanes, swings, dance pavilion, and carousel. Although Conrad Hasenflug was the legal owner, the brewery held effective control over the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dexter Park\u2019s baseball stadium was the largest in the borough until the opening of Shea Stadium in 1964 (now <a href=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-the-home-ballpark-of-the-new-york-mets-the-history-of-citi-field\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-the-home-ballpark-of-the-new-york-mets-the-history-of-citi-field\">Citi Field<\/a>, built in 2009). The first regular baseball game at Dexter Park was played in 1889.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-queens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2024\/04\/17124239\/b2ktuicf45d1xeqohklwsirwrbcaswhp1ukjl7laxduegnv5drmeluk3nr6h5zpuvaaq5gzvw1ite71gziptsgpvcmqriovsyv8xk0jynxfblaiu7pu_z3oldpyq9iaixwlf_ndfl5mc4qzqnx26ghq.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From 1905 to 1913, the stadium frequently hosted games for the Brooklyn Royal Giants, an African American team. Before World War I, the Giants were one of the most successful independent teams in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although World War I disrupted professional baseball, it also spurred a boom in semi-professional leagues and African American games. Many corporations sponsored teams to boost morale and discourage union involvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The independent semi-professional Brooklyn Bushwicks played at Dexter Park from 1913 to 1951, gaining fame for their multicultural rosters. In 1922, team owner Max Rosner purchased Dexter Park and recognized its potential by building a grandstand that could seat 2,000 spectators. In 1924, he added an additional 2,000 seats. During the Great Depression, while many major league baseball teams struggled financially, the Bushwicks maintained a loyal fan base with affordable ticket prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Baseball legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig both played at Dexter Park. Ruth\u2019s Major League Baseball career spanned 22 seasons from 1914 to 1935, mostly with the New York Yankees. Ruth is widely regarded as one of the greatest American sports heroes, while Gehrig, known as the \u201cIron Horse\u201d for his durability, played 17 seasons with the Yankees and is celebrated as one of the greatest players of all time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-queens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2024\/04\/17124237\/tt4htdscfcna54sgtl6lhk3naz67j-wybrmk86rnseh5dyy2bujvqugzwu-d5krwulbmaklmgi2_y1vfyclkonjxmcbhbmjcxkrxlhhk6zaupa2sevjo2e8nee2g82a8kditi1nmphedehlmxzqqx_c.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the late 1920s, minor leagues experimented with temporary lighting to attract evening crowds. Dexter Park installed light towers atop the grandstands, and the first night game took place on July 23, 1930. This lighting system was the first permanent focused lighting installation in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Baseball teams often relied on promoters who organized games and fees in exchange for a cut of gross revenue. One such promoter was Nathaniel Strong, a native New Yorker who began as a sporting goods salesman and became an influential booking agent, recognizing the value of controlling lucrative venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-queens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2024\/04\/17124235\/eiaqpj6hkgmja4kqjcsb72y27jlqpnlojiebhnjp8eiaixppxwevf44__t8ebyyqh_b5howpyui6zp0f6fdv2i-ewpoebfajho3czhdm1yprnx1sumdaqxv9kg8ddwlqsyvgvy5s0rtzdeqlem_vcwc.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Baseball remains America\u2019s national pastime and one of Queens\u2019 most popular sports. It\u2019s deeply ingrained in the city\u2019s culture, with many residents growing up playing the sport. While Abner Doubleday is credited with inventing baseball in Cooperstown, New York, in 1839, the game has deeper roots. Notable players born and raised in Queens include pitcher Dennis Sarfate, pitcher and coach Stefan Karsay, pitcher Matthew Daly, and outfielder George Valera. Baseball is beloved among residents of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Football_and_Boxing\"><\/span>Football and Boxing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On April 7, 1929, Dexter Park hosted the U.S. Open Cup Final in soccer, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 21,583 spectators, despite having an official capacity of only 15,400. This record stood for more than 80 years until a larger crowd attended the 2010 final in Seattle. The park also regularly hosted high school and college football games, attracting crowds of up to 10,000. On November 1, 1930, part of the stands collapsed during a game, but fortunately, none of the 500 fans were injured. The park also hosted boxing matches, with around 150 fights held from 1914 to 1950.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Auto_Racing\"><\/span>Auto Racing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the Brooklyn Bushwicks disbanded in 1951, Dexter Park was repurposed as a stock car racetrack to maintain revenue. The field\u2019s layout was adjusted, the center field hill was leveled, and the baseball diamond was removed. Fruit trees and vegetables were also uprooted to make way for pit stops. Most races were organized by the Allstate Racing Stock Car Club, run by race car drivers and car owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-queens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2024\/04\/17124234\/sb5lmjx1lsxq600nxw9gl1zpmg2w7ytaacxxuaqwdzpj4gzuklzxdihbql6thzbcn228or5rpoaqykkk0dko0mbcn3ena1fsjjokeoyhpjxpfi9corocmfqdelmybalpqggg3nhrp6uat13mtch_gra.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1955, the park was sold, and it was completely demolished two years later. Today, single-family and two-family homes, along with a CTown supermarket, occupy the site. A commemorative plaque marks the approximate location of the old soccer field, while the former carousel area is now part of the parking lot. The hotel became Dexter Park Casino, later transforming into Frank Fischetti\u2019s restaurant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Once located in the Woodhaven area of Queens, Dexter Park was a hub for legendary baseball\u2014and later football\u2014players. Today, a commemorative plaque is all that remains of this sporting center, while a C-Town supermarket parking lot occupies its former grounds. Read more about this historic site on i-queens. A Recreational Park The area\u2019s history dates [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":483,"featured_media":13297,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4820],"tags":[6239,6242,6234,6238,6243,6235,6237,6232,6245,6244,6236,6233,6241,6246,6240],"moimportance":[35],"motype":[4825],"moformat":[83],"class_list":["post-13862","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sporty","tag-1930s-night-games","tag-auto-racing-in-queens","tag-babe-ruth-lou-gehrig","tag-baseball-heritage","tag-baseball-legends","tag-boxing-history-queens","tag-brooklyn-bushwicks-team","tag-brooklyn-royal-giants","tag-dexter-park-history","tag-early-soccer-matches","tag-football-in-dexter-park","tag-lost-baseball-fields","tag-nathaniel-strong-promoter","tag-queens-ctown-marker","tag-queens-sports-history","moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","motype-eternal","moformat-longread-short"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13862","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/483"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13862"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13862\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13863,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13862\/revisions\/13863"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13862"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13862"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13862"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=13862"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=13862"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=13862"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}