By IAN WILSON
The demolition of Foothills Stadium has hit the baseball community like a wrecking ball.
Despite the inevitable end of the facility, which played home to Calgary’s highest levels of baseball for more than half a century, seeing the structure reduced to rubble has left many sports fans heartbroken, angry and despondent.
The ballpark gave a stage to the Alberta Major Baseball League (AMBL), Pioneer League, Pacific Coast League (PCL), Canadian Baseball League (CBL), Western Major Baseball League (WMBL), Northern League, Golden Baseball League (GBL), the Canadian College Baseball Conference (CCBC) and more.
As the Giants, Jimmies, Cardinals, Expos, Cannons, Outlaws, Dawgs, Vipers, Dinos and Bucks took the diamond, they created memories for the players, coaches, staff and fans who went through Foothills Stadium, which first opened in 1966.
The downfall has prompted a major response from baseball boosters who shared in those memories.
Here’s a collection of reactions – collected from media interviews and social media posts – from those impacted by the fall of Foothills Stadium:
“It’s sad. When I think back on the beginnings and watching the first steel girder going up and then the extension of it, I thought, ‘My goodness, this is truly going to be a stadium’ …. I always have lots of fond memories, every time I go by I usually think about something … we put so much into it.” – Russ Parker, owner of the Calgary Cardinals, Expos and Cannons
“It’s a sad day to see a big facility like that in Calgary, something that had a huge chunk of sports history in the city, gone … its time had come — it was certainly in a poor state of repair — but I hope we take the time to remember it.” – Mark Stephen, former public relations employee of the Cannons
“Such a sad time. I have so many fond memories and experiences at that park. Umpired so many games for the Cannons, Vipers, Outlaws and Dawgs, before they relocated to Okotoks. Just so sad to see ‘her’ come down!” – Barry Pozzo, longtime umpire
“I had some good times there. Farewell!” – Trey Beamon, former player with the Calgary Cannons
“Doing play-by-play in the early 90s was truly a career highlight. See ya old friend!” – Jamie Herbison, radio personality
“I made a lot of money selling 50/50 tix for Babe Ruth and Bowridge lol … also my most memorable home run, never forget that feeling of getting one out in that park … goosebumps as I type.” – Jay Marasco, former baseball player and coach
“Ron Rooke hired me as part of the sales and marketing team back in ’91 … what a year that was!! The team played in the PCL championship series. Thx to the Parker family for so many fond memories.” – Vickie Chase, radio and TV broadcaster
“This is painful, especially with no plan to build a suitable baseball facility for the city of Calgary. Shameful to allow this.” – Jocelyn Laidlaw, former journalist with CTV Calgary
“My husband and I had our first date at a Cannons game.” – Betty Hansen
“It’s a sad day. Great times at the park with a lot of outstanding players coming through! Thanks to the Parkers for bringing Triple-A ball to Calgary. Loved my six years working there!” – Karen Connellan, former vice-president of marketing and sponsorships for the Cannons
“My grandma took me to watch a game once when I was eight. Got an autographed baseball still from them. Would have been the 90s.” – Brandon Abbott
“My son plays with the Bucks and we’ve been watching this demolition – so sad to watch it be torn down.” – Dawn Stewart
“So sad. Worked many summers in the concessions there. Seen a lot of great players come through Calgary. One of my fondest memories was seeing Jim Abbott pitching there. Good times!” – Ben Mendoza
“Watched the final Cannons game there and played many times with Dinos and Outlaws, always a treat to be there. Hopefully Calgary will get a similar calibre field, and accessible location, to support university and WMBL level play.” – Trystan Wall, former first baseman with the Outlaws
“It breaks my heart. Attended many games there with many folks.” – Verne Fielder
“Learned what baseball REALLY was at Foothills Stadium. Watched and played with so many great people and players. Sad day.” – Brant Stickel, former pitcher with the Vipers
“So many memories. Personally, having both my grandpas and my dad throw me the first pitch on Father’s Day, I will never forget.” – Drew Miller, longtime slugger with the Vipers
“I can’t believe they are knocking it down. Easily my favorite place to hit … so many hits there for the Vipers and against them.” – Fehlandt Lentini, former outfielder with the Vipers and Winnipeg Goldeyes
“It’s crazy to see, given it was kind of the cathedral of baseball for Calgary. This was a big, big baseball park on the map of baseball in Canada.” – Joe McFarland, co-founder of Alberta Dugout Stories
“We recognize that Foothills Stadium has been a valued community hub and a home for many community groups over the years …. The recent Foothills Stadium demolitions will be a part of the park’s next chapter, providing Calgarians with new opportunities to lead active lifestyles and fostering a vibrant sports culture.”
– City of Calgary statement
IN THE NEWS
Over the course of the last several days, we’ve received several interview requests from journalists around Calgary, looking to tell stories about Foothills.
Here are some of the interviews and stories we’ve been involved with:
Sportsnet 960 The Fan’s “The Big Show”
CBC Eyeopener with Loren McGinnis
Calgary baseball fans reflect on memories of Foothills Stadium as demolition work continues – CityNews Calgary
Fans lament demolition of Calgary’s ‘cathedral of baseball,’ Foothills Stadium – Calgary Herald
We also want to thank Jesse and JD from CJAY92 for having us on during the morning of February 27.
Got any fond memories you’d like to share about Foothills Stadium? Sound off in the comments or on our social media channels.
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