| Previously know as College Stadium, this park was renamed before the 1999 season in honor of the long time Parks and Recreation director. Having one of the older parks in the league, Jamestown doesn't figure to have long future with affiliated minor league baseball, but ownership has shown a commitment to the city, so perhaps the team will stick around for a while longer. The latest rumors has the team moving to a new ballpark in Morgantown, WV for the 2015 season.
Hits
- Typical of other small towns in western New York that also have minor league teams, the atmosphere definitely has a community feel. Many fans seem to know one another and they are here to watch the game with their neighbors. This is the type of atmosphere that simply cannot be replicated at the newer, suburban ballparks.
- The ballpark is extremely intimate as the seating consists of a covered grandstand behind home plate and bleacher sections down each line. Almost all the seating is benches (with backs), though there are a few "box" seats behind home plate.
- For those who enjoy getting autographs, this is a great park for that as players have to walk right though the concourse in order to get to their clubhouses.
- Prices are cheap - parking is free, tickets are all less than 10 bucks, and concessions/souvenirs are very reasonable.
- The exterior features a nice brick facade. In addition, there is a plaque that recognizes baseball as "an ensuring part of Jamestown's heritage".
- The erector set style light poles are pretty cool and give the park an old-timey feel.
Misses
- Because of the age of the park, it is not the most comfortable place to see a game, especially on nights with large crowds.
- There is no dedicated parking lot - people either park on the street or in the adjacent field. Most of the parking spots are within distance of a foul ball.
- For fans who prefer reserved seating, there is a very limited amount. Fortunately most fans who come here are used to the general admission seating so clearly don't mind.
Eats
- There is one main concession stand along the concourse behind home plate and one smaller stand along the third base side.
- Variety of food options is lacking - pretty much just the normal ballpark fare of hot dogs, burgers, pizza, fries, nachos, and pretzels.
- As with everything else, food prices are cheap, with most items $3 or less.
Russell Diethrick Park is one of the last remaining western New York teams left in the NY-Penn League (along with Auburn and Batavia). It truly is a refreshing place to take in a game as it gives you a sense of what minor league baseball is supposed to be about - a community gathering place where many fans know one another. It will be a sad day when professional baseball no longer exists in Jamestown. That sad day came at the end of 2014 when the Jammers left town for Morgantown, WV. Pro baseball may never be played here again, but it is expected that a summer collegiate league team will take up residence here in 2015.
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