Lancaster and baseball are synonymous in history. It's history started in the 1860's as numerous amateur teams formed to compete to be part of the "Best 9" in the region.
Professional baseball in Lancaster started in 1884 with the "Lancasters" and "Ironsides". After a heated season, The Ironsides took the title as the best Professional ball club in Lancaster, but only the Lancasters would continue to represent Lancaster in the years to come. Several short stints by professional baseball teams in lancaster would follow with the Lancaster "chicks" and the "Actives" , both of which suffered financially, and didn't last longer than a year.
The Lancaster "Giants" in 1887, drew attention as being the only team of color. While the team only lasted for several weeks, despite it's victories, tradition of baseball in Lancaster has endured and has over the years become a mainstay of the city. One player, Rube Foster, is now recognized in the National BAseball Hall of Fame for his abilities as a player, and for his achievements in founding the Negro National League in 1919.
Minor league baseball has also excelled in Lancaster, starting with the "Maroons", who in 1896 moved here from Connecticut, went on to win 23 games in a row the next year. Despite their success, the team ultimately disbanded at the end of 1899 due to player salary issues.
The Maroons would get a uniform change in 1896, and while their all-white uniforms no longer fit their nickname they would carry it over untill opening day against the York White Roses. This event was so big that numerous businesses and factories closed down and parades filled the streets prior to game time. Local Newspapers quickly adapted the term, "war of the roses", and applied the term "Red Roses" to Lancaster as their new teamname. They would have 7 out of 9 winning years from 1906-1914 and become one of Lancaster's favorite teams throughout it's history.
Barnstormers Mascot, Cylo debuted on March 4th,2005.
From 1914-1932, professional baseball in lancaster all but disappeared as the country was dealing with war and hard economic times. Amateur baseball would however continue and led the way to Lancaster's revival in the 1940's as the economy was reviving and flourishing. The Team from Hazleton, after moving to Lancaster in 1940, allowed the Red Roses to be reborn the year after. Baseball in Lancaster would survive till 1961 when the Red Roses would play their last game due to low attendance.
Over the years, twenty four lancaster county natives have made it into the Major Leagues. The minor leagues have established a great breeding ground for these players because of the direct line between it's teams and major league teams like the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Athletics. Some of these players included George Kell, who led the Red Roses to a Championship Trophy in 1943. He has since been inducted into the hall of fame(1983) and continues to be one of the best players ever to play in Lancaster County.
Baseball took on a whole new venue on April 28th, 2004, when after 44 years of waiting, minor league baseball was reintroduced to Lancaster. After ground was broken, partnerships with Keystone Baseball allowed the newly named "Barnstormers" to play their first game in the 2005 season. The name barnstorming refers to travel around extensively looking for exhibition games against other good teams. The Barnstormers represent all of Lancaster County and drew the single largest number of fans in the Atlantic League during Opening day in 2005. In only their second year, the Barnstormers went undefeated in the playoffs, and on to win the Chamionship in 2006. That victory would mark the first for a professional chamionship team in 55 years since the Red Roses won the Peidmont League Title.
This past year has seen 2 all-stars, Michael Woods, and Matthew LeCroy lead the Barnstormers to a 2nd place tie in the Freedom Division. Michael hit .324 with 73 RBI and 23 home runs and Matthew hit .326 with 83 RBI and 22 home runs.
Players stand for the National Anthem. Cylo joins in every game.
Corvette Club's Own Leading Man shows off his Corvette.
Everard takes part in an encore performance on "Guys night out", with the only big block 67 chevy in attendance.
Past Themed events:
- 80's Night
- Senior Night
- Hispanic Heritage Day
- Community Nights
- Guy's Night out
- Beach Night
- Ladies Night
- Dog Haze
One of the great features of Clipper stadium, is the Weis Kids' Park, located at the far left field gate. The Park includes a climbing wall, carousel, and nuermous other fun activities. This makes it a kid friendly place to go but also allows you to watch the game while your kids are playing.
Also interesting for kids, is Home Run Harbor where kids can beat the heat in bumper boats. This is the first known feature to be built in a stadium anywhere in the world. There is also an upgrade available for those who are thinking of hosting a birthday party at the stadium.
Clipper Stadium has skybox seating which brings a whole other element to the experience.Live the Suite life!
Opening tickets for the 2009 season will be available for pre-sale on March 7th, from 7:00 a.m to 10:00 a.m. Expect appearances by coaches Von Hayes and Tom Herr who will be welcoming fans for the new season. Clipper Stadium is located on 650 North Prince Street. Gates usually open one hour before gametime from Monday-Thursday, and 30 minutes prior to gametime from Friday to Sunday. Spring Training starts on the 16th vs Elizabethtown. Check out the full 2009 Barnstormers schedule for the complete lineup.
Note: Clipper stadium is a smoke free environment.
There are 3 lots, encompassing 1,200 parking spaces plus 57 spaces for VIP members. You can access Directions to Clipper Stadium at Mapquest.
Because of the current recession, all spring training games will be hosted in Lancaster County as opposed to Lakeland, Florida, where they usually train year to year. This is a great opportunity to catch these numerous all-stars playing at field level prior to the regular season.
So come out to watch Barnstormers Baseball and root, root root for the home team
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