Former names Lincoln Athletic Field Surface Grass | Owner Wisconsin Rapids | |
Location 521 Lincoln St, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 Capacity 4000 (1941) 3000 (1983), 1588 (current) Field size (LF-CF-RF): 320-385-320 320 L, 375 C, 320 R (current) | ||
Witter Field is a baseball ballpark located at 521 Lincoln Street in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, United States. It was built in 1928. It served as the home park for multiple minor league teams: the Wisconsin Rapids White Sox, Wisconsin Rapids Senators and Wisconsin Rapids Twins. Currently, it hosts the Northwoods League's Wisconsin Rapids Rafters and youth teams.
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Witter Field History
The ballpark was home to the Wisconsin Rapids White Sox (1941–42; 1946–53) of the Class-D Wisconsin State League. The League folded after the 1953 season, leaving Witter without professional baseball until a new team in the Class-A Midwest League started play. The Wisconsin Rapids Senators (1963) and Wisconsin Rapids Twins (1964-1983) would play for the next two decades. Following the 1983 season, the franchise moved to Simmons Field in Kenosia, Wisconsin.
In 2010, baseball returned, as the current tenant, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters of the summer collegiate Northwoods League began play in June, 2010.
The park was built in 1928 and dedicated in 1934. The site housed the Lincoln High School facility, beginning in 1902 and the field was called "Lincoln Athletic Field" until 1940 when it became "Witter Field" in honor of Isaac Witter.
The wooden grandstand bleachers were replaced in 1950. 227 seats from the demolished Milwaukee County Stadium were installed in 2010.
From 2005-2008 Witter Field hosted the youth WIAC state baseball tournament.
On July 18, 2011, Witter Field hosted the Northwoods League All-Star Game. Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Paul Molitor was present for All-Star festivities.
The site today
It is currently the home to local High School baseball, Legion Baseball and hosts the Northwoods League's Wisconsin Rapids Rafters.
The site also contains tennis courts, ice skating, a warming house, a football field and a skate park.
Notable Players
The park has hosted numerous Major League alumni, some of note include: