***GREAT NEWS***
On March 10, 2004 the Governor of New Mexico completed the passage of New Mexico Legislature House Bill No. 293 for Capital
Outlay Projects by signing it into law.
In Section 13, Chapter 115, the bill included "two hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($275,000) to plan, design
and construct improvements, including restoring the grandstand and retaining walls, to the Oscar Huber memorial ballpark in
Madrid in Santa Fe county"
These funds are just the late-inning homerun the Ballpark needed to reverse
the decay and return it to its former glory. Many thanks for all the hard
work and support from countless sources that made this possible.
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The ballpark, the first lighted ballpark in New Mexico and possibly North
America, was built in 1920 by the Employees Club in the old coal mine days. The
Grandstand with it's unusual tin roof was added in 1928. Extensive stonework was
later added by the WPA in 1935. In a town of 3000 at its height as many as 6000
visitors per event attended ballgames, rodeos, multicultural events, and Toyland
during the Madrid Christmas celebrations. |
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| The Madrid Miners were New Mexico's only AA Minor League Team, and their reputation for winning pennants became widespread.
The Madrid ballpark was also the first in the state to have an electronic scoreboard and field lights for night games. The
Employees Club supplied uniforms and equipement, the Coal Company paid for the transportation for the team to compete in other
towns. The players received bonuses after winning seasons against rivals such as Albuquerque Dons, Santa Fe Loosens,
Las Vegas Maroons, and Bernalillo Lumberjacks. After games miners talked about the amazing pitches of EJ "Chief"
Bowles, the clutch hitting of Johnny "Red" Garcia and the superb slugging of Harry "Pop" Stowers. The
Madrid Miners, inspired and infused life into a town, during very dismal times. Fans would arrive at 7:00 AM to claim a good
seat for the Sunday games. |
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Through dues of the Madrid Landowners Association, leasing of the ballpark for summer music festivals, and generous donations,
the Association has attempted to maintain the grandstand. We are now in the process of negotiating a lease-lease back agreement
to enable the public funds to be expended on a private property. The property will be made available for public use during
non-scheduled events. Public bathrooms are available and new restroom facilities may be on the way through the Scenic Byways
funding. |
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| Madrid Cultural Projects is pursuing the renovation project with the assistance
of Santa Fe County for restoration and renovation that includes renovation of
the Grandstand and conforming to present day codes for public use, repairing stonework
and pathways, resurfacing and grading parking lots. Construction is scheduled
to begin in late 2005. |
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