|
Sewell-Thomas Stadium
originally opened in 1948 as a 2,000 seat |
|
facility, which drew
many overflow crowds in the 1950's and 1960's. The original opening day
was postponed one day due |
|
to heavy rains, but
the Crimson Tide managed to open its new ballpark in fine fashion with a
5-2 win over the Bradley Braves in the first game of a doubleheader. |
|
|
|
Right-hander Clarence
Flack pitched the Tide to victory in the |
|
1948 season opener,
while Marvin Blemker notched the |
|
save out of the
bullpen. |
|
|
|
Dick Dill recorded the ballpark's
first-ever hit, while Jack |
|
Rutledge clouted the first home run at
Thomas Field. |
|
|
|
|
|
The stadium was renamed Sewell-Thomas
Field in 1978, honoring |
|
former Alabama football and baseball
standout and Major League Hall of Famer Joe Sewell. |
|
|
|
|
|
In 1991, a permanent grandstand was
opened and the name of the facility was changed to Sewell-Thomas
Stadium. The project |
|
cost $2.1 million and was
completed by Wesley Construction |
|
of Talladega, AL. |
|
|
|
Since the opening of Thomas Field over
half century ago, Alabama has played 1,309 home games and compiled an
|
|
impressive 911-396-2 worksheet. The
Crimson Tide played its |
|
1,000th all-time home game against the
Notre Dame Fighting |
|
Irish during the 1994 season. |
|
|
|
The Crimson Tide led the nation in home
wins for three consecutive years (1997-1999), including a school record
37-4 |
|
ledger during the 1999 season. |
|
|
|
|
|
Sewell-Thomas Stadium Facts |
|
|
|
Opened : |
March 27, 1948 ( Thomas Field) |
|
Capacity : |
6,118 |
|
Surface : |
Natural Grass |
|
Dimensions : |
325' RF/LF 400' CF 365' Alleys |
|
|
* 8-foot
wall w/ 30-foot hitters drop |
|
Construction : |
N.C. Morgan (1999) & Wesley (1991) |
SEWELL - THOMAS
STADIUM
