Thomas L. Bell Memorial Ballpark, Americus, Ga.

A Wooden Gem in Americus

The slatted wood exterior of Bell Ballpark, Nov-2020.

Workers continually maintain the seating area.

The view from (almost) behind home plate.

Quick Facts:

Location: Bell Street at Oak Avenue, Americus, Ga. (map it using Google Maps)
Opened: 1938
Additional names: Thomas L. Bell Memorial Ballpark (1992)
Home team: Americus Cardinals (1938), Pioneers (1939-42), Phillies (1946-50), Rebels (1951), Americus-Cordele Orioles (1954), Georgia-Florida League; Americus Arrows, Southeastern League (2002)
Capacity: 2,500 (est.)

The Americus Cardinals began play in 1935 but did not have a suitable ballpark for their first three years. Mayor Thomas L. Bell spearheaded a drive to get a proper home built for the club, and by midseason in 1938 this field had risen to host the club. Various incarnations of a pro team continued to play here through the 1951 season, and in 1954 the Cordele Orioles split time between their old home field and this one in Americus.

Today, the park, with a well-maintained wooden grandstand, is home to the Panthers of Americus-Sumter County High School, whose campus is adjacent to the field along Harrold Avenue. The field was dedicated to Mayor Bell in 1992; the street along the third-base line also bears his name.

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