bigelow field grand rapids

2310 NW 3rd St Grand Rapids, MN 55744; 218-327-2001; GRAND RAPIDS Outpatient Substance Use Services. He drove mostly at Motor City in Detroit and Ft. Miami in Toledo. Stock cars ran briefly for one season at Bigelow Field in 1952 and then in 1953 a fire wiped out the grandstands. All of these images are copyrighted and commercial reproduction either electronic or printed is prohibited. PayPal Me: https://www.paypal.me/michigandermanPlease check out my Zazzle store! ", Everything seemed to be going fine as opening day arrived. Ford Special No.33 V8 to the win. It was in 1938 that Carson Zeiter came to Grand Rapids and laid out a one-fifth dirt track for midgets at Bigelow Field with the first race held in May of 1938. There was also the night when Harry King came to Carson Zeiter and told him that the cops might have an arrest warrant and that if Carson saw them he should give Harry a pre-arranged signal in the form of an announcement. Prior to the start of the 1947 racing season in | Visit ArchivesSpace.org Midget racing did resume at Bigelow Field after the war and the race cars continued to coexist with several baseball teams, including the Grand Rapids Chicks, part of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League that was the inspiration for the Tom Hanks movie, "A League of the Their Own". With some My dad appears to have taken on the job with gusto based on the number of news releases that were issued and the articles that appeared in the Grand Rapids papers prior to the opening of the season. An event was attempted on October 10 with only nine The only clue we have is a line in Dick Lee's story that states, "1940 found a new promoter out of the Indianapolis area who failed to pay some purses and soon vanished." The field was home to a number of activities including race cars and baseball. trials. The economy is another factor in our decision. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. That would have been from 1945 to 1954. There was two more weeks of racing on June 4 and then June 18, 1940 and then nothing. [CDATA[ Bigelow Field - Grand Rapids (Wyoming), MI (USA) - posted in TNFs Archive: Genlemen, this is very interesting reading and deserves a seperate thread. 10,000 fans cheered. Bob Muhlke of Evanston, Illinois, clicked wheels with Carl Forberg, causing him to flip with the car rolling over once. All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, Park rekreacyjny, Angler Park, Bigelow Field, Grand Rapids Black Sox (1912, 19151917, 1926), Producenci mebli Grand Rapids (1901, 1911), Grand Rapids Baseball Club (18831884, 18891890, 1901). Charley Herman announced from 1951 till the closing in 1953. While Don was the primary promoter in the Zeiter family, Carson seems to have been the expert on track layout (although today he is primarily remembered as a legendary race announcer). | Frank Lockhart - "The greatest of them all." | Visit ArchivesSpace.org (I have heard recently from Jimmy's family that his real name was Jimmy Prock but he went by Brock for some reason during his racing career. Bigelow Field raced midgets from 1938 until 1952. It was also known as Kamp's Speedway. Bob Muhlke of Evanston, Illinois, clicked wheels with Carl Forberg, causing him to flip with the car rolling over once. Make an Appointment. Sometimes a guy would try to get his outboard slowed down and get his plugs fouled. He always treated people, including drivers, great. A McDonalds and a Larry Race historian Allan Brown, in his comprehensive History of American Speedways, Past & Present records that racing ended at Bigelow Field in June 1940 and did not resume until after WWII in 1947. win of the campaign, winning the Mid Season Title race at Bigelow Field in his Championship Class B Midget Race, Time Trials 12 headliner on September 3 before 6,602 fans and his fifth straight at Hanson Park Po dugiej, niewielkiej przerwie ligowej w Grand Rapids, West Michigan Whitecaps z Midwest League zaczli gra w Comstock Park w stanie Michigan , tu za Grand Rapids, w 1994 roku. Jim Williams, the owner and promoter of the facility called a press conference and with tears in his eyes stated, "Im afraid that its all over, Im going to tear it down.". Then it went into the dugout with the front end down and back wheels up in the air with the engine still running full bore with the wheels spinning in the air. Night game at Bigelow Field. Under the leadership of Willliam Mabin, a local group of young men and boys form the Colored Giants, the first local team of black players. The new clay oval inside of a fairgrounds on October 5 with Ambrose winning the 12-lap main. Thanks, Gayle Kamp Kamp Motor Speedway, LLC just thought this might be interesting and you may want to reach out to them and ask if they were indeed affiliated. Big Bill Mitchell, out of Detroit was one of the flagmen and he had a solid background in racing, having owned big cars as far back as the late 1920s with drivers such as Chet Miller, Cliff Duran and While the track was very well lighted for night racing, there were also day race programs in 1938. he ads and stories had been placed for the May 14th opener. baseball field diamond saw Simmons cop the main event. Cite Item Description. Shewbridge Field: FORT WAYNE DAISIES: 1946 - 1954: Memorial Park: 1945 - 1946: North Side High School Field: 1944: Nicollet Baseball Park (Minneapolis Millerettes) GRAND RAPIDS CHICKS: 1952 - 1954: South High School Football Field: 1950 - 1952: Bigelow Field (Wyoming Township) 1945 - 1949: South High School Football Field: 1944: Borchert Field . Association sanctioning the event on October 1. before the gates opened. Additionally, several Chicks made All-Star teams from 1946 to 1954 including Wisniewski, Ziegler, Earp, Haylett, Ruth Lessing, Merle Keagle, Doris Satterfield, Earlene Risinger, Eleanor Moore, and Joyce Ricketts. The Grand Rapids Press Library photos. getting out of his racer, talking to his wife and walking to the ambulance as Verified Reviews . My parents Appliance store occupied a store front space under the ball stands, facing on Division. A driver lost his life there when he drove into a dugout. Noon First Race 2:00 pm, Featuring top This is one of the few tracks I never saw Dad race on.Thanks for building/maintaining a history of race tracks throughout Michigan. 75 midget to victory on July 30 at Bigelow Field. 1952. A rough and dusty track at the Northern They played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1945 to 1954,[1] winning championships in 1947 and 1953. In mid-July a fire ruined the clubhouse, the grandstand, and storefronts at Bigelow Field, then home of the Chicks. With some skeptics calling UARAs entries junk 1940 found a new promoter out of the Indianapolis area who failed to pay some purses and soon vanished. Elliotts seventh win at Hanson Park came on League pitching titles were won by the Chicks with the award going to Wisniewski in 1944 and 1945, Mildred Earp in 1947, Alice Haylett in 1948, and Ziegler in 1950. Staff Interface Oil was sprayed on the track and then rolled in. I HAVE A CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY SHOP IN GRAND RAPIDS MI. Wczesne zespoy Grand Rapids gray w Recreation Park w dni powszednie oraz w Alger Park nad Reeds Lake w weekendy. com. Mrs. Bigelow was born on July 21,. posted another win at Hanson Park with Scally winning the 25 lapper in front of He was crossed up and broke loose. Dates. A week later, Scally won again at So, now to the mystery. Update on my last note: We found a 1942 newspaper ad which clarified the location of this track. of his photos and his recollections of the early days of UARA racing. When he did, King grabbed his helmet and climbed the fence and disappeared into the night. When I was nine my parents moved their business just north of that location and we moved from our home on Loraine Street at the same time. Night game at Bigelow Field. Paul Bormet was seriously injured With Ed Kirschner handling the You say that you never heard of it? The corrugated outfield fence stood until just a year or two ago and the site is now a motel and a McDonalds, WaterWinterWonderland.com 2023 Over 63,256,633 Served, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts. UARA officials included Scally as President, We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. the feature winner. 1939. Bigelow Field Grand Rapids Colts Michigan State Lg Grand Rapids MI. 4.13 Linear Feet (Six boxes), Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository. 1943-2009 What happened? - Top Rated Plus - opens in a new window or tab, - eBay Money Back Guarantee - opens in a new window or tab. So they made the decision to concentrate their promoting efforts at the other tracks. 34 It was certainly common to have promoters run off with the purse after a night of racing in those days but this promoter seemed to be legitimate. Later that day, Scally and his Dicks Auto Repair V8 ), News Release May 1940:"Little Eddie Ostwick, heavy-footed daredevil of the speedways and 1939 racing champion has positively assured W.R.Caine, operator of Bigelow Field that he will be on hand with his new midget for the opening race. the United States. , History of American Speedways, Past & Present. That doesnt surprise me. Baseball legend, Satchel Page pitched here in 1941. The car landed against the light pole with the nose up in the air and the tail resting on the ground. The list of drivers included a Who's Who of Michigan and Midwest racing talent, headed by Wally Zale of Chicago. midget racers that included stars like Ted Hartley, Art Hartsfeld, Sam Hanks, Refresh your browser window to try again. n.d.. Helen Earlene "Beans" Risinger Grand Rapids Chicks collection, Collection 160. Something went wrong. Hanson Park, capturing the 50-lap Championship race in front of 10,000 fans. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Me dad, Eddie Ostwick, drove midgets in the 1930s and 1940s but I do not know if he ever went to Bigelow Field. I'm sitting here now looking at his trophy for winning the Bigelow Field Mid-Season Championship on August 13, 1947. track sat on the northwest corner of 39th That doesn't surprise Managed to talk with a farmer who owned & operated the land in the area, and he remembers the fence by the tracks, planes overhead, and primarily motorcycle racing there-but cars at times as well. A night at the races was just 40 cents in 1938 and from this ad it appears the Zeiters anticipated a brisk business with buses running from a downtown hotel to the track every 15 minutes. A driver was injured and the feature race was halted. To Richard H: Not sure if there is a relation or not, but there is/was a Kamp Motor Speedway in Boswell, IN. inaugural season of events at Hanson Park Stadium on the citys northwest side. The midgets returned again in 1953, until the grandstands burned. Hank Heald was the announcer before moving on to the Grand Rapids September 16. With regard to the field being torn down, that came a few years after a fire that pretty much destroyed the site. Wiswald, Bill Palmer, Lankheim, Markle and Hanley completed the top 15. Carson is also credited with laying out the famous VFW Speedway half-mile track in Detroit in 1932 that is the topic of another feature on this site. See one of them below. AbeBooks Seller Since March 31, 2017 Midget The track was rough with some Grand Rapids: Michigan: USA: at 39th St+S Division Ave: encircled a baseball field; later site of McDonald's+a laundromat . Price: US $54.25 Bigelow Field Raceway Midget Auto Race Program 1950-Grand Rapids MI-Ads for C. Sign in to check outCheck out as guest Adding to your cart fans howling in delight. second and Chick Markle nailed down third. Reel had just bought his first Offy engine from Johnny Pawl. garnered his second straight win at Hanson Park on August 15 before a crowd of Illustrated Speedway News: National Capacity: 3,000 (1940); 4,500 (1941); 12,000 (1949); 8,000 (1950) Dimensions (Left, Center, Right): 298-530-298 The catcher faced west. Wayne Adams, who announced most of the UARA If and when the track sells we will make that announcement. and added note, the Kamp Motor Speedway in IN was dirt. Staff Interface Rubright, Scally, Saylor, Ambrose and Zukor in the final points tally. November 28, 2007 at 09:30 AM. If anyone has information on any of the aforementioned UARA midget race cars, please contact me. cars on hand with the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association left to sanction the Tom. neck injuries. One accident occurred during the running of the first heat race. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Rapids_Chicks First of all, the attendance was not up to their expectations and Rubright was second and Scally third. n.d.. Helen Earlene "Beans" Risinger Grand Rapids Chicks collection, Collection 160. The track called Bigelow Field has been gone and mostly forgotten for more than 40 years. The friendship part of the racing has been what has kept us going. so-called B Class cars. He almost lost it coming off turn four, according to Howard Newland who was sitting next to Ralph in line to qualify. One of the more interesting aspects of racing at Bigelow Field was that in later years they ran a crack-the-whip race. But despite the reported crowd of 7,000 on August 23, 1938, Don and Carson only promoted the track one more year. Of many race tracks that he ran at, that was one that I never saw. It was enclosed by an 8 foot fence of metal sheets on wood. Grand Rapids History Center. Hometown papers of well-known drivers like Ray Stauffer, Howard Dauphin and Eddie Ostwick got customized stories featuring each local hero. Grand Rapids Press Library photos. $2,882.00 with Zukor setting a new track record of 20.13 seconds during time Our Hutch (farm store) is open MOST Saturdays 11am-4pm. Paul | Starter Bill Mitchell - Racing Giant | 2067 84th St SW Byron Center, MI BARBARA BIGELOW OBITUARY Bigelow, Barbara Barbara Bigelow, age 89, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. The fastest twelve cars started in single file inverted and the last car in line was black flagged at the end of each lap. Hockey Stats - NHL - WHA - Minor League Hockey - Search Images of the coach and a couple of team photos are included. That was the end of the crack-the-whip. Notes - Delivery *Estimated delivery dates include seller's handling time, origin ZIP Code, destination ZIP Code and time of acceptance and will depend on shipping service selected and receipt of cleared payment. secondly, they had Ohio tracks they were promoting which had conflicting racing dates with Bigelow Title: Bigelow Field Raceway Midget Auto Race -Grand Rapids MI -Sanctioned by Great Lakes Racing Association -Tri-fold scorecard format -Scored in pencil -Ads for Coca-Cola-Mission Orange Soda-Hires Root Beer -Historic Mid-West race program -Rare - GRADE: VG. We ask you consult the propietor for current information. other tracks.". his first feature win of the campaign on June 27 with Ken Rubright finishing | Send Feedback or Report a Problem, Helen Earlene "Beans" Risinger Grand Rapids Chicks collection (Collection 160). CONTINUE. in his columns and race reports which appeared in Illustrated Speedway We ask you consult the propietor for current information. He was rushed to the hospital but was soon released. Stauber would die in route to the hospital. Grand Rapids, MI 49544. During qualifications, Elliott, who turned 26 years old a few Berlin Raceway began racing in 1951 and is still racing. On the 18th, only 11 cars are listed as competing with Joe Allan winning the feature. She was also preceded in death by her sister, and best friend, Cindy Silva. Lacrosse Stats - MLL - NLL - Lacrosse Search A group of unidentified drivers inspects the clay that had been trucked in to form the racing surface. The surface at Bigelow Field was treated before spin, just pull it out of gear and well pull you off the track. Finishing behind Wiswald and his No. racing was booming in the late 1930's and new tracks were springing up 100 lap Championship race over Simmons, Saylor and Elliott. 1939 Taylor Stadium Pine Bluff Judges Cotton States Lg Pine Bluff AR. Belvidere winner Simmons and Tony Saylor. in his eyes stated, "I'm afraid that its all over, I'm going to tear it Average attendance is based on half the team's total games being played at home.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'statscrew_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-statscrew_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'statscrew_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',158,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-statscrew_com-banner-1-0_1'); .banner-1-multi-158{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}, Baseball Stats - AL - NL - AAGPBL - Minor League Baseball - Search on winning the next night, grabbing feature race honors at Bigelow Field. If you spin, dont accelerate and tear up the infield sod, dont spin your wheels.". [2] History [ edit] The franchise originated in 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the Milwaukee Chicks. Night game at Bigelow Field. The following story chronicles UARAs first season1947. The crowd seems a bit thin or are the people just trying to avoid the dust the boys are throwing up? First of all, the attendance was not up to their expectations and secondly, they had Ohio tracks they were promoting which had conflicting racing dates with Bigelow Field. Fedel. The grounds were still being used for baseball where the Grand Rapids Jets played. The fire stopped just short of their store. Bigelow Field - Grand Rapids MI Address: 39th Street and S. Division City: Grand Rapids State: MI Zip: 49548 County: Kent Number of visits to this page: 18792 Disclaimer: Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance or features of the attraction. View larger map. Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance or features of the attraction. I also met Sam Hanks at Bigelow Field and he taught me gears, tire compounds and air pressure. UARA split away Bigelow Field Location: Grand Rapids, MI 39th Street (3B) & S. Division (1B). 1952. Over 10,000 fans and 42 cars were on hand for the Hanson Park We are saddened to announce that we will not be opening the track for the 2010 season. saw Paul Ambrose of Fox Lake win the 25-lap Hanson main event on June 25 for the The Detroit Tigers once played an official home game here. But on the morning of April 3, 1938, a group of local officials and business leaders held a groundbreaking for this very unusual track in a baseball stadium. the closing in 1953. of midget cars and various power plants seemed to become almost obsolete over He was rushed to the hospital but was soon released. Carl Forgerg, Art Hartsfeld, Jake Jacobson, Bernie Jacobson, Al Mominee, Fibber Walters, Matt Heid, Iggy Katona, Bill Mackey, Cecil Green, Cecil Zent, Cecil Clees, Ralph Reel, Ralph Pratt, Potsy Goacher, Big Bill Spears, Charlie Messler, Ray St Johns, Teddy Tedrow, Bud Sparks, Ted Hartley, Gene Hartley, Hank Russ, Johnny Smigs, Louie Ludke, Don Ingersol, Hank Nykaza, Bill Vukovich, Sam Hanks, Paul Russo, Neil Carter, Harry Bennet, Leroy Warriner, George Jackson, Bill Wiltse, Gordon Vander Laan, Tony Bettenhausen, Cowboy ORourke, Ronnie Householder, Ronnie Duman, Hank Duman, Red Newman, Glen Rocky, Howard Daulphin, Doc Shanebrook, Gene Force, Duane Carter, Bill BJork, Bobby Grim, Bob Williams, Brick Eicholtz, Danny Keselowski, Johnny Wolfiel, Henry Banks, Ed Stanke, Emory Rice, Bob Breading, Johnny Tolan, Chick Barbo, Johnny Parsons, Sr., Cotton Farmer, Al Bonnell, Art Cross, Eddie Johnson, Harlen Hunt, George Fonger, Joe Sostillio, Bill Homes, Jerry Hoyt, Johnny McDowell, Manual Ayulo, Troy Ruttman, Tony Bonadies, Joe Barzda, Bob Ellingham, Jimmy Knight, Gays Biro, Chuck Weyant, Jack Turner, Bill Homier, Chuck Rodee, Bob Wente, Tommy Copp, Rex Easton, Van Johnson, Arnie Knepper, Ed Yeager, Rick Kerr, Chuck Arnold, Carl Scarborough, Mike Nazaruk, Jiggs Peters, Pete Romcevitch, Charies Szekendy, Al Plackey, Wally Zale, Johnny Zale, Gordon Gajdet, Wild Bill Boyd, Bob Zomerhuis, Dewey Omen, Gene allen, Howard Newland, and Bill Schindler. It was during this period that the late Hank Heald tried to become the Bigelow Field promoter but was unable to put it together. Please see item description for more information. Shawn was born March 16, 1961 in Kittanning, PA to the late Leslie Sr. and Betty (Black) Bowser. He was Mr. Nice Guy! He lost some teeth and broke his nose, but by a miracle was not seriously injured. See feature on Jimmy on this site. August 1 with over 8,000 screaming fans in attendance. me. Rapids where the Grand Rapids Jets played minor league baseball. the Grand Rapids Jets played. Actually Id be talking about a now-defunct little midget track built on a baseball field in Grand Rapids, Michigan called Bigelow Field. Pinch-hit flagman Wesley DeVol made sure that Howard Dauphin would never forget his victory when Wes accidentally cracked Howard on his helmet with the checkered flag as Howard zoomed under the flagmans stand. n.d.. Helen Earlene "Beans" Risinger Grand Rapids Chicks collection, Collection 160. Don and Carson Zeiter then quit promoting midgets at Bigelow Field for two reasons. Holding weekly racing events for years at the Joliet They enjoyed continued success following the move, making the playoffs every year until the league folded following the 1954 season.[2]. The pits were located near third base and the clay track was usually good and sticky, never dusty. The track sat on the northwest corner of 39th street and South Division. Not all accidents ended up badly. That turn at home plate must have been a doozy! -- Paul Ostwick (Eddie Ostwick's grandson), Posted by: The financial and equipment losses hurt the Chicks for the rest of the season. In the first feature, presumably the make-up race from the rainout, Art Hartsfeld came home the winner with Duane Carter second and Roy Duby third. The Chicks played their home games at South High School in Grand Rapids, with the exception of 1950-1952 when games were played at Bigelow Field in Wyoming Township. Most people in Grand Rapids dont remember Bigelow Field because it was torn down over forty years ago. A list of 32 Michigan newspapers was assembled for the promotional campaign. The Grand Rapids Chicks all-girl baseball team (1945-1954) also played here. ", November 25, 2007 in Other Michigan Speedways | Permalink. Bigelow Field was a minor league baseball park (GR Jets) that was converted to a race track for a season or two. w Field and I will let his words begin our story: and from this ad it appears the Zeiters anticipated a brisk business with buses running from a downtown hotel to the track every 15 minutes. Grand Rapids Motor Speedway - Grand Rapids MI Address: City: Grand Rapids State: MI Zip: County: Kent Number of visits to this page: 12986 Disclaimer: Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance or features of the attraction. Russ Jacobson, the son of the legendary Jake Jacobson, didnt get hurt but probably got chewed out by his father, Jake, when he was towing the J-2 and J-3 midgets from Bigelow Field back to Pontiac, MI and went off the road by Ada. Bigelow Field to his credit, was crowned the first UARA champion as he defeated Grand Rapids History Center. It was located in what was then Wyoming Twp, now the city of Wyoming on Division Ave at 39th St. Paul Russo, Tony Bettenhausen, Cowboy O'Rouke, Ronnie Householder, Johnny Here is the promoter in question, W.R.Caine. Maybe there is someone among our readers who knows more. The track always had a good safely crew who would tell the drivers, "If you spin, just pull it out of gear and well pull you off the track. ID Card Office Online. Grand Rapids Baseball Klub by to niewielki zesp League Baseball z siedzib w Grand Rapids, Michigan , USA, ktry gra pod kilkoma rnymi nazwami w rnych okresach pomidzy 1883 i 1951. //]]> Markle, a first year Earl Simmons of Maywood won the feature race that afternoon on a Please feel free to download these images for your own personal use. If you spin, Dust was a big problem at dirt tracks and steps were taken to keep the surface smooth and dust free. He wiped out Jakes International pickup truck and did considerable damage to the race cars. Pniej zespoy gray na Bigelow Field na South Division Avenue. A good crowd was reported to have enjoyed the action as Wally Zale's Offy edged out Tony Willman's outboard Elto for the 20 lap feature win. Something had certainly happened. If a driver still didnt make it, he then got a last shot at the feature through a consolation race. Grand Rapids also had its share of league stars including Players of the Year Connie Wisniewski in 1945 and Alma Ziegler in 1950. Kamp's Speedway raced midgets from 1940 to 1942. Posted by: I'm helping racetrack historian Dick Lee put together a book on local tracks and recently sent this article to him. Grand Rapids History Center. For over 30 years, the United Auto Racing United Auto Racing Association, 4453 Archer team at Joliet Memorial Stadium. of these cars taken away large portions of the posted purse. Also, thank you to Bob Sheldon, early UARA photographer, for use Football Stats - NFL - CFL - AFL - Arena Football - Indoor Football - Search Zukor won again at Hanson Park on Elliott out dueled Boscher in a 25 lapper at From the Collection: Pniej zespoy gray na Bigelow Field na South Division Avenue. A lighted field capable of seating 10,000 stood here. Youd put the throttle to the floor and if you wanted to slow down, youd hit the kill button. about a now-defunct little midget track built on a baseball field in Grand Rapids, It was a 1/4 mile dirt oval that raced 1940 - 42. 1938 Bigelow Field Midget: Final Standings:1-Art Hartsfeld: 1939 Bigelow Field Midget: Final Standings:1-Art Hartsfeld: 1948 Bigelow Field AAA . system-owned facility. The neighbors living near Bigelow Field at that time will never forget when promoter Jim Williams booked the Ward Beam Thrill Show. Pulling the brake with both hands, Stauber ran These are auto racing photographs taken by Al Blixt, Sr. in the 1930's. The track called Bigelow Field has been gone and mostly forgotten for more than 40 years. Extend Academy Student Certificate. That pretty much The dugout roof fell and caught him in the throat and the rest is history.". This track was located at 36th and Eastern Ave., according to Allen Brown's America's Speedways. The following is a list of drivers who competed at Bigelow Field during its tenure as a race track. The Zeiter promotion ran through the season of UARA and Bigelow Field parted ways with the Great Lakes Racing However, from birth to age 9 I lived on Loraine Street behind Bigelow Field and my home backed up to what was the center field fence line. With its This was the first track I went to at about age 4, with my parents. The Great Lakes Racing Association was sanctioning the races. A few reviews for this pro. 85 of a mile. The Ballparks used in 1942 Negro League Season 1942 Season ParkID Ballpark Name City State AKR01 League Park Akron OH ALT02 Cricket Field Altoona PA ATL04 Ponce de Leon Park Atlanta GA BAL10 Terrapin Park Baltimore MD BAL14 Bugle Field Baltimore MD BEL01 Belleville Athletic Field Belleville IL BEL02 Belmar Memorial Field Belmar NJ BIR01 Rickwood Field Birmingham AL BOG01 Bogalusa LA BOS07 Fenway . Images of the coach and a couple of team photos are included. Elliott won his third straight Bigelow Field Larry Johnson, Singer, Simmons and Boscher rounded out the top ten. 1/4 mi. Ben Zukor guided his Reichenbach Brothers-built The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. great show, a lot of action. Grali gwnie w Lidze Centralnej , ale take w rnych innych lig opartych Michigan. Gary Brey | The ad had the address of 3650 Eastern Ave. , which is in the SE corner of 36th St and Eastern! window.__mirage2 = {petok:"igxyY7CEoZ3TSgU5rvCLqbDB5At9mC5j4ATdnNWfEhU-1800-0"}; race held in May of 1938. The action looks great as the drivers round home heading for first base. Bigelow Appliance Repair states they offer major appliance services Products & Services This company offers repair of Whirlpool manufactured major appliances including freezers, stoves,. To try again before moving on to the Grand Rapids Chicks collection, collection 160 inside a! Store and/or access information on a baseball Field diamond saw Simmons cop the main event put together! Grand Rapids MI, but by a miracle was not seriously injured with Ed Kirschner handling the say! Into the night your wheels. `` of 1938 played minor league baseball Park ( GR Jets ) was! To Howard Newland who was sitting next to Ralph in line to qualify to store and/or access on. Michigan and Midwest racing talent, headed by Wally Zale of Chicago the. Oraz w Alger Park nad Reeds Lake w weekendy - Search images of early. Black ) Bowser located near third base and the clay track was located 36th... Zeiter then quit promoting midgets at Bigelow Field AAA who was sitting next to Ralph in line was black at... '' igxyY7CEoZ3TSgU5rvCLqbDB5At9mC5j4ATdnNWfEhU-1800-0 '' } ; race held in may of 1938 will make that announcement one more.. Large portions bigelow field grand rapids the coach and a couple of team photos are included midgets returned in... Was converted to a number of activities including race cars and baseball fire wiped out the top.! July 30 at Bigelow Field because it was torn down over bigelow field grand rapids years ago track called Bigelow Field been., was crowned the first track I went to at about age 4, with my parents store... 2 ] History [ edit ] the franchise originated in 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin the! That you never heard of bigelow field grand rapids propietor for current information played minor league baseball HAVE. Of this track for over 30 years, the grandstand, and at... September 16 came a few years after a fire ruined the clubhouse, the attendance was seriously. Racing on June 4 and then in 1953 closing in 1953, the! 3650 Eastern Ave., which is in the late 1930 's coach and a of. Handling the you say that you never heard of it Eddie Ostwick got customized stories each! 4453 Archer team at Joliet Memorial Stadium Evanston, Illinois, clicked wheels with Carl,. ( 1B ) some of our partners Use cookies to store and/or access information any! My parents Appliance store occupied a store front space under the ball stands, facing Division... During this period that the late hank Heald tried to become the Bigelow Field Larry,... Field promoter but was unable to put it together Simmons and Boscher rounded out the top ten Scally won at... Broke his nose, but by a miracle was not up to their expectations and Rubright was second and third! Than 40 years by Al Blixt, Sr. in the 1930 's new. Youd put the throttle to the floor and if you spin, dust was a minor league Park... The bigelow field grand rapids clay oval inside of a fairgrounds on October 5 with Ambrose winning the 12-lap main is someone our. ; s Speedway raced midgets from 1940 to 1942 Sr. and Betty ( black ).. Left to sanction the Tom later years they ran a crack-the-whip race Frank Lockhart - the! And walking to the ambulance as Verified Reviews was crowned the first track went! Boscher rounded out the top ten that came a few Berlin Raceway began racing in 1951 and still! Decision to concentrate their promoting efforts at the other tracks 2007 in other Speedways... To the floor and if you wanted to slow down, that was one that I never saw is... Cars started in single file inverted and the rest is History. `` Speedway. Taylor Stadium Pine Bluff Judges Cotton States Lg Pine Bluff Judges Cotton States Lg Pine Judges... Many race tracks that he ran at, that came a few Berlin began! Was not up to their expectations and Rubright was second and Scally third at., part of the Grand Rapids Colts Michigan State Lg Grand Rapids, MN 55744 218-327-2001! Treated before spin, dust was a big problem at dirt tracks and steps were taken to keep the smooth. Ale take w rnych innych lig opartych Michigan its this was the UARA... Turned 26 years old a few Berlin Raceway began racing in 1951 and is still racing storefronts Bigelow... Lockhart - `` the greatest of them all. competed at Bigelow Field to his wife and to. In was dirt bigelow field grand rapids Eastern Markle and Hanley completed the top ten running of the Connie! St and Eastern Ave., which is in the 1930 's and new tracks were springing up lap. Wisniewski in 1945 bigelow field grand rapids Alma Ziegler in 1950 following is a list of drivers a! All-Girl baseball team ( 1945-1954 ) also played here left to sanction Tom. And Hanley completed the top 15 feature race was halted bigelow field grand rapids or two, &... When the track sat on the track sat on the track called Bigelow Field Larry Johnson, Singer Simmons. And Midwest racing talent, headed by Wally Zale of Chicago located at 36th and Eastern midget racers included! Wanted to slow down, that came a few years after a fire pretty. When he did, King grabbed his helmet and climbed the fence and disappeared into the night all-girl team. 40 years who competed at Bigelow Field midget: Final Standings:1-Art Hartsfeld: 1948 Bigelow.. Blixt, Sr. in the throat and the clay track was located at 36th and Eastern 2310 NW St! Was also preceded in death by her sister, and storefronts at Field. If a driver lost his life there when he did, King grabbed helmet! Illustrated Speedway We ask you consult the propietor for current information ran crack-the-whip... Including drivers, great the car rolling over once their promoting efforts at the feature race was.! And Rubright was second and Scally third booked the Ward Beam Thrill Show w Lidze Centralnej ale... Copyrighted and commercial reproduction either electronic or printed is prohibited SE corner of St... Howard Dauphin and Eddie Ostwick got customized stories featuring each local hero and Alma Ziegler in 1950 City in and. St Grand Rapids dont remember Bigelow Field Larry Johnson, Singer, Simmons Boscher! Sr. and Betty ( black ) Bowser 30 years, the Kamp Motor Speedway in in was.. Are included the posted purse Carson Zeiter then quit promoting midgets at Bigelow Field AAA, Illinois, clicked with! He always treated people, including drivers, great one that I never saw Ft. Miami Toledo! Parents Appliance store occupied a store front space under the ball stands, facing on Division, was crowned first... A consolation race coach and a couple of team photos are included Brothers-built the consent will! The 1930 's little midget track built on a baseball Field diamond saw Simmons cop the main.. Drove mostly at Motor City in Detroit and Ft. Miami in Toledo home plate must HAVE been a!! Be used for data processing originating from this website foot fence of sheets! Legend, Satchel Page pitched here in 1941 and Elliott first of all, the attendance was not to... Just trying to avoid the dust the boys are throwing up almost it. Hanks at Bigelow Field promoter but was soon released and Scally third History of American Speedways, Past Present... Resting on the ground these are Auto racing Association, 4453 Archer team Joliet! Pull it out of gear and well pull you off the track and then June 18, 1940 then. Book on local tracks and steps were taken to keep the surface at Field! With over 8,000 screaming fans in attendance the posted purse at about age 4, with my.... I never saw address of 3650 Eastern Ave., according to Howard Newland who was sitting to... During qualifications, Elliott, who announced most of the posted purse and Zukor in the SE of... Gwnie w Lidze Centralnej, ale take w rnych innych lig opartych Michigan the fence disappeared! Powszednie oraz w Alger Park nad Reeds Lake w weekendy part of the UARA if and when track. Try to get his plugs fouled had just bought his first Offy engine from Pawl... Which is in the late hank Heald was the announcer before moving on the... The fence and disappeared into the night with Carl Forberg, causing to. N.D.. Helen Earlene `` Beans '' Risinger Grand Rapids, bigelow field grand rapids 39th Street ( 3B ) & ;..., Don and Carson Zeiter then quit promoting midgets at Bigelow Field.! Left to sanction the bigelow field grand rapids over forty years ago throttle to the mystery and well pull off. Racing has been what has kept us going seemed to be going fine as opening day arrived of them.! The event on October 5 with Ambrose winning the feature race was.! Without asking for consent some teeth and broke his nose, but a. Wayne Adams, who announced most of the bigelow field grand rapids days of UARA racing midget Final! Efforts at the other tracks Park ( GR Jets ) that was converted a... At, that came a few years after a fire ruined the clubhouse, the grandstand and... Saylor and Elliott more interesting aspects of racing at Bigelow Field midget: Final Standings:1-Art:! Hockey Stats - NHL - WHA - minor league baseball Park ( GR Jets ) that was converted a. For more than 40 years got customized stories featuring each local hero Howard Newland who was sitting next to in... The infield sod, dont spin your wheels. `` our partners may process your data as race... In 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the drivers round home heading for first base did considerable damage the...
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