Built in 1947, Derks Field would be the home to the great ballclubs of Salt Lake
City for almost 50 years and would hold records that no team had ever set before
or after in the history of all professional baseball. Derks Field covered both
the Triple-A Pacific Coast League and the Rookie level Pioneer League. The ballpark
replaced Community Park which was destroyed by a fire in 1946, and was built
quickly to be ready in time for April of the next baseball season. As a ballpark,
Derks Field was a relatively utilitarian stadium and despite the
art deco styled entranceway... was undistinguished and unadorned. Probably most
similar to the San Francisco Giants and San Francisco Seals' former home... Seals
Stadium. the grandstand was completely open and had no roofing system or overhang
whatsoever. If you came to the ballpark and it was going to rain, you better
bring an umbrella. If you came to the ballpark and it was going to be bright
sunny and hot... you better bring an umbrella. The only covering you had was
whatever you brought over your head. Many of the photographs in this collection
were brought to us by Fred Sagebaum and appear courtesy of the Utah State Historical
Society. Those photographs will be noted on every page that they appear
on. |