The Grand Duchess

Also Known As: Calhoun Street Park; Lincoln Life Field 1928-1930; League Park 1883-1892, 1935; Hamilton Field 1871
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Lewis, S. Calhoun (3B) & S. Clinton (RF) Streets & Douglas Avenue.
Capacity: 2,000 (1871); 4,500 (1928); 3,500 (1935)
The Grand Duchess was built in 1871, at Hamilton Field, which had been used for baseball since 1862. The park was named "The Grand Duchess" because its construction was so lavish. A flood in the spring of 1913 destroyed the clubhouse and the bleachers, and left the site filled with mud. The team was forced to start the season on the road. A 1918 map shows a large, symmetrical grandstand stretching well past the bases. The rebuilt bleacher sections reached to near the outfield fences. The catcher faced NE. The park was torn down about 1940. It was the site of the first professional game in the National Association, May 4, 1871. Also, it was the site of the second night game, June 2, 1883, in baseball history.
Used by: Fort Wayne Hoosiers, St. Paul Saints/Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Farmers, Fort Wayne Indians, Fort Wayne Railroaders, Fort Wayne Billikens, Fort Wayne Brakies, Fort Wayne Champs, Fort Wayne Cubs, Fort Wayne Chiefs

Following are the minor league baseball teams known to have played at The Grand Duchess:

Attendance listed indicates the total home attendance for the team even if it played in multiple home ballparks or additional cities in the same year.

Average attendance is based on half the team's total games being played at home.