Eau Claire (WQOW) - Baseball season is winding down here in Eau Claire. The Eau Claire Express have just three more home games at Carson Park this season. The park itself is celebrating its diamond jubilee this year, having hosted games for 75 years. In that time, the stadium has undergone several renovations.
"Carson Park has been the hub of activities during the summer since it was constructed," said Eau Claire Express owner Bill Rowlett.
Some notable faces have played ball in Carson Park in its 75 year history, including Hank Aaron, Bob Uecker and Joe Torre. The stadium has come a long way since the days when Eau Claire Baseball History Committee member Art Roach used to work there as a high school student back in 1948.
"In those days we had two big troughs that cows drank out of, and that's how we cooled the pop. At three o'clock in the afternoon the ice man would come with two hundred-pound blocks of ice. It generally took me an hour to chop all that up over the pop," said Roach
The exterior of Carson Park has remained pretty much the same over the years, but inside the wall, there have been some changes.
"We made some significant changes back in the 90's relative to the dugout area which was located underneath the grandstand. When they constructed the stadium back in the 30's, the player rosters were smaller, the players for that matter were much smaller. So all of a sudden we were trying to put 20 pounds in a 10 pound bag," Rowlett said.
The dugouts now line the fence between the field and fans. The work will continue on Carson Park into the future, with the possibility of permanent bleachers and more amenities in discussion.
"It would provide us with the opportunity to put clubhouse space, concession space, additional restroom facilities which are needed, all underneath the permanent bleachers," said Rowlett.
No matter the changes Carson Park may experience, its historic feel remains part of what draws fans.
"Well, this place just grows on you. Just the memories and all, it was the best place in the world to work," Roach said.
