Back to the Top News Newsfeed

Ballpark on wheels: The team that left town with a stadium

Imagine if the Rays packed up Tropicana Field and rebuilt it in another city. That's what a minor league owner did with his ballpark a century ago.

Venice Tigers owner Eddie Maier spent $125,000 to construct a new ballpark in Venice, Calif. in 1913. His sizable investment produced a stunning facility but disappointing crowds. Maier kept hearing buzz about Vernon, Calif., a city 18 miles away that allowed alcohol sales, a rarity in Los Angeles County at the time.

MORE: The 15 best baseball movies of all time, ranked

Halfway through the 1915 season, with a struggling team and dwindling attendance, the frustrated owner had enough of Venice.