LaGrave Field, a historic baseball stadium in Fort Worth, is set to be demolished in mid-November. The stadium, once home to the Fort Worth Cats, a minor league baseball team, has a rich history with appearances from legendary players such as Jackie Robinson and Joe DiMaggio. The demolition marks the end of an era for a site that holds significant historical value in the world of sports.
Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD), which now owns the site, announced the decision to demolish the field. The field has been in disrepair since its closure a decade ago. TRWD took control of the property in 2019 after previous attempts to revitalize the stadium fell through. The field had been closed since the Fort Worth Cats ceased operations in 2014.
Nabors Demolition, a company tasked with the project, will begin tearing down the structure in a few weeks. Residents of Fort Worth will have an opportunity to own a piece of the stadium’s history. The TRWD plans to hold a public auction to sell seats and handrails from the stadium before demolition begins. This auction aims to preserve memories for those who cherished the games played at LaGrave Field.
LaGrave Field opened in 1926 and served as the home ground for the Fort Worth Panthers, later known as the Cats. The stadium hosted various leagues over its long history, including the Texas League, American Association, and eventually the independent minor leagues. The team’s resurgence in 2001 brought the stadium back to life but was short-lived when operations ceased in 2014. The field has since been inactive, contributing to its deteriorating state.
Efforts to save LaGrave Field have been ongoing for years. Community members and sports enthusiasts hoped to see the stadium restored and the Cats possibly revived. A third-party investor initially agreed to restore the stadium but the plans fell apart. The deteriorating conditions and safety concerns ultimately led to the decision to demolish the site.
LaGrave Field’s history runs deep, not only in the realm of sports but also in Fort Worth’s community. It hosted numerous memorable games and events, becoming a landmark for the city. The upcoming demolition has stirred mixed emotions among residents who remember the field’s vibrant past. The hope of some residents to see it restored will not materialize with the decision to tear it down.
