First published in the July 9 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
State Sen. Anthony Portantino announced on Tuesday that his request for $2 million for the restoration of the landmark Casey Stengel Baseball Field in Glendale was approved in the 2022-23 state budget.
In a statement, Portantino, a Democrat from Burbank who represents Glendale, said the funds will provide “critical improvements to the historic field that has served Glendale families and youth for decades.
“I am happy to help garner funds to restore our landmark baseball field here in Glendale,” Portantino said. “Casey Stengel Field has been around for decades and, with the upcoming restoration, it can continue serving the community.”
The Casey Stengel Field is a historic baseball facility in Glendale. Originally named the Verdugo Park Municipal Baseball Field, it was first opened in 1949. On Nov. 12, 1952, the field was renamed Stengel Field to honor the baseball giant and Glendale resident. Stengel was a Major League Baseball right fielder and manager, best known as the manager of the championship New York Yankees of the 1950s and later, the expansion New York Mets. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1966.
“Stengel Field is not only one of Glendale’s best baseball fields, but also a historic gem,” Mayor Ardy Kassakhian said in a statement. “We are grateful that Sen. Portantino recognized this and once again came through for us, providing the necessary funds to upgrade and renovate our beloved ball park.”
Home of the baseball programs for the Glendale Community College Vaqueros and the Crescenta Valley High School Falcons, as well as the Glendale Area Youth Baseball program, Stengel Field has served as a baseball haven since 1949. Its “scenic setting and rich history” boasts visits from the Yankees, USC, the Los Angeles Dodgers, youth area tournaments and spring training for the Chicago Cubs and other teams. The field also acts as a Glendale Parks and Recreation facility and serves the Glendale Unified School District.
“It is with great excitement and appreciation that we hear of funds being allocated to help in our continued efforts to preserve and improve historic Casey Stengel Field,” said Spiro Psaltis, acting president of the Stengel Field Foundation. “This venue is a special and iconic place in both the city of Glendale and the history of baseball itself for over 70 years, and continues to be one of the gems of the Jewel City.”
While Stengel Field itself has been maintained, other areas of this historic facility are in critical need of repair, Portantino said. Decades of neglect have led to water damage, disintegration of infrastructure, dry rot, poor air quality, and structural deficiencies, the senator added. The $2 million will be used by the city to replace grass with synthetic turf, install a press box and install a covering for the bleachers.
“We cannot thank Sen. Portantino enough for helping preserve and restore one of Glendale’s true gems,” said Rick Dinger, president of the Glendale Community College Foundation.
