By TOM DICKAU BRISTOL HISTORICAL SOCIETY This is the sixth of ten articles to be written by Tom Dickau, president of the Bristol Historical Society and member of the Muzzy Field Anniversary Committee. Each article will be written to follow the history and activities of Muzzy Field through the decades. MUZZY FIELD FROM 1945-1950 Although the years from 1945 to 1950 started with relatively little significant sporting activity, these years forever changed the landscape and historic nature of Muzzy Field. Boxing returned to the premises in the Summer of 1946. The New Departure Interdepartmental Softball League also played its inaugural game on June 10. This league often attracted 1,500 spectators at the West Side ball park. Recognizing the quality of Muzzy Field, the North Atlantic Regional Softball Tournament was staged in late August and attracted 4,600 fans. However, the most significant event of the year was the selection of Muzzy Field as the site of a major league AAA try-out camp for the New Orleans Pelicans. The management of this event suggested the local park would make an excellent venue for a minor league caliber team. They stated, however, that the one obstacle was the lack of a lighting system [...]
By TOM DICKAU BRISTOL HISTORICAL SOCIETY This is the sixth of ten articles to be written by Tom Dickau, president of the Bristol Historical Society and member of the Muzzy Field Anniversary Committee. Each article will be written to follow the history and activities of Muzzy Field through the decades. MUZZY FIELD FROM 1945-1950 Although the years from 1945 to 1950 started with relatively little significant sporting activity, these years forever changed the landscape and historic nature of Muzzy Field. Boxing returned to the premises in the Summer of 1946. The New Departure Interdepartmental Softball League also played its inaugural game on June 10. This league often attracted 1,500 spectators at the West Side ball park. Recognizing the quality of Muzzy Field, the North Atlantic Regional Softball Tournament was staged in late August and attracted 4,600 fans. However, the most significant event of the year was the selection of Muzzy Field as the site of a major league AAA try-out camp for the New Orleans Pelicans. The management of this event suggested the local park would make an excellent venue for a minor league caliber team. They stated, however, that the one obstacle was the lack of a lighting system [...]