Like an idiot, I waited until the last day of the Northwoods League season to attend my first game in Kenosha. Due to the fact that 98% of their games are played at night, I found too many reasons to not attend before last night.

This post is far more about the ballpark and atmosphere than the game itself. First, the Northwoods League is a collegiate, wooden bat, summer league. Many of the kids don’t play at Division 1 schools. In fact, I’m unfamiliar with most of the colleges. None of that really matters though because these kids love the game.

Simmons Field was built in 1920 and has had several makeovers over the years although you wouldn’t notice. In fact, if you drive down Sheridan Road (yes, the same street running down the lakeshore in Chicago), you will hardly notice it as it’s not very tall, and it’s so close to the street that it’s almost impossible to take a meaningful picture of the facade.

It would be impossible to list all of the non-professional teams that have played there over the decades. The only professional, affiliated team that called Kenosha home, was the Twins who moved from Wisconsin Rapids (of the low-A Midwest League) from 1984-1992. The only Twins game I attended was in 1991 when they played the Peoria Chiefs. I remember the game very clearly, but it feels 30+ years ago.

The Twins first and most successful manager was Duffy Dyer, who led them to the 1985 MWL championship. His legacy grew when he returned to manage the Kingfish after 20+ years in affiliated ball. That speaks both to his character and the people in Kenosha. The Kingfish have played at Simmons since 2014.

Objectively speaking, it’s hard to imagine this was ever a legit, minor-league ballpark. While charming, it’s not exactly up to code and there are very few nods to modern ballparks. None of this is to suggest that it’s not a great place to watch a game. Parking is free and easy to find, although I chose to park in the dedicated lot. Imagine a used car lot where the bad guys meet in a movie with requisite gravel road.

Unlike most parks built in the 1920’s there is no bowl seating or bleachers per se. Rather there are grandstand seats behind home and a nice concourse with hi-top seating and service immediately in front of the grandstand seating. There are a half a dozen rows of “box seats” down either baseline. However, it feels more like metal bleacher seating. Last night was the first time the outfield seating was open, and aside from a recently built wooden structure (evoking nautical thoughts), the seating was picnic style (meaning tables) not elevated like 97.9% of bleacher or outfield seating everywhere else.

Current capacity is only 3,200+, but last night’s Fan Appreciation drew 3,544 fans. Tucked beneath and behind the stands are the concessions and Kids Zone. From what I could gather the only permanent building is immediately behind home plate and appears to be the general kitchen. Otherwise, picture a series of tents with ovens and ice cream tubs. The food and drink are both reasonably priced and delicious. It has a summer carnival feel to it. The staff couldn’t have been more welcoming and the fans friendlier.

When I found out the last game was going to be Fan Appreciation Day, I was led to believe that someone from either the 1984 o4 85 team would be in attendance and had hoped to interview them about the history of the team. I’m hoping to write about the history of the MWL and the cities with ties to the league.

Unfortunately, since my last visit, the kingfish mascot, has undergone a makeover and is less present. The fish in question might be a yellow tail with a crown. The crown is a recurring theme as are the ties to Elvis. Between innings, dancing Elvi entertained a delighted crowd.