Harry Renfree Baseball Field (Renfree Field) in Del Paso Regional Park was opened in 1967 to provide a premier baseball facility for local youth and adult baseball organizations. One of the most iconic baseball diamonds in the entire state, it has a rich baseball history and was in use for several decades. See TBT video below of what Renfree Field was like in 1991. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TSgcw3AX2cc

In its heyday the baseball diamond was in prime condition and the park provided a wonderful venue for a vibrant and exciting community pastime. So what exactly led to Renfree Field’s closing? The City of Sacramento’s lack of attention and investment, ultimately. 

When a park district maintains their properties in a first class condition, routine maintenance and proper upkeep are priority. Take a look at nearby Mission Oaks Park District facilities. Examples might include interior and exterior of buildings painted; parking lots, driveways, and walkways repaired and resurfaced; deteriorated landscaping replaced; replacement of aging irrigation systems; and deteriorating fencing replaced. Adequate security is maintained at all times. 

But, unfortunately for Renfree Field, it was cumulatively neglected by the City of Sacramento to the point of near ruin. Left unprotected from vandalism, most of the structures finally succumbed to arson. Unable to renovate or properly operate it, the once iconic ballpark has been shuttered by the city since 2011.

But is this the end of our story….?

Perhaps not.

The iconic diamond still lies there, on land rich with Sacramento baseball history-seemingly dormant, yet possibly…simply waiting in anticipation of being revived for future generations to experience.

Check back soon for updates. You won’t want to miss this!