Once called Commercial Field, Hamilton-Metz Field has a rich history. It has served Brooklyn’s athletic community for well over a century.
Hamilton-Metz Field officially came to be in 1940. The New York Parks Department acquired the land then. The field was named to honor two prominent figures. They are Congressman Herman A. Metz and Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. But many locals still call it Lefferts Park.
Back in 1906, New York City designated this plot as a park. It quickly became the home field for Commercial High School. Several other local high school teams used it too. Soccer, football, and baseball teams all played here. The park also hosted track and field events and even cricket matches. Newspapers covered these events.
Imagine the scene. A sturdy board fence enclosed the park. Inside were a football field and two sets of bleachers. A small concrete building provided locker space. Two handball courts offered additional recreational options.
In 1921, the New York Brickley Giants called Hamilton-Metz Field home. This football team was sponsored by the New York Giants baseball team. They played two exhibition games here that November. In 1926, the Brooklyn Horsemen of the first American Football League also used this field. The Brooklyn Blue Devils played here as well.
The 1930s saw international cricket matches at Commercial Field. A visiting Bermudan cricket team played several matches. They defeated All-New York and All-Brooklyn teams. The Bermudans enjoyed touring here.
The field saw a major reconstruction in 1942. The Works Progress Administration WPA and the Department of Parks collaborated. They removed the existing football field and other facilities. Then, they constructed extensive new facilities.
A chain-link fence enclosed the entire area. Concrete retaining walls supported the fence along the north and south. These walls enabled the grading and paving of level playing surfaces. Two gate-controlled entrance stairways from Lefferts Avenue provided access. A one and one-quarter acre grass athletic field sat at the west end. A new five-tier concrete bleacher extended along the north boundary.
The reconstructed Hamilton-Metz Field also included a new playground. It featured benches, trees, slides, swings, two handball courts, and a basketball court. Plans were made for a field house and comfort station. This would be built between the athletic field and playground.
In 2006, Hamilton-Metz Field underwent a $1.57 million restoration. The field was relaid with artificial turf. This upgrade ensured its continued use for generations.
So the next time you’re here at Hamilton-Metz Field, take a moment. Think about all the games. All the athletes. All the history that has unfolded on this very ground. It is a testament to community. It is a lasting monument to sports. It is also a tribute to the visionaries who made it all possible.