The Ballpark at Saint John’s

“A $6 million gift.” That’s how the story of The Ballpark at Saint John’s begins. The Ballpark at Saint John’s wasn’t always called that. It was originally built in 2000 for the Queens Kings, a minor league team affiliated with the New York Mets. Their new stadium in Brooklyn wasn’t ready, so they needed a temporary home. The Mets struck a deal with St. John’s University. They built this ballpark for the Kings and then donated it to the school. The Ballpark at Saint John’s quickly became the home field for the St. John’s Red Storm baseball team. Imagine the excitement of the Red Storm, getting a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility. The Ballpark at Saint John’s, also known as Jack Kaiser Stadium, sits right here on the St. John’s University campus in Queens, New York. It boasts a seating capacity of 3,500, an electronic scoreboard, and, until recently, a lush grass surface. In 2007, The Ballpark at Saint John’s was renamed in honor of Jack Kaiser, a St. John’s alumnus, former baseball coach, and athletic director. Kaiser led the Red Storm to the College World Series as both a player and a coach. The stadium’s dedication to him reflects his profound impact on the university’s athletic program. In 2018, The Ballpark at Saint John’s underwent a significant renovation. Over $1 million was invested to install a state-of-the-art artificial turf field. This upgrade allows the team to play more consistently, minimizing disruptions caused by weather. Picture the Red Storm taking the field, the energy of the crowd, and the crack of the bat echoing through the stadium. The Ballpark at Saint John’s continues to host thrilling college baseball games. It stands as a testament to the legacy of Jack Kaiser and the enduring spirit of St. John’s athletics.