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Toast -- 2005-12-06

I visited Watt Powell Park --nice classic park. I enjoyed Toast man...who threw toast when opponents struck out. Stadium added an outlet so he could make toast for himself and joiners in (me).

I hope new park has same atmosphere...but I doubt it.

Frank Kennedy

-- 2005-04-26

A terrific park for a young boy to watch baseball. I grew up in nearby Huntington and saw many future major-leaguers pass through Watt Powell during the Charlies' best years (in the 70s, in the AAA International League.) Mitchell Page and Tony Armas were my favorite Charlies. I will always remember the outfielder Dave Augustine. He was a crowd favorite, and he should have been because it seemed like he played there for a decade.

It seems like the "he hit a homer into a train car" legend applies to about 10 different players. Trains passed through every game I attended, so I suppose it is possible.

I also remember "Charlie" in a wheelchair, smoking his cigars at most games. It was weird to see the team logo in person!

Sad decline for the team after the International League years. I will miss this park!

Anonymous

Time for change -- 2004-05-22

Watt Powell Has had a good run, but all things must come to an end. I live a short walk from the field and enjoy the convienence of the games, but will gladly make the trek to the new stadium next year. Opening night for 2004 had a field with dirt patches in the infield and half the lights not working on the scoreboard. I'm sure this was done intentionally to justify the new stadium, but nevertheless, Watt Powell is showing his age.

Heres to the new field, and the hopes that the new ownership does the right thing and renames them the Charlies. (again)

G

Our 2004 Stadium Review -- 2004-04-27

Overall Rating: A

Stadium: B+

The stadium is located south of town and is easy to get to. The neighborhood is primarily commercial. A McDonalds is across the street and a Taco Bell is nearby. There are railroad tracks just beyond the right field fence. Two small hills form a hollow just past the tracks. One regular told us that the old timers would come here on those hot summer nights to enjoy the cools air from the hollow.

The parking lot is close to the third base line and we were advised to avoid parking to close to the wall. It is a small parking lot and would have problems holding a large crowd. No doubt many of the regulars have their favorite parking place located somewhere around the neighborhood.

From the outside the stadium doesn't look like much. It is over 50 years old and in many respects resembles the stadiums we visited in the Appalachian League. The small roof behind home plate contains the press box and covers a good number of seats.

They have three seating levels, gold along the field are $7, Blue are $6 and the Red ones are $5. The seats are molded plastic and offer ample legroom. In many ways they are superior to the new seats you would find at some of the newer parks like Lake County.

One player told us that the facilities for the players here were the worst in the league, even below the standards of Hagerstown. They may be but the bathrooms were surprising clean.

Behind the seating area is a covered concourse where the gift store and most of the concession stands are located. The gift store is located to the left as you enter so you can't miss it.

A picnic area is located down the first base line and behind that is a concession stand. A good grill is located just past the stands. It offers brats and dogs. The large hot dog for $4 is enough for two people. A small bleacher section is behind third base. The kid's section is further down the line.

Atmosphere: A

It took us 7 years to get here. It always seemed to slip from our "To Do" list and we were the poorer for it. This really is our type of park. Prices are easily affordable; food is good and the staff friendly. With all that there is a uniqueness that you don't find in the new parks.

Beyond the right field wall are railroad tracks and trains passed by twice during the game. Locals sit and watch the game form outside the ballpark. The center field fence is drawn in making for a very odd angle. The outfield walls are cinder block. We were told that the fence was brought in along the left field line.

On field promotions are fun and while no great prizes are offered they are imaginative and keep the fans interested. We especially enjoyed the dodge ball contest. One fan tries to hit the other with small dodge balls. The fan in the center used the opportunity to play to the crowd, adding to the fun. The field MC is good, maybe a little understated. Two young girls attired in Alley Cat jersey tops assist him. The mascot AL E CAT is cute (our aunt can attest to that). He works the crowd and dances on the dugout but that is about it.

Promotions

Kid yells play ball on dugout to start the game YMCA Junior PA announcer announces half inning of game Dizzy bat race Dodge ball Chip off the dugout – Couple goes for closest to the pin Relay Race Who’s Wiser – play on name that tune by names x number of items in a category (for example sitcoms of the 80s) Embassy Suite- Joust Moving on up – Best seats in the house

Value: A

Parking is $3

Tickets

Gold Box $7.00 Blue Reserved $6.00 Red Reserved $5.00 Bleacher/General Admission: $4.00

Food

Grilled Hot Dog $2.50 Chili Cheese Dog $3.00 Jumbo Pretzel $2.00 Corn Dog $2.75 Nachos with Chili/Cheese $3.00 Gino’s Pizza $3.50 Peanuts $3.00 Cracker Jacks $3.00 Candy $1.75 Cotton Candy $3.00 Ice Cream Sandwich $2.75 Bottled Water $2.00 Coffee $1.50 Beer (32 oz) $4.75 Soda (32 oz) $3.50 Beer (22 oz) $3.50 Soda (22 oz) $2.75

Odds and Ends

Make the effort to get out here to enjoy a wonderful park before the lights go out. The management should be complemented for operating a wonderful franchise. Prices are reasonable and facilities are clean. The staff is friendly and accommodating.

Overall a great bargain.

The Alley Cats are red hot this year and on a perfect Saturday evening we expected a larger crowd, we were disappointed. With all that this place has going for it we are surprised that they do not draw better. Our Aunt feels that they don't market the team as well as they could. That may be but you would think that they would pack this place night after night.

Wheeler Bob was on hand the night we visited. He is a well known pitch man and local legend. He is selling left over merchandize. He is worth the price of admission.

Sadly this old park will be closed down at the end of the season. A new stadium is being built over in the east end. It will feature a video screen and all the other innovations you see in modern ballparks. Management expects to draw about 4,000 fans a game.

Kevin and Karen Flynn

long live baseball -- 2004-04-21

I too grew up playing high school baseball in West Virginia and have had the great privilage of playing at Watt Powell Park. When they first called my name over the loud speaker my sophmore year for the starting lineup it was like I was already in the pro's. Long live Wat Powell and all the memories there.

joe bias

Long Live Watt Powell Park! -- 2003-06-07

I have a long history with Watt Powell Park. I grew up in West Virgina and played organized baseball since the age of eight. Because the state high school baseball tournament is played at Watt Powell, it is every kids' dream to one day play in Charleston. In 1985, I was lucky enough to win a state championship there. I played college baseball at the University of Charleston, and all of our home games were played at Watt Powell. I now attend several Charleston Alleycats (Single A, South Atlantic League) game each summer. It is a pitcher's park, with high outfield fences, deep dimensions (340, 380, 406), and tall & thick infield grass which loves to rob sure base hits from frustrated batters. The park is "air conditioned", thanks to being located in a small valley between two mountains. It always seems 5-10 degrees cooler in the stadium. Many great players have begun their playing careers at Watt Powell, including current major leaguers Jason LaRue, Trevor Hoffman, and Dan Wilson. In the 70's, Watt Powell was home to the Pirates AAA ball club, and several future Bucco stars played in Charleson: Dave Parker, John Candelaria, Kent Tekulve, and Willie Randolph just to name a few. Currently, there are plans to build a new, $23 million park in downtown Charleston. Until then, long live Watt Powell Park!!

Michael Myers

Souvinir Prices -- 2003-05-17

Those souvinir prices are toooooo high those gold looking Alley Cat keychains are $4.00 should be $1-$2.00, the black alley Cat keychains should be $1.00, the logoed baseballs should be $4.00 instead of $8.50, and the little softballs should be $2.00,those baseball sets u know with the baseball bat,and ball are at least $8.00 but should be $5.00 i want to talk to your manager

Josh White

What a shame -- 2002-12-09

I understand that a new stadium is being built in Charleston. The current stadium is wonderful. It has character, a great view, and good seats for everybody. Howerer, there are no luxery boxes, so I guess those in charge are willing to trade in character for the hope of $. What a shame.

Jon Burton

Wonderful! -- 2002-07-10

This is on my short list of greatest ball parks. Right from the first impression (immediately ahead of you when you exit the freeway) right to the old-timey feel inside the park. Every seat is the fold-back type, rising steeply for good views even from the back row. Just being there is an experience like going to Fenway or Wrigley---this is an old ball park in the finest style.

Jim Turner

Watt-a-Powell Park!! -- 2001-07-28

Watt Powell Park captures the essence of minor league baseball. I had the privilege of attending two games at Watt Powell in June 2001 and was quite pleased with it.

Someone epxecting a crisp, clean, new ballpark might be disappointed in Charleston's field, but anyone who appreicates the ambiance (unmanufactured) of old ballyards is going to love this place. I wish I could've seen ten games at this place.

The park is nestled on the south side of the Kanawha River at the foot of a great, green hill. A railroad track is located just beyond the right field fence, and a train or two pass during the games. A Charleston fan told me that Dave Parker once hit a homerun into a passing coal train. The ball was later found by a railroad worker somewhere in southern Ohio. Parker, I understand, claims to have hit the longest homerun in baseball history. the outfield fence is actually a cinderblock wall that appears to be about 20 feet tall, and although I can't remember the dimensions, it would take quite a swat to hit a homerun (I attended two games, no homers). The wall has a jag in right center field that makes for some tricky carems out there, and it is covered with local advertisements. Centerfield has a low spot in it, which makes fielding tricky.

The people at the ballpark add to the pleasing feel of the place. The guy in the ticket booth spoke to me, inquiring about my Lexington Legends t-shirt. All the ushers spoke to me, and many of the fans talked freely to me. I like that. One fan, who sits behind the backstop, tries to get the fans to chant the names of the Alley Cats' players.

No bad seats in this ballpark, and they have great prices at the concessions stands. Wednesdays are "Weenie Wednesdays" and all hot dogs are 25 cents. I was there on business, and Weenie Wednesday extended my $50 per diem nicely.

Also, I almost forgot, I could hear the third base coaches talk to the players. GREAT!!

tk

James T. Kirkwood

What a park -- 2001-06-25

The team's cartoonish style rides the wave of minor league teams now marketing towards young children. For those not teething, the antidote is the experience of being in this park, which earned an honorable mention in BaseballParks.com's best list. Watt Powell Park has stood since the Forties in the shadows of huge forest hills beside a river, in the same spot where the Charleston's 1917 team played. Home runs and trains cross the tracks which closely border the outfield wall.

Paul Francke

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