Almost 8,000 fans showed up for college and high-school games at Shreveport's Fair Grounds Field, including a big crowd for LSU and Northwestern State.In the last two month, the gates of Fair Grounds Field opened several times per week, and fans kept coming through the gates. Between the 13 high school games and two college contests, almost 8,000 fans saw baseball at Fair Grounds Field before the Shreveport-Bossier Captains (independent; American Association) even begin spring training.
The Captains organized these two series of games to try to bring more awareness about Fair Grounds Field to the community and also to provide a quality venue for local schools to play without additional costs – and they have succeeded on both counts.
“I couldn’t be happier with the way these games have turned out,” Captains VP/General Manager Craig Brasfield said. “We have received many positive comments about the stadium and the playing field from people who have attended, and I’m thrilled that we could entertain so many people.”
The Buffalo Wild Wings/Shreveport Times High School Baseball series featured squads from three states and had a few crowds of more than 200 – including a heart-stopping nine-inning victory for Loyola over North DeSoto on April 16 that won district 1-3A for the Flyers.
At the college level, LSU-Shreveport upset Division I Louisiana Tech in front of 1,202 fans on April 6, and then defending national champion LSU beat Northwestern State on April 20 after an initial postponement in March – with a packed sellout crowd of 5,212 taking it all in.
“Everybody had a hand in this being a success,” Brasfield said. “Our sponsors all really stepped up to the plate – our staff worked tirelessly, the schools were very cooperative and of course all of the fans came out to watch some great baseball. I can’t wait to make these two series even bigger and better next year.”