We’re jumping the gun here to conclude that old Bush Stadium in Indianapolis is headed for ash heap, but after the photos we have seen from Indianapolis Star photographer Michelle Pemberton of the park being (ab)used as a junk yard, our feelings were nothing short of John Belushi’s OMG reaction to a broken case of booze in this scene from Animal House. We reported on this junk yard story back in November, but seeing is believing.
Sadly, Bush Stadium has made Indiana Landmarks’ 10 Most Endangered list for 2010. The organization would like to see a developer step in to renovate the ballpark for use as housing and office space.
Thanks to Brian Merzbach from Ballpark Reviews for sharing the link to Pemberton’s photos via Facebook.
It seems like the only way to save a ballpark is if it is on the National Register of Historic Places. Luckily, Arkansas’ two oldest parks (not counting Ray Winder) are on the register.
Actually, Bush Stadium may have a better chance than Ray Winder Field, which was left off the Arkansas endangered landmarks list this season. I guess they consider it already extinct.
Simply tragic. It would be great to see concerned citizens step up to save the parks like they did in Old Orchard Beach, ME. But, that’s rare.
Disgraceful what has happened to that place. Of course, Bush Stadium’s history (not to mention a resemblance) parallels Ray Winder Field (Ballparks.BaseballYakker.com/?page_id=132), which I fear will need a moment of silence very soon.