Former Negro League Baseball Field Restored, Honors Anne Arundel County History

GALESVILLE, MD — A former Negro League baseball field was recently restored in Galesville. The ballpark, named Hot Sox Field at Wilson Park, is now open for public use after a $2.5 million renovation.

The field is the former home of the Galesville Hot Sox, a semi-professional Negro League team that was formed in 1915. The Negro Leagues were several associations of baseball teams with Black players. These leagues gave opportunities to Black athletes before they were allowed to play for Major League Baseball teams.

Hot Sox Field at Wilson Park pays homage to Henry Wilson, a local man who was enslaved. Henry Wilson and his family helped establish an African-American community in Galesville that still thrives today.

Henry Wilson's son, Richard Wilson, transformed the family farm into a field for the Hot Sox in 1928. The Hot Sox played other sandlot teams throughout Anne Arundel, Prince George's, Charles, and St. Mary's counties. The squad also played teams from the Eastern Shore.

"While a place for sport, the ballfield was also an important community gathering place during segregation," Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks said in a press release.

Anne Arundel County bought the 28-acre site in 2012. Crews rehabilitated the park and reopened it to the community in 2013. Former Maryland House Speaker Michael E. Busch threw out the first pitch at a ceremony with Galesville residents and former Hot Sox players.

The county conducted the most recent renovation over the past year. The project brought:

• A new playing field with irrigation
• A new grandstand
• New dugouts
• Improvements to the entrance and parking
• A custom timber pavilion named in honor of Busch, who supported this and other efforts in Galesville

Officials held a reopening ceremony on Sept. 10 to unveil the updates. The event included Hot Sox players and local leaders. A reception and exhibition games followed in the afternoon.

"It was incredibly special to have former Hot Sox players with us this weekend as we honored their team and their contributions to our local history," County Executive Steuart Pittman said on Facebook. "I'm looking forward to this space serving the community and hosting baseball games and community gatherings for years to come."

Pittman thanked the Galesville Community Center Organization, the Galesville Heritage Society, Inc., the West River Improvement Association and the Wilson family for their help with the restoration.

Hot Sox Field at Wilson Park is located at 862 Galesville Road. The park, which has trails and a restroom, is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Residents can visit the park's website or call (410) 222-7317 for more information.

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