Community Park - Carver Black Sox - Carver, MN

HISTORY

The Carver Black Sox were established in 1948. The Black Sox play their home games at Community Park (Woody Swanson Field) in Carver, MN. Carver currently competes in Class B within District 7 of the Crow River Valley League. It is our sincere hope that the Carver Black Sox games serve as a gathering place for our community and a source of community pride.

Carver, Minnesota, established along the Minnesota River in 1852, is one of the region's best-preserved 19th-century river towns. Named for British explorer Jonathan Carver, it initially served as a key gateway and trading center for early immigrants. Its location near Carver Creek and the Minnesota River fueled growth, and by the mid-1850s it had flourished as a steamboat port with hotels, blacksmith shops, and general stores. Settler Axel Jorgenson arrived in the winter of 1851–1852, followed by the Carver Land Company, which included Territorial Governor Alexander Ramsey, leading to the town's naming. In 1877, Carver was officially incorporated as a village and became a vital commercial hub within Carver County.

The Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway's arrival in 1871 shifted trade away from river transport, triggering economic decline. Later challenges, including the Prohibition era and the Great Depression, further slowed development. In 1965, a major flood on the upper river damaged the lower part of old Carver, prompting the construction of a floodwall and local restoration efforts. The historic district, preserved through initiatives by groups such as Carver-on-the-Minnesota, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, protecting nearly 90 19th-century historic structures.

MY EXPERIENCE

Parking is located a short distance away in a parking lot that is safe from foul balls, unless during a second game on the first field. A trail traverses through a park, passing by a children’s playground and a pavilion equipped with concessions and modern restrooms.

Spectator Options - There are two five-tier traditional metal bleachers behind home plate, with ample space to place a chair in the shade. The field has no lights, so there are no night game options. They used a high-quality portable sound system that made the message clear. The field has a backstop, a heavily traveled road, and very little landscaping. There is nothing special about watching a game at this field.

Concessions - (I prefer a hot dog with a root beer) - They had no root beer or popcorn. The hot dog has crisp skin with good flavor. Not very plump; very small, which detracted from the taste. Would be great if it were slightly larger.

SUMMARY COMMENTS

The game against the Prior Lake Mudcats was enjoyable as a baseball game. The townball charm of a “Field of Dreams” location is not present. 

As a side note, the game was much less enjoyable because two guys were wandering around smoking cigars. I wasn't sure if smoking in the City Park was legal, but these two seemed extremely entitled.