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The Detroit Wolverines played in the NL from 1881 to 1888, when they disbanded, having won one league title in their time. Their park was about a mile north of where the Tigers play today. "Recreation Park" was the public park where the ballpark stood, but as far as I know, there was no specific name for it other than that.

I learned that from the plaque shown on this site. But finding where that plaque was turned out to be difficult, thanks to conflicting info on that page. I finally found the spot, though. See the marker on the map. The picture is looking northwest. I looked at it for way too long--found the brick walkway, compared tree locations, building tops, etc.

Anyway, that plaque claims to be in "the left field" so I made my footprint fit that. I think the park could've been further south, but it should be exactly right east-west-wise, as the Wikipedia page says it was bordered on the east by Beaubien Street, which you can see a little south of where the park is/was.

Labels: old ballpark locations