Madrid Saves a Ballpark
The Madrid Oscar Huber Memorial Ballpark is one of the last standing Minor League Ballpark of its kind in the United States. It has a rich history including the involvement of Thomas Edison to provide lighting to the field during its construction in the 1920 and 1930s. Since 2001, the Madrid Cultural Projects has worked with local residents, the State of New Mexico, and the County of Santa Fe to preserve this national historic treasure.
Madrid Cultural Projects was conceived in a local coffee shop in Madrid by three women with a vision of saving the Oscar Huber Memorial Ballpark stadium from further degradation. The Madrid Cultural Projects, Inc. is dedicated to the renovation and restoration of the Oscar Huber Ballpark. |
Restoring the Ballpark
The restoration of the Oscar Huber Memorial Ballpark began in 2010 with the rebuilding of the Grandstands. Funding for this came from the New Mexico Capital Outlay Projects law of 2004. On March 10, 2004 then Governor Richardson of New Mexico completed the passage of New Mexico Legislature House Bill No. 293 for Capital Outlay Projects by signing it into law. Thanks to the hard work of many, including St. Rep. Rhonda King, $275,000 of these funds were allocated to plan, design and construct improvements, including restoring the grandstand and retaining walls.
In 2012, and additional $300,000 was granted from the state to complete the grandstand re-model. Construction of the bleachers, and improved electrical is scheduled for completion by the end of 2013. Through membership, grants, donations, and the leasing of the ballpark for special events, the MCP continues to support the restoration. Much work still needs to be completed including re-building the bleachers, restoring electricity to the Grandstands and Ballpark grounds, repair of the infield and outfield and lighting. The community of Madrid is committed to the complete restoration of the Ballpark and reach out to all New Mexicans to help save this uniquely New Mexican historic site. You can Lease the Ballpark The property is available for public use during non-scheduled events. New public bathrooms have been constructed based on a grant from the Scenic Byways fund. For information on Leasing the Ballpark contact the Madrid Landowners Association at 505-438-1819. |
Oscar Huber
Oscar Huber was town & mine superintendent from 1919-1947 for the Albuquerque & Cerrillos Coal Company. In his tenure, he inspired community and formed the Madrid Miners ball team, hosting minor league teams from the Southwest. The Madrid Ballpark was built in 1920 by the Madrid Employees Club.
