Highland Park Stadium - Kokomo Post 6 "Sixers"
- Marc Viquez
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71
Highland Park Stadium 900 West Defenbaugh St Kokomo, IN 46902
Year Opened: 1955
Capacity: 3,000
Kokomo Highland Park Stadium Stands Still
Highland Park Stadium, or CFD Investments Stadium, has been a fixture in Kokomo, Indiana, since 1955, when it was prepared for minor league baseball in the Midwest League. The era of affiliated ball lasted seven seasons and provided lasting memories for all who attended games, but many more were made at high school, amateur, and American Legion games.
Today, the Kokomo Post 6 baseball team plays here. The American Legion team has called it home for many years and has played steadily since 1925. The program has two primary squads: Senior 19U and Junior 17U teams that develop and prepare area youth for college baseball. The team is affectionately known as the Sixers and has captured two American Legion Baseball State Championships in 1972 and 1982. The 1982 squad finished fourth in the nation.
The Kokomo Dodgers operated during the 1955 season before giving way to the Kokomo Dodgers the following year. The K-Dodgers played at the stadium until 1961. Future MLB Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda and NL All-Star Tommie Davis spent time in town honing their skills. In 1961, improvements were made to the stadium, including painting several buildings and installing bleachers, but it was not enough to keep professional baseball in town. The K-Dodgers quietly folded after the season.
The city invested more than $250,000 in stadium renovations that included new lights and bleacher seating for the 1985 American Legion World Series. The upgrades reduced the stadium’s seating capacity from 7,000 to 3,000. The stadium would continue to be used by Kokomo High School, Legion Ball, and other organizations, with close to 160-180 events per year.
The stadium was used for amateur baseball teams that included the CFD Saints and the Kokomo, sometimes named Burger King Highlanders, from 1960 to 1999. These teams would generate between 300-500 fans per game at times.
Food & Beverages 3
There was food served at the game in the form of a food truck just outside the stadium’s main entrance. El Rancho Street Tacos could not be missed by many in attendance, offering a specific menu for the game that included street corn, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and nachos.
The main attraction might be the street dog that is topped with grilled onion, pico de gallo, cilantro, and crumbled Hot Cheeto dust. The bun flavors worked well together, and the bun was nicely toasted. Coca-Cola products and bottled agua frescas are available to wash it down with. Fans are also able to bring their own food and drink into the stadium.
Atmosphere 3
If you enjoy a laid-back baseball experience with no thrills, this is your place. The game is relaxed, quiet at times, and ideal for the baseball purists. There is not much taking place during the game besides watching the game with a few friends and family members of the players.
The sounds of the ball pinging off aluminum bats, cleats brushing against the gravel path, and celebrations from each dugout to end an inning. There is a PA announcer, reminders to visit the truck, and pitching changes. At times, somebody will talk to you about the game or the team itself, but this is a chance to stretch your feet and enjoy the ballgame.
The Sixers sell official caps and game-worn jerseys for $30 and $5 a piece at the entrance of the stadium. Foul balls are returned to the umpire, and the neighborhood surrounding gives the experience a small-town feel that is welcoming.
Neighborhood 3
The stadium is located in Highland Park on the edge of a residential neighborhood and a golf course, just 2 miles south of Kokomo Municipal Stadium, home of the Kokomo Creek Chubs of the Prospect League.
What you would find in Kokomo is a variety of chain restaurants and retail outlets on US-31, which is not too far from the stadium. However, if you are looking for a few interesting sites to see or places to eat, then here are a few suggestions.
Harvey Hinklemeyers features great pizza and sandwiches, and it is also an ideal place for the kids. Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery provides a great stop for a bite to eat or craft beer after the game. The Windmill Grill, B-K Root Beer Stand, or Artie’s Tenderloin are great local choices in town. Be sure to try a tenderloin sandwich, a giant breaded piece of pork that is deep-fried and big enough for two.
The ballpark is 2 miles away from the historic Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium, which at one time was one of the largest high school basketball field houses in the country. The current size is around 5,000, and it still packs a crowd during the high school season.
Fans 2
The game attracts parents, friends, and other family members. There are very few who come out to check out the game itself.
Access 3
Highland Park Stadium has its own parking lot, and two main bleachers are separated by a press box. There are areas down the foul lines to watch the game along the fence, but the stadium is laid out nicely for easy access.
Return on Investment 3
An adult ticket is $5, children are $2, and a season pass is $25. The cost of a baseball cap is $30, and game-used jerseys are $5-cash only. The food truck prices range from $3 for a taco, $4.50 for a street dog, and $9 for a torta. They take credit cards. A nice way to spend an evening of baseball at a low cost.
Extras 2
The stadium earns a point for having a food truck that changes per game. A second point is for the $5 team gear, which makes for a unique and nice gift.
Final Thoughts
A visit to Highland Park Stadium is for the dedicated baseball traveler, or if you know someone playing for the Sixers. It is a curiosity, a former ballpark that once housed minor league players and a future Hall of Fame ballplayer. If in town to see the Creek Chubs up the road, check out to see what’s going on at Highland Park.
------
Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com
