McBride Stadium - Richmond Flying Mummies
- Marc Viquez
- 3 hours ago
- 6 min read
Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
McBride Stadium 204 NW 13th St Richmond, IN 47374
Year Opened: 1936
Capacity: 3,000
Flying Mummies Bring Back Summer Ball to McBride Stadium
The Richmond Flying Mummies are members of the Northwoods League, which returned baseball to Historic McBride Stadium in 2026. The ballpark had been absent from summer collegiate baseball for two seasons; however, Mummies ownership strives to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
Baseball’s presence at John Cate Field at McBride Stadium dates back to August 1936. The site, once a gravel pit, was rapidly converted to replace Exhibition Park, which burned down the previous year. Originally named Municipal Stadium, it opened for legion ball with funding from the Works Progress Administration.
The first professional team was the Richmond Roses, the Class D affiliate of the Boston Braves, which began play in 1946. The 1947 home opener saw the Roses notch a 4-1 victory in front of 1,559 fans in cool, windy Indiana springtime weather. The club compiled a 202-220 record over three seasons and attracted 58,039 fans during the 1948 season, the highest total of any affiliated club at the stadium.
In 1949, the independent Richmond Robins were established but were soon replaced after one season by the Richmond Tigers of the Ohio-Indiana League. The Detroit affiliate featured future Hall of Famer Jim Bunning, who posted a 7-8 record in his first year of pro ball in 1950.
However, in December 1951, Detroit withdrew its affiliation, citing instability with the league and the scarcity of players due to the military draft. It would be 44 years before another professional minor league baseball club would return to the city.
McBride would continue to host American Legion and high school baseball during the next four decades, but the years of baseball took their toll on the diamond. The playing field was uneven and in bad shape; it was recrowned thanks to efforts by Richmond High School baseball coach John Cate.
Cate would later manage the Richmond Roosters of the Frontier League, the first professional baseball team at McBride in 43 years. The ballclub would capture two league championships in 2001 and 2002.
The Roosers relocated in 2006 and were replaced with the Richmond River Rats of the Prospect League in 2009. They would leave after 7 seasons and be replaced with the Richmond Jazz of the Great Lakes Collegiate Summer League from 2016 to 2023.
The Flying Mummies name was chosen for two reasons. The Wright Brothers lived in Richmond from 1881 to 1884, with Wilbur graduating from Richmond High School. Richmond is also home to two mummies from Egypt. A 3,000-year-old mummy was purchased in 1929 and is housed in the Wayne County Historical Museum, and another one is on display at the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History on the campus of Earlham College.
Food & Beverage 3
There is a main concession stand at the ballpark that includes food, snacks, and beverages. All purchases are cashless. The items include hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, fries, nachos, popcorn, and pretzel bites.
The beverages include domestic options of Miller and Coors products and craft specialties, including 5th Inning Amber Kolsch, which is produced by 5 Arch Brewing in nearby Centerville, Indiana. Cocktails and fountain drinks are also available.
The ballpark features tater tots and includes them in hot dog and burger combo packages. This is because Jon Gries, best known for playing Uncle Rico in the movie Napoleon Dynamite, is one of the owners of the Mummies.
Atmosphere 4
The 1,874-seat ballpark is highlighted by its classic wooden roof grandstand and has received a fresh makeover ahead of baseball’s return. New exterior signage and updated red-and-white paint reflect the colors of the Richmond High School Red Devils, adding to the stadium’s revitalized appearance.
There are roughly 14 rows of wooden and plastic seating beneath the roof. A new press box was built at the top of the seating bowl. The wooden columns are a reminder of ballparks of the past, and the view of the game is vaguely interrupted by them. The stadium’s original lights are also part of the nostalgia at the old ballpark.
The small ticket window greets customers as they walk up the hill from the parking lot. The two window concession booths have almost the same menu, and the crowds are around the same in number. The team shop is open and sells team merchandise, including jerseys, caps, t-shirts, and posters.
Down the left field line is plenty of green grass for kids to run around. The sloped area extends all the way behind the left field wall. Mummies management hopes to include a new party deck area sometime in future seasons, along with chair back seating added to the seats under the grandstand.
There is a first baseline porch that includes all-you-can-eat, plus a few drinks for one price. It provides a nice vantage point for the ballpark. Down below is a kids' area with inflatable rides and activities.
Neighborhood 3
McBride is nestled into a residential community in Clear Creek Park, and it is adjacent to several Little League fields. It is a type of town where one can leave their doors unlocked or take a stroll at 3 a.m. without fear. It is also a reminder of what small towns might have felt like a few decades ago when minor league ballparks were almost everywhere to be found.
There are no dining options within proximity of the stadium, and one would need to drive a few miles to find a place to eat. Little Sheeba's offers great pizza and baked jalapeno poppers, and Galo's Italian Grill is another fine option.
There are quite a few national chains, but one local establishment off Interstate 70 called Fricker's has some of the best hot wings in the area. Roscoe's Coffee Bar and Tap Room has an extensive craft beer selection, on-site roasted coffee, and a spacious, relaxed atmosphere.
Fans 4
The fans turned up 45 minutes before the gates opened for the Mummies first game. A line formed soon after that, signaling the return of summer ball to McBride. The lines featured fans wearing team jerseys, caps, and a few from years past. The first game featured one of the largest crowds in recent memory.
Access 3
Even though Richmond is a small town, it is easy to get lost when trying to find McBride Stadium, as there are no road signs to the ballpark from either I-70 or SR-40. It is best to use GPS when arriving from I-70 or US-40.
There is a small grass parking lot and additional parking spots on the residential streets that surround the stadium. For busier games, the lines are long, so the concession stand will be long, but management stated that additional points of sale will be added in the future.
Return on Investment 3
Ticket prices start at $15 for grandstand seats. Mondays feature $1 hot dogs for the first hour after the gates open. Fridays feature fireworks after the game. Tuesday Nights feature a free appetizer for the first 500 fans at Texas Roadhouse. Thirsty Thursdays feature discounted beer prices. There is also a list of other promotional nights at the stadium.
Concession prices are reasonable and include $4 hot dogs, $3.50 fountain drinks, and $4.50 12-ounce domestic beers. Combo specials (fries, tots, and a soda are $10). Merchandise items include caps and t-shirts around $25 to $30. An official Flying Mummiers jersey is $40.
Extras 3
McBride Stadium earns a point for its fresh new look, nostalgic vibes, and what the future holds. It is a small ballpark that captures what it was like post-war in the United States. The surrounding neighborhood and city park also add to its charm.
Final Thoughts
The Flying Mummies ownership group is committed to making McBride Stadium the place to be during the summer months in Richmond. Gone are the days of mom and pop operations, and in return, what is hoped to be a mixture of excitement on and off the field. Fans looking for a vintage baseball atmosphere will find it at this 90-year-old ballpark.
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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com
