Beyer Peaches Stadium: A Diamond of Dreams
Step back in time at Beyer Stadium, the historic home of the Rockford Peaches, and celebrate the legacy of women in baseball.
Beyer Stadium, located in Rockford, Illinois, holds a special place in baseball history as the former home of the Rockford Peaches, a team in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) from 1943 to 1954. The AAGPBL, founded by Philip K. Wrigley during World War II, provided an opportunity for women to play professional baseball and showcased their athletic abilities. The Rockford Peaches were one of the league's most successful teams, winning championships in 1945, 1948, 1949, and 1950. While the original stadium fell into disrepair and was mostly torn down in the 1990s, the spirit of the Peaches lives on. The site has been revitalized as Beyer Park, featuring a baseball diamond, historical plaques, and the original ticket booth, which has been designated a city historic landmark. Visitors can walk the grounds, read about the team's history, and imagine the excitement of the games played here. The dugouts feature murals memorializing the Peaches. The story of the Rockford Peaches gained renewed attention with the release of the film 'A League of Their Own' in 1992, which fictionalized the AAGPBL and its players. The film sparked a revival of interest in the team and its legacy, leading to increased tourism and the preservation of Beyer Stadium. Today, the stadium is also home to the Rockford Starfires Women's Hardball/Baseball League, continuing the tradition of women's baseball in Rockford. The International Women's Baseball Center also utilizes the field and is planning on building a museum nearby.
Local tips
- Visit during a Rockford Starfires game to see women's baseball in action on the historic field.
- Read the historical plaques around the park to learn about the Rockford Peaches and the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
- Check out the original ticket booth, a designated city historic landmark.
A brief summary to Beyer Peaches Stadium
- 245 15th Ave, Rockford, Illinois, 61104, US
Getting There
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Walking
Beyer Stadium is located at 245 15th Ave, about a mile from downtown Rockford. From downtown, head east on State Street, then turn south onto 15th Avenue. The stadium will be on your left. The walk is relatively flat and should take about 20 minutes.
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Public Transport
The Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) provides bus service throughout the city. Several routes serve the area near Beyer Stadium. Check the RMTD website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single ride fare is typically $2. The Downtown Transfer Center is the primary hub for the RMTD.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Rockford. A ride from downtown to Beyer Stadium typically costs between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand. Be sure to confirm the fare before you start your trip.
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Driving
From the east side of Rockford, take US Bypass 20 to Illinois Route 2/S. Main St. Cross the river at Marchesano/15th St Bridge. Beyer Park will be about a half-mile east on the south side of the street. Parking is available along Seminary Street. Metered parking is enforced, and rates vary. Check local signage for specific rates and time limits. You can also use the Park Rockford app to pay for parking. Several parking garages are located downtown, including the Concourse Garage at 211 S. Church St, with hourly rates from $5-$10.
