Baseball Behind Bars: The Joliet Slammers‘ Historic Game at Old Joliet Prison
The Joliet Slammers are making baseball history. In a unique event blending sport, history, and community, the Frontier League team will host an exhibition game inside the Old Joliet Prison on April 30th. This isn’t just a game; it’s a revival of a tradition and a kickoff to a major celebration.
A Century of Baseball & Route 66
“The Big House Ballgame,” as it’s been dubbed, marks the official launch of the Route 66 centennial celebration. The iconic highway, stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, embodies a bygone era. And the Old Joliet Prison is a perfectly preserved piece of that history.
But why a prison? Baseball has deep roots within those walls.
* 1914: A forward-thinking warden introduced baseball to the prison population.
* The Goal: To boost morale and encourage positive behavior among inmates.
* 88 Years of Play: Baseball remained a consistent activity at the Old Joliet Prison until its closure in 2002.
This game isn’t just about playing baseball; it’s about honoring that legacy. You’ll be witnessing a continuation of a tradition spanning nearly a century.
The Veeck Family’s Vision
The Joliet Slammers aren’t strangers to innovative events. The team is led by Night Train Veeck, continuing a family tradition of baseball eccentricity. His grandfather, Bill Veeck, was a legendary figure known for his unconventional promotions and dedication to fan experience.
“the Big House Ballgame is exactly the kind of big idea event that gets us fired up as a team,” Veeck stated in a press release. “We love being a part of these special moments that bring people together, surprise them a little, and give them a memory they’ll be talking about for a long time.”
This event embodies that spirit - offering a truly unique and memorable experience for fans.
More Than Just a Game: The Prison’s Storied Past
The old Joliet Prison is more than just a backdrop. It’s a landmark steeped in history, and even notoriety.Before its closure, it housed some of the most infamous criminals in American history, including:
* Leopold and Loeb
* Baby Face Nelson
* Sam Giancana
* John Wayne Gacy
Furthermore, the prison gained pop culture fame as the opening scene location for the 1980 film The Blues Brothers. You might recognize it as the place where John Belushi’s “Joliet” Jake Blues is paroled.
The Joliet Slammers: A Baseball Legacy
The Slammers themselves have a rich baseball history in the Joliet area.
* 2011 – Present: Members of the Frontier League, an MLB partner League. This partnership signifies a high level of play and development.
* Prior to 2011: Competed in the autonomous Northern League.
* 1890s: Professional baseball first arrived in Joliet with a team in the Illinois-Indiana League.
The team is deeply rooted in the community and committed to providing exciting baseball experiences.
How to Experience “The Big House Ballgame”
The Slammers’ game is the centerpiece of a larger series of events planned throughout Joliet. the team is offering fans a chance to win tickets through a registration process on their website.
* Ticket Eligibility: Sign up at https://jolietslammers.com/bhbg/ for a chance to be selected.
* Community Events: Expect a “full slate of programs and community-wide activities” alongside the game.
* Route 66 Centennial: The event is a key component of the year-long Route 66 celebration.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a truly unique baseball experience. It’s a chance to connect with history, celebrate a legendary highway, and enjoy America’s pastime in an unforgettable setting.