The Incredible Stadium In Texas That Has Been Left In Ruins

What do the New York Yankees and Texas have in common? Keep reading and I'll tell you! Once upon a time in 1949, the Yankees traveled to Greenville, Texas to play the Greenville Majors, a minor league baseball team named after the first Greenville resident killed in WWII. Incredibly, the Majors actually defeated the Yankees, although they would only stay an official team until 1957. If you drive through Greenville today, you'll see what little remains of the Majors Stadium in Texas. The ruins tell little of the stadium's legendary past, but a Texas State Historical Marker plaque fills in all of the gaps.

The small city of Greenville is full of historic charm. Located in Northeast Texas, it was founded in 1846 and still has lots of old buildings - particularly in the downtown area - that harken back to simpler days.

Its motto is "Rich Heritage, Vibrant Future," and if that doesn't make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, I don't know what would.

In my opinion, the most unique thing about Greenville is Majors Stadium. While an archway and fieldhouse are all that remain of this nearly century-old football field/baseball diamond, it has a truly fascinating backstory that even involves the New York Yankees.

Are you intrigued yet? Strap in and I'll walk you through the timeline.

Before it was used for baseball, Majors Stadium was a football stadium known as Phillips Field.

Dallas Oak Cliff and Greenville High School played the first game there on October 4, 1929.

The stadium was transformed into a baseball field in 1947 for use by the Greenville Majors, the city's very own baseball team.

On April 10, 1949, the New York Yankees actually came to Greenville to play the Majors in an exhibition game. The Majors beat the Yankees, 4-3.

Despite the Majors' win against the Yankees, the team only played until 1957. It was initially part of the East Texas League before transitioning to the Big State League, and finally, the Sooner State League.

If you visit the stadium today, you won't see very much - but upon gazing through the rusty window bars, you'll be whisked back in time, with the (albeit imaginary) sounds of cheering fans and the smells of concession stand snacks will captivate your senses.

Did you know about the Majors Stadium in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article below for more abandoned places in Texas that are now just shells of their former selves.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/texas/sinister-stories-abandoned-places-tx/

If you'd like to take a hike to an abandoned place in Texas, check out the Old Zoo Natural Trail in Cisco. It's eerily fascinating! Don’t forget to sign up for AllTrails+ for additional perks such as 3D and offline map access.