Readers decided that Springfield is truly lucky to have the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes baseball team, a collegiate summer league baseball team of the Prospect League. Named for the famous horseshoe sandwich, the website states: "The Lucky Horseshoes are the longest continuous tenants of Robin Roberts Stadium in its near-100-year history. Each summer, they take the same field as old affiliates of the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres and numerous college and high school baseball players of the past." How cool is that – right here in Springfield!
The Lucky Horseshoes help give top college players a professional-like experience and give patrons plenty of reasons to make visiting the park a favorite summertime activity. Local residents have the opportunity to host a player for the season and some talented central Illinois athletes get to call Springfield home for a few months – all while creating lasting memories for fans of all ages.
Throughout the season, attendees can not only look forward to great baseball but a myriad of activities, fundraisers, evolving food options and stadium updates. The home for the Lucky Horseshoes is Robin Roberts Stadium at Lanphier Park, a proud anchor of the north end, with a long and impressive history. Recognizing the nearly 100-year-old facility's deferred maintenance, the Shoes have made a commitment to revitalizing Robin Roberts Stadium, recognizing that it's more than just a ballpark and seeing the potential for it to be a year-round community institution.
This commitment includes the formation of the nonprofit Friends of Robin Roberts Stadium, the mission of which is to fund significant upgrades such as a new turf field, ADA accessibility improvements and modernized concessions. St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith will come to Springfield to take part in a Dinner for the Diamond fundraiser on May 21, giving fans a chance to meet a baseball legend while also helping to preserve part of the area's sports history.
Remember – it's never too soon to get your Shoes on!
