Queensboro Oval Softball Field

Cue Simon & Garfunkel’s «59^th Street Bridge.»
Feelin’ Groovy… Uh, well…
Located under the 59^th St. Bridge on the Manhattan side, this «field”* has a few nicknames amongst my teammates and I: Mars, the prison yard and «Oz.» I use the term «field» loosely because there is no grass or turf here. The surface is some kind of dirt. This dirt is red in color, similar to clay, or what I think the surface of Mars would resemble. This dirt will stain your socks and clothes. Trust me. (Oh, and I wouldn’t slide into a base either… because the dirt, while squishy, feels as if it’s laying on top of concrete).
Obviously ground balls will bounce on this surface, much like they would on turf. And, if, say… you knock one over the 3^rd baseman’s head AND over the left fielder’s head into left field, the ball will indeed roll to the wall… and you will get a double.
*ahem* *cough* *cough*.
The field is pretty large – bases could be set at 90′ – accommodating softball and baseball play. Center field is also pretty deep. My friend hit a HR and the ball just continued to roll towards Sutton Pl.
High fences and locked gates surround this field, which is sunken, which is why I like to call it Oz. Sometimes I look over my shoulder, hoping that I don’t spot Schillenger, Beecher or, even Said. The stands are large concrete steps, further contributing to the prison feel. One can usually enter the field through the gate on Sutton Place.
Since it’s located under the 59^th St. bridge the noise level is high as is the occasional smell of car/​truck exhaust. You’d better hope you have a loud umpire calling the game, or else you won’t know balls from strikes.
I feel bad saying this, but the only pluses to this field are that is it clean, there are trash cans, and there are indeed lights, so you can play a night game.
*The field does have some interesting history. The area was originally inhabited by the Reekgawawanck Indians who «…were displaced as early colonists spread northward from lower Manhattan.» It was also home to many street gangs, most notably the Dead End Kids in the 1930’s and 40’s. (NYC Parks website).