The bright lights of the major league big cities tend to get a lot of attention, but sometimes you…read morehave something special in your own backyard that might not be as known, but is local and it's yours. Welcome to Joe Becker Stadium, Joplin's quaint and absolutely gorgeous local ball field. As you enter, through the easy concrete entry ways (there are ramps if you need them) you will find yourself very close to the action. You'll also find plenty of sections full of box seats and cup holders if you want your own seat. There are bleachers a little down both lines and behind the left field fence as well as plenty of berm seats in right field (bring a blanket) if you want to go the GA route. I mentioned right field, which is in the spotlight here because there is a small hill past the warning track that leads up to the business behind the right field wall that is in play. Have you heard of the hill at old Crosley Field in Cincinnati? This is kind of like that, but reversed and without the impound lot in the infield. It's a really cool little quirk that unfortunately during my visit, I wasn't able to see enter into play. There are a couple of things I want to highlight... the seats, especially along the field will bring you right up to the action. This is cool, but at the same time I was sitting in Row C and had trouble following the ball if it was hit, especially on the ground because I was blocked out by the batter, catcher and umpire. I also had some issues seeing far out in the outfield. Another thing is the netting behind home plate is held up by some poles that look like are lined up as best as possible with the stairs leading to the seats. One small thing is depending on your seat you're basically just staring at the pole. Luckily nobody else was in my row so I just moved over a couple of seats, but you might keep this in mind when you're buying tickets. You also might want to sit about mid way up in the section. If you're local to Joplin, please get out and enjoy your ball park. If you're travelling, please consider stopping to visit. Joe Becker Stadium is a wonderful little field and it's worth it.

I hate the Cardinals and anything they touch or own. Still, this place is outstanding…read more Seriously, I'm an AL guy (Rangers) but sitting amongst Cardinals loyals was fun. The stadium is wonderful, as are its employees. Interestingly, the hometown fans were also pretty cool -- unlike their Yankees counterparts. ;-) The worst part of my experience here was getting into the car after the game and learning that my wife bought $75 in Cards gear. Go figure. Tickets here are reasonable. Concessions are likely to give you a virus. It's no different than most other venues. If you live nearby, this home team is a must. If you're traveling, make it a point to stop here. I wasn't quite turned into a Cardinals guy, but my experience here made it damn hard to hate them.

Where else are you going to go for a minor league game in Springfield? I've been here once and…read moreloved how close I could get to the action for $13 on a Tuesday. The crack of the bat, the whomp of the ball in the catcher's glove, I heard it all. I've been to several MLB games and these AA games are a great substitute. No need to drive to KC or STL the Springfield cardinals put on a great show. And don't forget the staff, they are friendly from start to finish.

The good has already been said…read more It seems like many things weren't transparent. Apparently if you don't show up before registration for media day and pay for pics they won't include your team in any photos despite winning several of the skills competitions & games. Also if your team doesn't stay in the over night suites, they miss out on a lot. There's so much vacant space in this former strip mall turned baseball complex. The team suites are nice and new but more room is necessary and they have the space to provide for it. Most days there were only 1 game during the week. There was so much wasted time. Tournament could have been over 1 day earlier instead of keeping us hostage in Branson it felt like. If there weren't enough teams registered for the week then end the tournament on Thursday instead of having an entire day of no games played. This tournament has potential to be amazing but it's definitely missing the mark. The employees were great.

Place is a joke. Went there for sons 12u tourney. Arcade closed only takes electricity to run video…read moregames. No one operating laser tag entire 5days kids stayed on property. Do yourself a favor take your kids somewhere else.

Great place for the family. It is very well kept up and clean. They have a lot of activities to…read moreparticipate in depending on what time of the year it is. It is a little out of the way unless you take old 71 highway to the right exit.

Used to be the place to go for softball. I think it is still used quite a bit for softball though…read more Joplin has built a new sports complex that may take some business from these guys. They also have futsol (5 v 5 soccer) and outdoor soccer. I think they may do basketball for younger kids.

Best choice in town if you have little ones with too much energy and want to spend $0.read more

Nice well-kept park with soccer fields, dog park, skate park, and playgrounds. The bathrooms are…read morekept clean, and the grounds of the park are always maintained, grass cut etc.

The two tennis courts have lights so you can play at night. There is a baseball field, basketball…read morecourt, and even a water park (although I'm sure they charge for the water park). Two separate covered places with grills and picnic tables for get togethers. Great park.

Decent park and play area for the kiddos…read more I was thrown a little off when there was a homeless man sleeping on the tables.

Great place for a kids baseball tournament with plenty of parking and on sight activities for kids…read moreto do. Concession stand has many options and they take either cash or charge.?My only complaint is that they don't have any seating available, if you don't bring a chair they you will be standing for a while.

If I could give negative stars I would! for the amount of money teams paid to enter the tournament…read moreonly to have games moved to run downed fields with no concession and 40 minutes away! They do not know how to set up a bracket. They sent out email and texts at 4 AM about schedule changes. Once teams arrived, only to be told they moved games times again! At one point 3 teams showed up at the field at the same time and no one knew what to do. Umpires do not know their calls. The director hid in the office most of the time. When confronted he did little to rectify the issue and antagonized those who went against them. I highly recommend staying away.