The History of Baseball in Charleston
Fort Sumter in Charleston is where the Civil War began in 1861. Many also say this marked the start of the city’s history with baseball, as Civil War soldiers in the region popularized the game. It was the Union soldier Abner Doubleday, who was stationed at Fort Sumter, who brought the game to life there.
The first professional team in Charleston began in 1886, and for the most part, since then, there’s always been a Minor League Baseball team in the city. The current team arrived in Charleston in 1980 and was initially called the Charleston Royals. Their name changed to the Rainbows in 1985, and they switched affiliations from Kansas City to San Diego. In 1994, the name changed to the RiverDogs in reference to the rivers that converge in Charleston.
Three seasons later, the team moved to the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.
The History of Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park
The park was designed by HOK Sport, the same architectural firm that designed Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Jacobs Field in Cleveland, Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., and PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
Today, the park is owned by the Citadel, which uses it as a practice facility for its Bulldogs baseball team. The Citadel got College Park as part of a land swap, and the City of Charleston, in return, got a plot of land located on the banks of the Ashley River. This is where the town built the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.
The Park has served as the home of both the RiverDogs and the Citadel Bulldogs since 1997.
Locals refer to the ballpark as “The Joe” after the former Charleston mayor who played a pivotal role in bringing the ballpark to life. The Joe is a loud and boisterous environment due to the culture of “Fun is Good” that is instilled by an ownership group that includes famed actor Bill Murray, who owns a house in Charleston and regularly visits The Joe. He is even listed on the RiverDogs’ staff page as the Director of Fun.
The Ballpark
When you enter the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, you’ll notice the lovely tree-lined sidewalk. As you leave the beauty of Charleston’s landscape to enter the ballpark, the view is still amazing. From the main concourse, you can see the Ashley River, which is stunning, especially at sunset.
The concourse is large and wide, ringing the facility. A secondary concourse and multiple group areas divide the seating bowl in half.
The recently added Dogout and Segra Club are perfect for gatherings. The Dogout is a smaller area for groups on the concourse by the press box. The Segra Club is a premium area flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on the Ashley River wetlands.
The Concessions at the Ballpark
While you can count on basic ballgame food, the ballpark offers a lot of culinary options. The RiverDogs offer unique fare from pickle dogs to beer shakes, and a Wicked Sausage Stand on the left field line. There, you can enjoy the Man Salad, a German-style pretzel served with Wicked Weed beer cheese and three kinds of sausage.
If you want the RiverDogs’ signature item, opt for the Homewrecker, a hot dog topped with sauteed peppers and onions, jalapenos, cheese, and chili. The Taco Pie stand features a taco in a pie shell, which is delicious. Joe’s Shrimp Shack is behind home plate and serves street corn Po Boys, Stadium Fish Sticks, and shrimp rolls.
The Ballpark’s Mascot
The mascot Charlie T. RiverDog, “fans’ best friend,” debuted at the ballpark in 1994. His name is appropriate, as he spends most of his time at the ballpark in the stands with the people. On Tuesdays, real canines can join Charlie T. RiverDog for “Dog Days” promotions.
The Joe Experience Beyond the Game
In addition to watching baseball, the park is also a great place for special events. The Ashley River, green fields, scenic walkways, and picnic areas make it perfect for many events. There’s plenty of parking and it’s easily accessible. Here are a few ideas:
The Ashley River, the beautiful city, green fields, scenic walkways, and picnic areas make it perfect for many events. There’s also lots of parking, and it’s easily accessible. Here are a few ideas:
- Family Reunions
- Birthday Parties
- Corporate Events
- Networking Events
- Social Events
- Weddings and Receptions
- Private Events
There are also opportunities for people to play ball on a professional field.
Other Local Attractions
If you’re looking for other area attractions to visit in addition to The Joe, here is a short list of spots:
- The Civil War began at Fort Sumter. You can visit by boat tour. It also passes by Battery Park, Fort Moultrie, and more.
- For a mysterious aquatic adventure, The Hunley is a combat submarine that disappeared in 1864. It was found in 1995 and raised out of the water in 2000.
- Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is also worth a visit.
- Don’t forget the guided walks, carriage rides, and ghost tours available in Charleston. You’ll learn about the gorgeous architecture and rich history of this historic city.
Final Thoughts on the Joe
For baseball lovers, The Joe is a dream. It truly is one of the premier spots with one of the best atmospheres in the entire Minor League Baseball organization. It’s also a great spot for special events, both large and small. If you are visiting Charleston during baseball season, the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park should be on your list.
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