Finding the Ghost of Sick’s Stadium
Alright, so I had this itch the other day. Kept thinking about the old ballparks, you know? And Sick’s Stadium popped into my head. Heard stories, seen pictures. Decided, right, I gotta go see the spot. See what’s there now.
Jumped in the car, didn’t really need a map, kinda knew the area around Rainier Avenue South. Headed down that way. Wasn’t expecting much, obviously. The place was torn down ages ago, way back in ’79, I think.
Pulled up near the address. And yeah, just like folks say. It’s a big Lowe’s home improvement store now. Huge parking lot. People going in and out, buying lumber and paint. Just a regular Tuesday, you know?
Got out and walked around a bit. Stood there in the parking lot, trying to picture it. Where would the infield have been? Maybe over there, near the main entrance? Where did the stands curve around? Tried to overlay the old black and white photos in my mind onto this modern scene. It’s tough. Your brain knows it’s the same piece of land, but seeing a garden center where third base might have been is… weird.
Remembered reading there’s a marker somewhere. Started looking around the edges of the property. Took a few minutes, wandering past the parked cars and shopping carts. Finally spotted it! A little plaque near the street. Tells you this was the site of Sick’s Stadium, mentions the Seattle Rainiers, the Pilots for their one crazy season.
- Walked over to read the plaque properly.
- Took a moment just looking at the spot again.
- Thought about the crowds, the games, even Elvis playing here once.
It’s strange. All that history, noise, and excitement… now it’s just asphalt and a retail store. Progress, I guess? Or just change. Spent maybe twenty minutes total, just looking and thinking.
Didn’t go into Lowe’s. Didn’t need anything. Just wanted to stand on the ground where it happened. Mission accomplished, sort of. It’s not like visiting Fenway or Wrigley, where the history hits you in the face. Here, you gotta work for it. You gotta know what used to be here. But still, glad I went. Checked it off the list.
