Bismarck-Mandan Pards

Bismarck hosted numerous semi-pro and local teams, beginning in the late 1800's and continuing through the 1930's.

The Bismarck teams had much success and integrated rosters that included Baseball Hall of Fame member, Satchel Paige.

The Valley City Hi–Liners of the Class D level Dakota League moved to Bismarck on August 3, 1922 with a 25–46 record.

Charlie Boardman, Ernie Menne, J. H. Sampson and Lou Bachant were the managers of the team.

But, shortly after the 1922 season began, Boardman was picked up by the Kansas City Blues, and first–baseman Ernie Menne briefly became manager.

[3][4][5][6][7][8] The 1923 Bismarck Capitals continued play as members of the Class D level North Dakota League.

In the 1930's, Baseball Hall of Fame members Satchel Paige and Hilton Smith played for the Bismarck Churchills semi-pro team.

Other players included Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe, Quincy Trouppe, Barney Morris, and Chet Brewer.

The 1955 Barons finished 47–41, to win the Manitoba–Dakota League regular season pennant, 3.0 games ahead of the second place Williston Oilers.

[15][16][1][17][18] The Bismarck Barons finished in second place in 1956, with a 47–41 record, playing again under Manager Al Cihocki.

Jack Hoeven, the father of the current North Dakota governor, was named team president.

Jack Hoeven was replaced as team president by Roger Higgins, a radio and television sports director, who had played for the Bismarck Barons.

The Pards finished with a 1963 regular season record of 56–63, placing third in the Northern League, with Vern Morgan continuing as manager.

In 1992, Washington Street, which runs alongside the ballpark, was widened and as a result the ballfield was rotated, with a new concrete grandstand constructed.