Belmar Memorial Field

This is stop #22 on the Belmar Treasure Trail, an area that has been a place of significance from the town’s birth to the present. Initially a lumberyard, Belmar Memorial Field was purchased by the Borough in the 1920s and became a town center where people gathered for ceremonies, events and, of course, sporting games. In the 1930's, lights and a grandstand capable of seating thousands were installed, and our baseball diamond welcomed teams with Major League talent to compete against our own Belmar Braves. In fact, several of the greats who played here were later inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, including players from the Negro National League, who were regular visitors to our field. Legend has it that a homerun by Hall of Famer Josh Gibson flew across Main Street, landing in the rear parking lot of the new Post Office. Experts think it may have been one of the longest hits anywhere in history! Also, in case you’re wondering, the delightful mural on the back of our baseball dugout was coordinated through the Belmar Arts Council and was done by Belmar native Doug Z, who uses spray paint and stencils to create unique designs that have earned him acclaim in galleries and by private collections.