Tinker Field History Plaza

The original field and buildings at Tinker Field were built in 1922 and the ballpark was dedicated on April 19, 1923. The ballpark was said to be larger than the New York Yankees field. Many Baseball Hall of Famers including Jackie Robinson, Rod Carew, Bert Blyleven, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and Harmon Killebrew played on Tinker Field.

The field was also used by the Minnesota Twins Minor League team, as well as, by other teams for Spring Training, or part of the Florida State League and the Southern League. On March 6, 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his only speech in Central Florida, “Integration Now”, from the pitcher’s mound. In 2015, the historic baseball diamond and field were landmarked by the Orlando City Council.