Ozark Patriots

The Ozark Patriots was a short-lived baseball team based in Ozark, Alabama. In 2002 they were members of the Southeastern League of Professional Baseball. They played their home games in Ozark, Alabama, at historic Eagle Stadium, which was constructed in 1946. A few Patriot standouts were Sergio Cairo, Junior Braddy, Cortney Jenkins, Steve Crampton, and Ty Ryburn. Ryburn, a pitcher, has the distinction of leading all Minor Leagues with a .141 opponents batting average during 2002. Patriot ownership had financial problems and the team folded at the all-star break.^{[citation needed]} Coincidentally, Celebrity Entertainer Jonathan Aldridge was called in to play outfield, but ended up playing 2 games at SS, thus, never receiving a paycheck or reimbursement for his travel expenses.

History

Eagle Stadium is a baseball stadium where the Ozark Patriots played here before folding midway through the 2002 season. Professional baseball was also played here in the 1940s and 1950s as part of the Alabama-Florida League. The park features a small, covered grandstand that contains all bench seating and seats about 1,200. The dimensions of the field are huge here as center field is 440 feet from home plate. It is currently used for high school, American Legion, and special event baseball games.

See also