POLICIES AND INFORMATION | DIRECTIONS | TICKETS
It was only through the vision and efforts of Jim Hatfield and Paul Mick that a task force was formed with the Lions and Rotary clubs and the school board to develop a park.
After considering several properties in and around Marion, the Hatfield group settled on the present location as it was the only possible location that the local youth could access either by walking or by bicycle. Funds were successfully solicited from the Kentucky Department of Local Government via the Pennyrile Area Development District and then-Gov. Julian Carroll with the aid of another friend, Joe Yarbrough.
Most development like grading and dirt work was done by local benefactors – Easley Hill and his tractors, the track boosters from the high school, as well as the Henderson-Union local office: Jim Fred Mills and Donnie Phillips Sr. Mary Byrum, country trial commissioner, used court-designated offenders to give the park their community service time. The fiscal court provided students from a work study for GED program to help with clearing and cutting bushes. Charlie Hunt and his feed mill group single-handedly built the first equipped playground
Gradually, over the next 20 years since its genesis in 1978, the park grew and eventually encompassed three baseball fields and one softball field for use by all age groups. A 1.25-mile walking track was added by the park board in 2005. Restrooms replaced the port-a-toilets in 1995. The local tourism commission and private benefactors developed the north section by adding three soccer fields to complement the high school field completed in 2002. The basketball courts were also original and there is a picnic pavilion on either side of the creek.
Tennis courts were installed in 1980 but were replaced by a skate park in 2008 to go along with numerous improvements at Gordon Blue Guess Field in preparation for the Marion Bobcats’ first season. The field was named for Guess, a former broadcaster for Crittenden County High School and Tradewater Pirates baseball, many years earlier for his contributions to the facility.
Two major baseball program contributors – Mills and George “Red” Benton – were honored by the naming of two of the entry ways to the parking areas.
Volunteers and private benefactors together with the very cooperative local governments have developed the park into a quality facility which can be used and enjoyed by the entire county. The park’s presence indeed makes this a better place to live, work and play. The citizens of Crittenden County and the generations to follow can take pride in “our” park.
Autographs
Players are available after games to sign autographs near the home dugout on the first base side of the field.
Beer
Alcoholic beverages are not sold at Gordon Blue Guess Field or Marion-Crittenden County Park. In fact, the public consumption of alcoholic beverages of any type is prohibited anywhere in Marion or Crittenden County.
Broken windshields
Fans are welcome to park in spaces around Gordon Blue Guess Field or at any location at Marion-Crittenden County Park at no cost. However, fans who park in an area where baseballs may inflict damage to their automobile do so at their own risk. The Marion Bobcats and Marion-Crittenden County Park Board are not liable for any damage to automobiles while parked at Gordon Blue Guess Field or at any spot inside the park.
Concession carry-ins
KIT League rules prohibit fans from bringing any cooler, cans, bottles, food or beverages into Gordon Blue Guess Field.
Credit cards
The Marion Bobcats do not accept credit cards for merchandise or concessions.
Customer service
Guests can receive answers to questions, obtain team information or register concerns, pick up prizes and drop off or pick up lost and found items near the concession area at the ballpark. Though no one is designated as a customer service representative, concession workers should be able to direct fans to the correct staff member.
Double headers
Double headers are generally slated to begin at 5 p.m. Both games will be seven innings save a tie at the end of scheduled play. The second game will be played following a short intermission. Tickets are good for one or both games.
First-aid and safety
First-aid for fans is available from team managers and trainers with either the home or visiting ball club. The park is patrolled by Marion Police Department. For emergencies, please call 911.
Foul balls
Fans are asked to return any ball that is hit or thrown into the stands or out of the field of play. The Bobcats purchase balls for each home game, and your return of each ball to the concession stand for re-use is appreciated. Fans should remember that any ball or bat entering the stands can be dangerous, and fans should be alert at all times.
Gates open
Gates open one hour before scheduled game time.
Lost and found
Al found items are to be taken to the Bobcats concession stand. Please check with concessions if you have lost an item. You may also call 965-2750 if your item remains lost and you would like to check back at a later date.
Merchandise
Various Marion Bobcats merchandise is available at the concession stand on the first base side.
National anthem
Before each game, America’s national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” will be played over the public address system or sang by a volunteer. Protocol asks that you remove your cap and face in the direction of the flag flying in center field. If you or your group would like to lead the crowd in the national anthem, call 270.704.6402, e-mail us or see any of the Marion Bobcats staff or management at least 30 minutes before game time.
Press box
Fans are not permitted to enter the press box. All requests for announcements should be placed at the concession stand.
Rain checks
In the event that four and a half innings of a game are not played, your ticket can be exchanged for a ticket of the same price to any 2010 regular season Marion Bobcats game remaining at Gordon Blue Guess Field, based on availability.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located in the free-standing building behind the press box and concession stand.
Seventh inning stretch
If you or your group would like to lead the crowd in the seventh-inning stretch, call 270.704.6402, e-mail us or see any of the Marion Bobcats staff or management before the fourth inning of the game. We welcome your voice and enthusiasm for America’s pastime.
Smoking
While smoking is permitted at the ballpark, the Marion Bobcats ask that fans please be courteous of their neighbor.
Special needs
Gordon Blue Guess Field is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair seating is available in both the visiting and home grandstands.
Ticket sales
Tickets may be purchased at the gate beginning an hour before game time at the price of $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Advance tickets can be purchased in packets of 10 and 25. Advance sales are 20 percent off the face value. Call 270.704.0953 or e-mail us for further information on ticket sales.
Gordon Blue Guess Field is located at Marion-Crittenden County Park in the northeastern corner of the City of Marion. The park is located off Old Morganfield Road, with entrances on George "Red" Benton and Jim Fred Mills drives, each named for individuals who have made significant contributions to youth athletics.
Using U.S. 60 north of Marion (Henderson)
Take U.S. 60 (Sturgis Road/North Main Street once entering Marion city limit) to stoplight at junction with Ky. 120 (East Bellville Street), turn left at signal heading down East Bellville Street, turning left onto Old Shady Grove Road, which is the fourth street on the left. Old Shady Grove Road ends, becoming Country Drive as you veer left. Country Drive ends at its junction with Old Morganfield Road at the entrance of the Park.
Using U.S. 60 west of Marion (Paducah)
Take U.S. 60 (upon entering Marion city limit, U.S. 60/West Gum Street ends at first stoplight, requiring a left on to remain on U.S. 60/South Main Street) to second stoplight four blocks ahead at junction with Ky. 120 (East Bellville Street), turn right at signal heading down East Bellville Street, turning left onto Old Shady Grove Road, which is the fourth street on the left. Old Shady Grove Road ends, becoming Country Drive as you veer left. Country Drive ends at its junction with Old Morganfield Road at the entrance of the Park.
Using U.S. 641/Ky. 91 south of Marion (Princeton)
Take U.S. 641/Ky. 91 (South Main Street once entering Marion city limit) to intersection with U.S. 60/South Main Street at stoplight. Stay on South Main Street by heading straight ahead under traffic signal, driving four blocks until stoplight at junction with Ky. 120 (East Bellville Street), turn right at signal heading down East Bellville Street, turning left onto Old Shady Grove Road, which is the fourth street on the left. Old Shady Grove Road ends, becoming Country Drive as you veer left. Country Drive ends at its junction with Old Morganfield Road at the entrance of the Park.
Using Ky. 120 east of Marion (Providence)
Turn right onto G.H. McMican Road before entering Marion city limit, which ends at entrance to park. Or, take Ky. 120 (East Bellville Street once entering Marion city limit) to North Clay Street, the first street to on the right once entering the city limit. At end of street, turn right onto Old Shady Grove Road. Old Shady Grove Road ends, becoming Country Drive as you veer left. Country Drive ends at its junction with Old Morganfield Road at the entrance of the Park.