Tucson's Oscar Romero Ballpark at Cherry Field Celebrates 50 Years

The historic baseball stadium has been home to generations of Tucson High Badgers players and coaches.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Oscar Romero Ballpark at Cherry Field in Tucson, Arizona has a storied history dating back over a century. Originally built in 1921 as 'Cherry Street Field,' the stadium has been the home of the Tucson High Badgers baseball team through numerous coaching eras, state championships, and facility changes. The ballpark was recently renamed to honor longtime Tucson High coach Oscar Romero, who led the program for over 30 years and won 488 games, the most in school history.

Why it matters

The Oscar Romero Ballpark at Cherry Field represents the enduring legacy of high school sports in Tucson. Despite numerous challenges over the decades, including proposals to demolish the stadium, the facility has remained a community hub and a source of pride for generations of Tucson High athletes, coaches, and fans. The renaming honors Romero's impact on the program and the lasting importance of the ballpark to the city.

The details

The original 'Cherry Street Field' was built in 1921 on the grounds where the current football field and old baseball field are located. Over the decades, the stadium has hosted numerous Tucson High baseball teams, including those coached by legendary figures like Pop McKale, Andy Tolson, and Hank Slagle, who combined for 32 state championships. In 1987, plans to demolish homes around the stadium and expand the facility were scrapped, allowing the Badgers to continue playing at the historic ballpark. In 2008, the city renamed it the 'Cherry Field Detention Basin,' but in 2026 it was finally renamed the Oscar Romero Ballpark at Cherry Field to honor the coach who led the program for over three decades.

  • The original 'Cherry Street Field' was built in 1921.
  • Oscar Romero began his high school playing career at Tucson High in 1974.
  • Romero began coaching at Tucson High in 1983.
  • Romero collected his 400th win as Tucson High's head coach in 2014.
  • Romero retired in 2018 with 488 wins, the most in Tucson High history.

The players

James F. 'Pop' McKale

A young coach who led Tucson High to state titles in 1912 and 1913 before becoming the University of Arizona's Athletics Director in 1914.

Andy Tolson

The Tucson High head coach who led the Badgers to seven state championships between 1930 and 1941.

Hank Slagle

The Tucson High head coach who led the Badgers to 10 state championships between 1942 and 1954.

Oscar Romero

The longtime Tucson High head coach who won a program-record 488 games over his 35-year career, including leading the Badgers to the state championship game in 2002, 2015, and 2016.

Chris Moon

A beloved figure at the ballpark who passed away in 2010.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Tucson, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Tucson High baseball coach (Instagram)

What’s next

The city plans to hold a special ceremony to officially rename the ballpark the 'Oscar Romero Ballpark at Cherry Field' on April 15, 2026, the 50th anniversary of the facility.

The takeaway

The Oscar Romero Ballpark at Cherry Field stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of high school sports in Tucson. Despite facing numerous challenges over the decades, the historic stadium has remained a community hub, producing generations of Badgers players and coaches who have left an indelible mark on the city's athletic legacy.