Discover the Sports History of Malden, MA

Malden is a charming city with fascinating sports history that spans over 150 years. From baseball to basketball and everything in between, there are many sporting landmarks to explore in this multicultural community. Heres our list of mustsee sites for any sports enthusiast looking for a glimpse into Maldens past.

Begin your journey at Maplewood Park (1 Maplewood St, Malden), which was once home to the first minor league team in America, The Boston Red Stockings. The park also features an impressive war memorial dedicated to local veterans who died serving their country during World War I and II.

Next up is Devir Park (51 Fellsway W, Malden), where you can experience an important part of Maldens urban culture through its weekly pickup basketball games. Basketball has been played at Devir Park since the early 1920s when it became a popular spot for ItalianAmerican teens. Today, people from all backgrounds come together here for friendly competition under the backdrop of graffiti art on nearby walls.

For those interested in swimming history, head over to Lincoln Commons Pool (329 Eastern Ave., Malden). This pool was built as part of Franklin Roosevelts New Deal program and hosted several Olympic trials between its opening in 1939 and closing due to budget cuts three decades later.

Another iconic landmark worth visiting is Macdonald Stadium (99 Pearl St., Medford) located just across the border from Malden. This stadium was named after Robert S. Archie Macdonald who coached football at Tufts University and served as athletic director for both Tufts and Harvard University before becoming superintendent of schools in Medford from 1928 until his death two decades later due to injuries sustained while coaching football practice.

Lastly, dont forget about Pine Banks Park (1087 Main St, Melrose), which hosted the firstever American football game in 1869 between Princeton and Rutgers. It also holds an annual Fourth of July celebration with a variety of sports activities.

These landmarks offer just a glimpse into Maldens rich history of sports and cultural traditions. So grab your sneakers or cleats and come explore it all for yourself!

Websites:

Maplewood Park: www.cityofmalden.org/1585/Parks

Devir Park: www.cityofmalden.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/DevirPark81

Lincoln Commons Pool: www.cityofmalden.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/31/

Macdonald Stadium: www.medfordma.org/places/macdonaldstadium/

Pine Banks Park: pinebanks.org