Bingham Kickball Fields

I tried a Big Balls Kickball league here, and I was sadly disappointed. You’re in the middle of run down buildings and the field is in horrible condition. During the first inning, there was even a metal pipe on the field. Also, no place to use the restroom, so be prepared to hold it. You wouldn’t want to walk somewhere to find a restroom in fear of not returning — quite creepy. Stay clear!

Oh, where to begin…
So this is a field that is home to Friendly’s Kickball League (sponsored by the local Friendly’s Bar.) I happened upon this place after a friend signed us up for a kickball league, thinking it was one of the many held in Tower Grove Park. I soon sound this was anything but the case.
I have nothing against the league or bar itself. They run a fairly efficient league on Sunday’s, have a legit umpire, and charge a pretty reasonable price for some beer-​filled Sunday Funday.
However, to call this a «park» or even a «field» is a huge strength. It’s essentially an abandoned lot covered with grass. It’s pretty bumpy, runs next to the train tracks, and stray dogs frequent the area. There’s no trees to speak of really. It’s next to a huge abandoned building that used to be a paper factory, but now is a graffiti filled, broken window, dangerous eyesore. It screams «stereotypical stl», and is somewhere I would in now way find myself past dusk.
After a bit of digging, I found that the lot and the nearby abandon buildings are all owned by the for-​profit charter Imagine Schools, which were recently forced out of the area by the State Board of Education. To add insult to injury, they owe quite a bit in back taxes and interest on the property, so as you can imagine they aren’t caring for it in the slightest.
So week after week I spent my Sunday’s at this lovely destination. I’d recommend you not do the same; head to Tower Grove to get your kickball on.