Community Speaks Out on Quigley Stadium's Long Overdue Preservation in West Haven

During the recent West Haven City Council meeting, a passionate plea was made for the future of Quigley Stadium, a historic site located in the Fourth District. The speaker highlighted the stadium's rich legacy, noting that it has hosted baseball legends like Satchel Paige and Willie Mays. Despite its storied past, the stadium has fallen into disrepair, raising concerns about its maintenance and preservation.

The speaker referenced a 1988 New York Times article in which then-Mayor Gouveia stated that the city was losing approximately $75,000 annually on stadium upkeep. Since minor league baseball left in 1982, efforts to revitalize Quigley Stadium have been ongoing, yet little progress has been made over the decades. Current Mayor Boer acknowledged in March 2025 that the city is still evaluating the stadium's future, a process that has stretched nearly 40 years.

The speaker expressed frustration over the lack of a clear plan for the stadium's long-term preservation, questioning why West Haven, which has owned the stadium since 1951, has struggled to maintain it. Despite its deteriorating condition, Quigley Stadium continues to serve the community, hosting local leagues and high school games. The call for action emphasizes the need for a decisive plan to restore this historic venue, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of West Haven's identity.