 In October 1977, the new Memphis Chicks franchise changed the name of the ballpark to Tim McCarver Field after then-Major League Baseball catcher and current commentator, Tim McCarver, a Memphis native.It was unusual in that the infield in later years was AstroTurf so that Kansas City Royals players could practice on the artificial surface in preparation for playing at Kauffman Stadium which until 1995 was AstroTurf.The facility replaced Russwood Park, the previous baseball park, after its destruction by fire in 1960 which effectively sent Memphis baseball into dormancy for several years.