
3 minute read
The Magic of a Rawhide Night
Baseball has been a part of Visalia’s fabric since 1946, when the team then known as the Visalia Cubs, played their first season. Over the decades, the team changed names and affiliations, becoming the Rawhide in 2009 and is currently an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. But through every evolution, one thing has stayed the same: the ballpark is a beloved gathering place, woven into the heart of the community.
Valley Strong Ballpark is one of the oldest stadiums in Minor League Baseball, and you can feel the history in the grandstands. This is the field where legends began—Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett played here, along with stars like Max Scherzer, Paul Goldschmidt, and Barry Zito. But for most of us, the real legends are the family and friends sitting next to us: grandparents who remember the bleachers before they had backrests, kids catching their first foul ball, and young players dreaming of wearing the Rawhide jersey themselves–hometown heroes in the making.






More Than Just a Ballgame
Today, the park blends that storied past with modern charm. Whether you're sitting behind home plate or meeting Tipper T. Bull for the first time, every game feels like a small-town summer memory in the making. Fireworks nights, theme games, and Friday cheers make it an unforgettable experience.
In a world that's always racing ahead, a night at Valley Strong slows things down. It's a place to be present—to clap along with the crowd, sip something cold, and stay just a little longer under the lights. You don’t have to be a die-hard baseball fan to fall in love with the experience. You just have to show up.
In Visalia, a night at the ballpark isn’t just a tradition. It’s a reminder of what makes this place truly feel like home.








Words by Lifestyle Staff
Illustrations by Saegan Moran