Sam Lynn Ballpark - Bakersfield Train Robbers
- Meg Minard
- May 29
- 5 min read
Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57
Sam Lynn Ballpark 4009 Chester Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301
Year Opened: 1941
Capacity: 3,500
Baseball in Bakersfield
Baseball has been part of Bakersfield, CA for 85 years, and Sam Lynn Ballpark has welcomed generations of fans through its gates. Built in 1941, it hosted multiple California League clubs before the Bakersfield Train Robbers of the independent Pecos League made it their home in 2017.
One unique aspect of Sam Lynn Ballpark is the sun sets behind center field, causing games to start much later (usually 7:45pm) than the traditional game time. It’s been known to have a few delays of game because of the sun in the batter’s and catcher’s eye.
Calling Sam Lynn ‘historic’ is being kind as some spots are worn out, run down, or just not working, but the county has started breathing life back into the place. A $1.4 million renovation package is underway, with a freshly paved parking lot already finished. Over the past two years, the park has upgraded the press box, revamped the home and visitor locker rooms, renovated the snack bar, improved the restrooms, and extended the big blue batter’s eye slightly.
The Bakersfield Train Robbers last won the Pecos League championship in 2018 and have made multiple division and championships appearances since.
Food & Beverage 2
One concession stand is open selling basic ballpark fare at reasonable prices: hot dogs, nachos, Frito pies, peanuts, chips, soda, water, and beer. Prices range from $2 - $4; it’s easy on the wallet. Beers include Budweiser, Michelob Ultra, and Estrella ($5/can or $2 on Mondays). An attendant cooks the hot dogs fresh on the grill.
It’s simple, but enough and inexpensive.
Atmosphere 2
The ballpark has three main seating areas. Traditional green fold‑down stadium seats sit behind home plate and extend halfway down the third base line. A party‑style area with a tent sits behind the third base dugout.
On the first base side, fans will find blue fold‑down stadium seats, while a set of bleachers runs down the right field line toward the foul pole. The seats are generally comfortable, some include cup holders, and leg room is about average.
Two rows of seats are right behind the net; these fill up fast and are the best for those with mobility issues. The party area on the third base side blocks the left field views for some seats. Sit closer to home or on the first base side to avoid that. Seats are general admission so feel free to move around and get different perspectives. A medium think net hangs in front of the grand stand and first base seats; not the bleachers.
The pregame music is terribly loud; forget about talking with friends while that’s going on. If that kind of noise bothers you, bringing noise‑canceling headphones is a smart move. Things do quiet down once the game actually starts. The Train Robbers mix in plenty of in‑game entertainment, including 50/50 raffles, trivia contests, the chicken dance, kids running the bases, YMCA, Sweet Caroline, and more.
Center field features a massive batter’s eye, with trees lining the outfield walls. Lots of foul territory is behind the home plate area. The field is in rough shape; it looks like a rugby match has just ripped through it.
The dot matrix scoreboard doesn’t work, so you don’t know balls, strikes, outs, etc. A Train Robber places runs after each half inning on a manual board in right field. It’d be better if the announcer called some of the game or summarized each half inning.
Fans may need to bring a sweat shirt as it can get chilly after the sun sets in the early part of the season.
Neighborhood 3
Sam Lynn Ballpark is two miles north of the downtown area, the closest destination for a pregame meal or place to spend the night.
Some recommended eateries are: The 18hundred (American-inspired), Hon Ramen (Japanese), and Moo Scratch Kitchen (gourmet burgers and milkshakes). Bakersfield has several breweries to enjoy a cold one: Centro Cali, Lengthwise, and Tremblor, though most are not downtown.
Several hotels are nearby (but not walking distance) and include Best Western, Holiday Inn, and Marriott brands. Visit or stay at The Padre Hotel, a historic boutique hotel built in 1928.
The ballpark is adjacent to Kern County Museum (a historic museum with more than 56 historic buildings on 16 acres of grounds) and is worthy of a visit.
For other sports in Bakersfield, you’re out of luck during the summer season. The winter season delivers the Bakersfield Condors and a first‑rate AHL arena.
Fans 2
Train Robbers fans are a hardy bunch. You’ll hear cowbells ringing after big plays, and a healthy number of hecklers scattered throughout the crowd. There’s even a dedicated fan club. And the fans stay locked in on the action; they kind of have to, considering the scoreboard doesn’t work.
Access 3
Traveling to San Lynn Ballpark is best by vehicle. Bakersfield does have bus service but the closest stop is still a mile from the park. Meadows Field Airport, a small regional airport serviced by American Airlines and United Airlines, is less than 15 minutes from the ballpark.
Plenty of free parking is available on a newly paved lot. There’s no security check or bag rules which makes entering a breeze. The stands and concourses do not get congested. A good portion of the seating requires the ability to climb steps; be cognizant of that if you have mobility concerns. Updated restrooms are available.
Return on Investment 3
A Train Robbers game is an affordable evening out. Admission is $10 (cash or credit), with $2 Mondays. Concessions are very reasonably priced. And, parking is free.
Fans can purchase Train Robbers t-shirts, jerseys, and caps at the entry gate.
Extras 3
It’s encouraging to see Kern County investing in much‑needed updates to the ballpark.
$2 Mondays is a pretty good deal.
The Train Robbers honor the memory of Nick Danbrowney who tragically died in a car accident in 2025 by retiring his #26 jersey. A scholarship fund is being introduced in his name.
“The Bakersfield Train Robbers Fan Club has pledged to donate $500 each season to the scholarship fund his family plans to establish, ensuring Danbrowney’s legacy will continue to inspire future athletes.”
Final Thoughts
Attending a Train Robbers game won’t wow you but the fans are strong, the price is right, and it’s baseball.
