Kokernot Field, a historic ballpark long central to the identity of Alpine and West Texas baseball, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, according to a recent announcement from Historic Alpine.
The designation recognizes the field’s historical and cultural significance, placing it among a select group of preserved ballparks nationwide and making it the only individually listed historic baseball field in Texas on the register.
Built in 1947 by Herbert Lee Kokernot Jr. for the Alpine Cowboys, the ballpark has served for generations as more than a venue for games. Community leaders described it as a gathering place, a proving ground for players and a longstanding symbol of hometown pride.
Historic Alpine credited the Alpine Cowboys as central to the field’s enduring legacy, noting that the team’s history is inseparable from the ballpark itself. The designation honors both the physical site and the tradition carried forward by players, families and fans.
The effort to secure the recognition involved collaboration with Post Oak Preservation Solutions, the City of Alpine and the Historic Alpine Abbey Branch, which advocates for preservation of local landmarks.
Supporters said the listing underscores the importance of community commitment in preserving historic places and ensures broader recognition of Kokernot Field’s role in Texas baseball history.
“With this designation, the rest of Texas and beyond can recognize what Alpine has long known,” the organization said in its announcement. “Kokernot Field is one of the great ballparks.”
