Snapshot In Time: Derby Bid Farewell To The Baseball Ground

Whilst circumstances currently mean there’s no live football to enjoy, dcfc.co.uk is delving into the archives to feature a photograph from Derby County’s illustrious history.

For the foreseeable future, we’ll provide you an image each day for supporters to enjoy and reminisce.

Derby Prepare To Say Goodbye To The Baseball Ground

Pictured here are Derby County’s players lining up ahead of the club’s last-ever competitive fixture at the Baseball Ground on 11th May 1997.

Derby’s first season back in the top-flight, and their first in the Premiership since its formation, had seen them preserve their status in the division for another year - and that meant the meeting with the Gunners had nothing resting on it ahead of kick-off.

The club was preparing to move into its new home at Pride Park Stadium at the beginning of the 1997/98 campaign.

There was a party atmosphere throughout the day as the Rams prepared to bring down the curtain on their time at the club’s home from 1895 until 1997.

Derby were beaten 3-1 on the day by Arsene Wenger’s side but even a defeat couldn’t dampen the mood on a day of celebration.

Ashley Ward was the Rams’ last goalscorer at the Baseball Ground, with Arsenal’s Ian Wright the officially the last player to score at the ground.

Look out for tomorrow’s Snapshot in Time across dcfc.co.uk – and remember you can suggest an image by getting in touch via the club’s social media channels.