Joe Becker Stadium Historic Joe Becker Stadium was built in 1913, and has proven an ability to stand the test of time. It has survived two fires, one in 1936 and another in 1971, countless storms, and thousands upon thousands of games from little league to semi-pro. Professional superstars and high school and American Legion players who dreamed of baseball stardom at the professional level have called Joe Becker Stadium home. It has played host to such greats as Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial, Joe Garagiola, and Ken Boyer. City-owned Joe Becker Stadium is not only the home of the Missouri Southern Lions, but has also served as a home for the Joplin High School Eagles, American Legion Post #13, and several regional tournaments. USA Junior Baseball also has held its tryout at Joe Becker for several years. In the spring of 2005, the Southwest Slashers, a National Baseball Congress sanctioned program, announced they would make Joe Becker Stadium their new home. Since joining the NCAA Division II ranks and the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association in 1990, the Lions have posted a 323-129-1 record at Joe Becker Stadium. Their longest win streak during that time is 28 games. The string of wins began on February 2, 1994 with a 10-5 win over the University of Nebraska-Kearney, and ran through a 4-3 win over South Dakota State University on March 10, 1995. Northeastern State University ended the streak on March 12, 1995, downing the Lions 12-7. Joe Becker Stadium seats 1,070 fans and has a grass outfield. Its dimensions are 342 feet to left field, 415 to center, 317 to right, 375 up the left alley, and 350 up the right alley. The field is named for the prominent Joplin sportsman from the 1920s to 1940s. Joe Becker was a professional baseball umpire and scout and also served as business manager for the Joplin Miners minor league baseball team from 1936-42. He was awarded a life-time pass to Major League Baseball games by George M. Troutman, President of the Minor League Baseball Association.