Wrigley Field History

From Wrigley Field to Yankee Stadium A mighty and triumphant roar radiates from the throats of the thousands upon thousands of people packed into the stands like sardines. Tears of joy stream down the faces of grown men as the team they have loved since they could first walk has just won the World Series. The sport of baseball has grown to become the national pastime of the United States since Abner Doubleday first invented it in 1839. From 1839 to the present, many things have changed about the sport of baseball. The type of wood used to make bats has changed, players have gotten stronger and faster, baseball has become integrated, and the popularity of the sport has increased dramatically. Despite these changes, one thing has remained similar …show more content…
When reminiscing to the era in which greats such as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig played, and when men dressed up in suit coats, top hats, and neck ties when coming to a ball game, two distinctive ballparks come to mind. These two ballparks go by the names of Wrigley Field (home of the Chicago Cubs) and Fenway Park (home of the Boston Red Sox). Wrigley Field first opened its gates back in 1914, whereas Fenway Park opened in 1912. These stadiums have stood to survive the test of time due to their old-time charm and historic aspects. “The Friendly Confines” have been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916, experiencing all of the pain and anguish that has come from the “lovable losers.” This ballpark has gained notoriety and fame due to its manual scoreboard, its brick, ivy covered outfield walls, its view obstructing support poles, and its famous marquee sign. Wrigley is considered by many to be baseball’s best ballpark due to its long history, old-timey feel, and historic charm. Baseball enthusiasts everywhere make a visit to Wrigley Field one of their bucket list items. One thing that has set Wrigley and Fenway apart from other ballparks are the alleged curses they possess. Wrigley has become notorious for possessing the “Curse of the Billy Goat,” compared to Fenway, which supposedly possessed the “Curse of the Great Bambino.” Fenway Park is described in much the same manner as Wrigley for its …show more content…
An example of this category of ballpark is Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros. Minute Maid Park is well known for a few peculiar features, such as the train that rides around the top of the outfield wall, the incorporation of historic Union Station into the stadium’s construction, and Tal’s Hill (a literal hill in the field of play) in centerfield. This ballpark doesn’t possess the same historic charisma that Fenway and Wrigley do, but its unique features and culture make it a special place too. Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles, is another example of a newer ballpark that is beloved by many for its own characteristics. Camden Yards is special because in the eyes of most of the baseball community, it was the first of the newer wave of ballparks to pay homage to older ballparks and possess a retro design. This ballpark has also gained fame for its incorporation, rather than destruction, of the B&O Warehouse into the stadium’s design. This incorporation of a local landmark into the stadium’s construction is similar to Minute Maid park incorporating Union Station into the ballpark’s design. Another example of a beloved modern ballpark is PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. PNC Park is consistently ranked as one of the top ballparks in America for its incredible sightlines into the city of Pittsburgh, and most notably for its spectacular view