Zimagal Monthly Magazine - Volume One, Issue Five

The early stadiums were designed to blend in with the neighborhoods in which they were located. Because most people arrived by foot or trolley or streetcar, there was no need for large parking facilities; the ballpark could sit right on the street, side-by-side with the other buildings in the area. Thus if a park was in a warehouse district, it looked remarkably like another warehouse. Also, since ballparks were built in populated urban areas, they were made to conform with the configuration of the city blocks on which they were located. This led to some interesting shapes as architects had to squeeze the facility into the space provided.

In general, the old ballparks were more personal and intimate, both within the confines of their walls in the interaction between players and spectators, and the role which they played in the community.

Braves Field,
Boston

Home of the
Boston Braves
8/18/15 - 9/21/52

Braves Field, Boston, MA

The main entrance to the park, on Gaffney Street.
The main entrance of Braves Field more resembled an inn or restaurant, with its arches and sloping roof, than the entrance to a ballfield.

Babe Ruth ended his career playing right field. After being released by the Yankees, Babe signed with the Braves in 1935 and was given the positions of vice-president, assistant manager, and active player, with the added lure that he could become manager in 1936. He was in no condition to play, and the titles were empty ones, as was the managerial promise. He announced his retirement from active play on June 2, 1935. He was fired that same day by owner Emil Fuchs.

Crosley Field,
Cincinnati

Home of the
Cincinnati Reds
1884 - 4/24/70

Crosley Field, Cincinnati, OH

Aerial view of Crosley Field, then known as Redland Field.
The entrance to the park, near the middle left side of the picture, resembles a hotel or grand residence with arched windows.

On May 24, 1935, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt threw a switch in the White House which turned on the lights at Crosley Field for the major league's first ever night game.

Ebbets Field,
Brooklyn

Home of the
Brooklyn Dodgers
4/9/13 - 9/24/57

Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, NY

The main entrance, in 1913.
Looking for all the world like a train station from the outside, Ebbets Field contained a rotunda which featured a floor of Italian marble decorated with the pattern resembling the stitching on a baseball. From the ceiling hung a huge chandelier with twelve arms in the shape of baseball bats.

On April 15th, 1947, Jackie Robinson becomes the first black player in the major leagues in the 20th Century when he starts the season as first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Fenway Park,
Boston

Home of the
Boston Red Sox
4/20/12 - Present

Fenway Park, Boston, MA

Side view of Fenway, featuring mosaic detailing.
From this view, who could imagine this building was anything but a warehouse?

Fenway Park is the only one of the "old" ballparks still standing. There are plans afoot to build a new stadium for the Red Sox, but many people would prefer that Fenway simply be refurbished.

Forbes Field,
Pittsburgh

Home of the
Pittsburgh Pirates
6/30/09 - 6/28/70

Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, PA

Main entrance to Forbes Field
The Hoi Palloi emerging from the field after a game.

In 1909, box seats at Forbes Field cost $1.25. Considering that the modern day equivalent of a dollar is approximately seventeen times higher, that would mean that box seats in 1909 cost the equivalent of $21.25. A day at the ballpark was not an inexpensive proposition in those days!

Shibe Park,
Philadelphia

Home of the
Philadelphia Athletics
4/12/09 - 9/19/54
Philadelphia Phillies
7/1/38 -10/1/70

Shibe Park, aka Connie Mack Stadium, Philadelphia, PA

Shibe Park, at the corner of Lehigh and 21st Street, in the twenties.
With the domed cupola, this ballpark could pass for a government building.

Opening day, 1909, paid attendance was listed as 30,162. Seating capacity for the park was listed as 20,000.

Wrigley Field,
Los Angeles

Home of the
Los Angeles Angels
(Pacific Coast League)
1925-1957
Hollywood Stars
(Pacific Coast League)
1926-1935 and 1938
Los Angeles Angels
(American League)
4/27/61 -10/1/61

Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, California

Aerial view of Wrigley Field in Los Angeles.
Classic Art Deco, California style: the red-roofed white facade resembled that of many of the surrounding homes.

Wrigley served as a background for a number of scenes in Damn Yankees, as well as It Happens Every Spring, with Ray Milland.