Is Wrigley Field the Oldest Baseball Stadium?
Wrigley Field, located in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the most iconic baseball stadiums in the United States. As a baseball enthusiast, you might have wondered if Wrigley Field is indeed the oldest baseball stadium. In this article, we will explore the history of Wrigley Field and determine its status among the oldest baseball stadiums in the country.
Wrigley Field was constructed in 1914 and opened on April 20, 1914, with a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies. The stadium was built on the site of Weeghman Park, which was the home of the Chicago Whales, a team that played in the National League from 1913 to 1915. The Cubs bought the Whales and moved to the new stadium, renaming it Wrigley Field in honor of Charles Wrigley, the team’s owner.
While Wrigley Field is one of the oldest baseball stadiums, it is not the oldest in the United States. That title goes to the oldest existing professional baseball stadium, Washington Park in Washington, D.C. Washington Park was built in 1871 and was the home of the original Washington Nationals. However, the stadium was destroyed by a fire in 1891, and the team moved to a new location.
Other older baseball stadiums include Athletic Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which was built in 1891 and served as the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, which was constructed in 1912 and is home to the Boston Red Sox. Both of these stadiums are older than Wrigley Field.
Despite not being the oldest, Wrigley Field holds a special place in the history of baseball. It is one of the few stadiums that has remained virtually unchanged since its opening, with the exception of the addition of lights in 1988. The iconic brick outfield wall, known as the ivy-covered wall, is another unique feature that sets Wrigley Field apart from other stadiums.
In conclusion, while Wrigley Field is not the oldest baseball stadium in the United States, it is one of the most significant and beloved. Its rich history and unique features make it a must-visit destination for any baseball fan. Whether or not it is the oldest, Wrigley Field’s enduring legacy in the world of baseball is undeniable.
