Stadium Preview: Part II
What originally fueled the B4B idea was to visit each major league baseball stadium across the country. Now that our dreams will become reality beginning in 2012, we will want to share our greatest experiences with followers of our journey. We’ll report on fan devotion, best concessions, most memorable park moment in history and video blogging each 7th inning stretch the B4B crew will sing along to all season. We really want our readers to experience each stadium along with us.
Over the next few months, the B4B blog will be providing previews of each major league stadium. We will give some historical background, along with plenty of pictures. We would love to get fans perspective on each park as well, so please provide feedback on your favorite stadium on facebook and twitter. Our posts will take us from the oldest stadium all the way to the brand new Marlins Stadium. We hope you enjoy.
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is the second oldest major league ballpark. It was built in 1914 as the home of the Chicago Whales baseball team. The Cubs have been playing baseball there since 1916. In case you were wondering, the Cubs haven’t won the World Series since 1908. You may not know that is the longest current drought of all major North American professional sports teams. It’s not that well-documented.
Named after chewing gum magnate*, William Wrigley, Jr., Wrigley Field has been home to baseball, football, and soccer franchises:
Chicago Whales (FL) (1914–1915)
Chicago Cubs (MLB) (1916–present)
Chicago Tigers (APFA) (1920)
Chicago Bears (NFL) (1921–1970)
Chicago Sting (NASL) (1977–1982, 1984)
*Of all things to be a magnate of, I think chewing gum is by far the coolest. Chewing Gum Tycoon Chase Higgins, Chewing Gum Mogul Chase Higgins, Chewing Gum Magnate Chase Higgins all sound awesome.
The Friendly Confines seats 41,159, although a thousand more spectators enjoy the party from rooftop decks on buildings across Waveland and Sheffield Streets. Bleachers on the rooftop are full for games in which the stadium isn’t even full, which perfectly plays into the stereotype of Cubs fans who come to Wrigley to enjoy day baseball games, drink Old Style, and maybe see their beloved Cubs win. A stereotype I endorse!
Wrigley is known for its distinctive ivy-covered outfield walls. The ivy was planted in 1937 by the Cubs General Manager Bill Veeck, who is predominantly known for very bad publicity stunts. Luckily, the ivy walls have turned out to be an endearing part of one of the country’s great classic stadiums.
The iconic entry marquee is easily recognizable on the exterior of the stadium. It was installed in 1934.
Hall of Fame announcer Harry Caray used to sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the seventh inning stretch until he passed away in 1998. The Cubs have invited celebrities, former players, and others to sing in place of Caray since then. That’s a very cool tradition that B4B is excited to experience in person.
Hopefully we will also see the “Cubs Win” flag. The Cubs raise a flag after every game indicating the result of the game that day. B4B is very excited to catch a game at this venerable stadium. Make sure to follow us on twitter and facebook to stay updated with all the cool stuff we are doing.