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Thillens Stadium

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Can you imagine a baseball park where anyone could play, rent-free? Welcome to Thillens Stadium, a legendary field in Chicago, Illinois. Built in 1938 by Mel Thillens, Sr., a businessman known for his check-cashing business, this park was designed for everyone. It cost $6 million to build and featured lights for night games. Thillens Stadium wasn’t just any ballpark. It was where history was made, as seen on WGN-TV, home of the iconic Jack Brickhouse. It was a true community hub where Little League games and men’s 16-inch softball games were broadcasted throughout the 1940s, 50s and 60s. But the most significant moment happened during a Little League telecast in the 1950s. A cameraman decided to place a camera in center field, capturing the little catcher giving signs and the little batter’s face. This innovative move became a standard for all baseball telecasts, forever changing how the sport was viewed. The Thillens family’s love for their stadium was known for the spit-and-polish glamor. They spent a fortune each year ensuring it was impeccably landscaped, cleaned and painted. It was a special place. Unfortunately, over time, the stadium fell into decline. Eventually, it was forced to close its doors in March 2005. But thanks to a $1.5 million investment by the City of Chicago and the Chicago Cubs, it reopened in June 2006. Today, known as The Stadium at Devon and Kedzie, this legendary field continues to inspire generations of young athletes.

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