Remember Babe Ruth’s called shot. Right here at Wrigley Field legends were born. Wrigley Field is more than just a ballpark. It is a symbol of Chicago. It is a testament to baseball’s enduring appeal.
Wrigley Field’s story began in 1914. It was first known as Weeghman Park. Charles Weeghman owned the Chicago Whales. The park was built for his team. The Chicago Whales played in the Federal League.
Imagine Weeghman’s vision. He hired Zachary Taylor Davis to design the park. The construction cost $250,000. That is about $7.6 million today.
In 1916, the Chicago Cubs moved here. They beat the Cincinnati Reds in their first game. The Cubs called this park home ever since.
In 1920, William Wrigley Jr. acquired the Cubs. He renamed Cubs Park to Wrigley Field in 1927. Wrigley was a chewing gum magnate. His name is now synonymous with baseball.
Did you know Wrigley Field is nicknamed “The Friendly Confines”? Ernie Banks popularized this phrase. He captured the ballpark’s welcoming atmosphere.
Wrigley Field boasts unique features. The ivy-covered outfield walls are iconic. The hand-turned scoreboard is a classic. Wind patterns off Lake Michigan add unpredictability.
In 1937, Bill Veeck planted ivy against the outfield walls. It was originally English ivy. Now, it is Boston ivy. This ivy turns red in the autumn.
Balls get lost in the ivy sometimes. If a ball gets stuck, it is a ground rule double. Fielders often raise their arms to signal the umpires.
The hand-turned scoreboard was installed in 1937. It has been updated manually ever since. This scoreboard shows scores of other games.
Wrigley Field was the last MLB park to get lights. Lights were finally installed in 1988. The first official night game was against the New York Mets. The Cubs won 6-4.
From 1921 to 1970, the Chicago Bears also called Wrigley Field home. The stadium hosted many NFL games.
Wrigley Field hosted a college football game in 2010. Northwestern played against Illinois. The field ran east to west.
Since 2005, Wrigley Field hosts concerts. Jimmy Buffett, Billy Joel and Pearl Jam have performed here. These concerts bring music and energy to the neighborhood.
The main entrance marquee is a landmark. It is red and art deco style. It reads “Wrigley Field, Home of Chicago Cubs”.
A win flag flies atop the scoreboard after each Cubs victory. The W flag is white with a blue W. Fans bring win flags to celebrate.
Harry Caray made “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” a Wrigley Field tradition. Celebrities now lead the singing during the seventh inning stretch.
Wrigley Field was the first MLB park with organ music in 1941. Gary Pressy played the organ for 33 years straight.
Wrigley Field underwent a major renovation. The 1060 Project improved the stadium. It preserved its historic features. A Jumbotron was added in left field.
Wrigley Field is a National Historic Landmark. This status recognizes its significance. It is interwoven into America’s story.
Wrigley Field is more than a stadium. It is a living piece of history. It is a place where memories are made. It’s a place Chicagoans cherish.