Wrigley Field: Past and Present

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Blocks away from Lake Michigan on the corner of Clark and Addison, Wrigley Field is the center of a bustling community of diehard Cub fans. Wrigley field was built in 1914 and can hold up to 41,000 spectators. Outside the ballpark on any given game day there are beer-guzzling, hotdog eating fans around the park and in surrounding neighborhoods. Wrigley Field has been the center of baseball for the north side of Chicago and will be for many years in the future. Wrigley Field was built in 1914. Wrigley Field was designed by Zachary Taylor Davis for a federal league team, the Chicago Whales. When the park was first built it was called Wheeghman Park because the owner of the whale’s last name was Wheeghman. The ballpark originally held 20,000 spectators in 1914. In 1915 the Federal League ended and in 1918 Wheeghman purchased the Chicago Cubs and moved his new team to the three year old stadium. Later that year William Wrigley Jr. bought the team and renamed the stadium Cubs Park. In 1926, Cubs Park was renamed Wrigley Field and the grandstand was double decked, the playing field was lowered, and the bleachers in left field were removed. The new park capacity was 38,396. More renovations were added in 1937. Bleachers were constructed in the outfield and the storied 27 by 75 foot high manual scoreboard was built behind the bleachers in centerfield. Ivy was also planted on the walls by Bill Veeck to add padding to the brick wall. “Lights for Wrigley Field were originally to be constructed for the 1942 season. However because of World War II and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, “Wrigley donated the lights to the government” (Wrigley). The Tribu... ... middle of paper ... ...ons are not necessary, “The ballpark is constructed to the safety code and most of the additions would be luxurious, but would not be necessary to accommodate new fans to Wrigley Field” (Vineline). The renovations of Wrigley Field are very controversial and may need to be thought over by the Cub’s organization. In conclusion, Wrigley Field is the center of baseball in the north side of Chicago and will be for many years to come. The history that Wrigley Field has is extraordinary and will be remembered for many years to come. Zachary Taylor Davis would be proud to see that what he created is now a local and national treasure. Works Cited Blythe, Bruce. “Vineline: Meet the Ricketts.” Vineline Dec. 2009 Jacobs, Mark. Wrigley Field : A Celebration of the Friendly Confines Oct. 2007 King, James. “New Phoenix Times” Dec. 2009

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