The National Cathedral of Baseball
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I rank this park 5 out of 30
Amenities: What amenities? It's Wrigley Field! Actually, the food
is pretty good, even if the concourses are dark, dirty, and down a set of steps from the field. With the recent concrete falling
incident in the concouses, you may want to wait for the vendor to come around. The scoreboard, although historic and unique,
is just about the most pathetic, least informative in baseball. I try to overlook that, remembering that this is Wrigley Field,
even if it does have posts blocking some views. I rank this park 11 out of 30 because for a fan who has to come here many
times per year, the lack of amenities and discomfort of some of the park can get irritating.
History: In 1914, this park was built for the Chicago Whales.
In 1916, the Cubs moved in. The park was renovated in 1920, and again in 1926, when an upper deck was added and the field
lowered. In 1937, the scoreboard and bleachers were added to the outfield. In 1942, lights were supposed to be installed,
but Phil Wrigley decided they would be better used in the war effort. As a result, it was 1988 when lights were installed,
and in the first night game...there was a rainout! So, after around 90 years here, the Cubs still haven't won a World Series!
(Thanks Bartman). In 1945, the curse was started, when the Cubs wouldn't let a local businessman bring his goat to a world
series game. The effects have been felt numerous times, notably in 1984 and 2003.
Location: Wrigleyville is a unique neighborhood shaped by the
ballpark. Residents fought to keep the lights off the park, but for how much Wrigley has done to help them, I think they'll live.
With so many bars and businesses around, Wrigley is viewed as some as the best park ever built. Rooftop bleachers and great
views make Wrigley's location one of the best, although there is virtually no parking, and it's a ways from downtown.
Atmosphere: Mostly, it's a bunch of rowdy, stupid college kids,
but there are some real baseball fans. It's an interesting mix, and it makes for a loud, crowded park. The bleacher bums are the
most talked about fans in baseball, with their shirts off, and their drunkenness and tradition of throwing back opponents'
home runs. The park usually sells out.
Aesthetics: The red info board outside is very recognizeable,
and improves a dull exterior. Inside, it can be beautifully lush or coldly brown depending on the weather. The ivy
doesn't come in until late may, so there are differing opinions on the view. Wrigley has just two decks, so
it feels smaller than it is, and you can see the outside world under the upper deck, which is unique. The brick walls have
been duplicated at new parks, but Wrigley is still the classic.
