“Go, Cubs, go! Go, Cubs, go! Hey, Chicago, what do you say? The Cubs are gonna win today!” That is what you’ll hear from the loud stadium filled with baseball fans located on 1060 W Addison Street after the Cubs win. The baseball stadium, Wrigley Field is located in Chicago, Illinois. It’s in a neighborhood known as Lakeview or most specifically, Wrigleyville. Wrigley Field is surrounded by apartment buildings, bars, and restaurants. It is difficult to not have a fun time during any Cubs game! However, before Wrigley Field officially existed in 1926, home to Sammy Sosa, Ernie Banks, and Billy Williams to name a few, it was originally known as Weeghman Park, named after the original owner, Charles Weeghman. Weeghman’s baseball team was known as the Chicago Whales until the Federal League broke up in 1915. However, during this time the Chicago “Cubs” did exist. Just not as the Cubs but as The Chicago White Stockings since 1886. Then, Chicago Colts in 1890. After that, the Chicago Orphans were born. And finally, in 1903, the Chicago Cubs name finally came about and stuck with them ever since. While The Chicago Whales were playing at Weeghman Park, the Cubs were playing at West Side Grounds. West Side Grounds was located at the intersection of South Wolcott Avenue and West Polk Street on Chicago's West Side. This park is located about 10 miles southwest of Wrigley Field. Pictured below is the construction progress of what will soon become Wrigley Field.
History of Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field has a rich and storied history that dates back more than a century. Designed by architect Zachary Taylor Davis, the ballpark was constructed in 1914 and became the home of the Chicago Cubs in 1916. The field has undergone numerous changes over the years, most notably the installation of its famous ivy-covered brick outfield walls in 1937, a feature that remains one of its defining characteristics.
Over the decades, Wrigley Field has played host to numerous historic events. The park was the site of Babe Ruth's famed "called shot" during the 1932 World Series, and it served as the last major league ballpark to install lights for night games in 1988. Wrigley Field also saw the Cubs' historic 2016 World Series win, ending the 108-year championship drought that had long been a hallmark of the franchise.
Architectural Features
Wrigley Field stands out for its classic architecture, which sets it apart from the more modern designs of many contemporary ballparks. The manual scoreboard, which has been in use since 1937, is still operated by hand today, and the ivy-covered outfield walls are a one-of-a-kind feature in Major League Baseball.
In 2014, the stadium celebrated its centennial and began a multi-year renovation and restoration project called “The 1060 Project.” These efforts aimed to preserve Wrigley’s historical features while modernizing certain aspects of the ballpark to improve fan experience, such as expanded seating, updated restrooms, and new club spaces. Yet, through these changes, Wrigley Field has retained its old-time baseball charm.
Photo Credits to SportsFixChicago
Today, Wrigley Field has many renovations and extensions as this stadium continues to evolve and create many historical memories. After the spring and summer baseball season Chicagoans can still enjoy the blue and red Cubs atmosphere while ice skating at Gallagher Way, right next to the field. Here, people can enjoy live music, enjoy delicious restaurants, attend fitness classes, or experience movies which is all friendly towards adults and children. Today, the Wrigley Field owner, Thomas S. Ricketts wants to add in a new digitized jumbo screen behind the stand in left field. Many people may be grateful for this new renovation as it may be difficult to read the traditional manual green score board from the farthest seat in the stadium. However, Ricketts will not be removing any traditional items and fan favorites from the stadium like such. However, the ivy leaves in the outer field have been replaced by a holographic device. The ivy leaves were being sold for $200 each. And of course, extreme Cubs fans were happily buying them. Most fans are proud to know the curses are lifted! Wrigley Field will continue to be home for the Chicago Cubs and hopefully more W flags will continue to blow in the wind during the next home games at Wrigley Field.
Photo Credits by Tim Stebbins
Significance to Chicago
Wrigley Field is more than just a sports venue; it is an integral part of Chicago’s identity and urban landscape. Located in the Lakeview neighborhood, the stadium is surrounded by lively streets, bustling bars, and restaurants, making it a focal point of local culture. Known affectionately as "The Friendly Confines," the stadium has a charm that evokes nostalgia and civic pride among Chicagoans and visitors alike.
The surrounding Wrigleyville neighborhood has become a hub for fans and tourists. The community and ballpark are inseparable in the minds of many Chicagoans, contributing to a local economy that thrives on baseball season. On game days, the area is filled with fans in Cubs jerseys, and the energy radiates through the streets, from local eateries to public parks.
Conclusion
Wrigley Field is not just a baseball stadium; it is a living monument to Chicago’s history and culture. Its role in shaping the city’s identity is undeniable, and it continues to serve as a gathering place where fans can celebrate their love for the game. From its humble beginnings in 1914 to its status as a cherished landmark today, Wrigley Field’s importance to Chicago remains as strong as ever.
Cites:
https://www.baseball-almanac.com/blog/history-wrigley-field/
https://chicagology.com/baseball/westsidepark/weeghmanpark1914/
https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark/information/history
https://www.sportscasting.com/chicago-cubs-name-mlb-news-rumors/
https://www.vice.com/en/article/zmewp8/cubs-are-selling-dead-leaves-for-dollar200
