History of Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is the home of the Major League baseball team, the Chicago Cubs. It is also one of the oldest ballparks that is still in use, second on the list behind Fenway Park in Boston. Wrigley field is not only an important piece of baseball history, but it is an important part of the present. Here’s more information about this ballpark:

Originally Called Weegham Park

Although it is called Wrigley Field today, the park actually had another name when it was first designed by noted architect Zachary Taylor Davis in 1914 on the grounds of a former seminary. Known as Weegham Park because it was named after owner Charles Weegham, the first game was played here on April 23, 1914 during the home opener by the Chicago Whales. The whales were part of the Federal League, which broke up in 1915.

Chicago Cubs Play Their First Game

After the Federal League ended, the Chicago Cubs took over the park after Charles Wrigley purchased the Chicago Cubs from Charles P. Taft. The first home game took place on April 20, 1916 where the Cubs played the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs won this game 7-6 in a game that totaled eleven innings. The park’s name was changed to Cubs Park and it stayed that way until 1927 when it was renamed Wrigley Field.

Scoreboard at Wrigley Field

The original scoreboard at the park was unique. In 1937, the Wrigley Field scoreboard and bleachers were constructed. Fans needed more seats as baseball continue to grow in popularity. The Chicago Cubs still use the original scoreboard today which is operated manually. Most major league baseball teams utilize an electronic scoreboard which can be changed from the press box. The Cubs scoreboard has to be changed by hand.

Vines at Wrigley Field

In 1937, Bill Veeck purchased the now famous vines and planted them on the outfield fence. The ivy is a signature of the Cubs home field advantage. Balls frequently get lost in the ivy on hard hit drives to the warning track. Outfielders have to leap over the ivy to make grabs near the fence. It’s a sight only typical of the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. It’s the only place in baseball that bares ivy on the fence.

Lights Were Added

In 1988, the Chicago Cubs finally added lights to their historic ballpark. Known for only playing games during the day, the Cubs were the last Major League Baseball team to acquire lights. Chicago spent years playing only day games. Visiting teams had to play in the sunlight and face the shadows until the lights were finally added. The opener with lights on August 8th against Philadelphia was rained out.

Breaking the World Series Drought

One of the founding members of the National League, the Cubs went a long time without having played in a World Series at Wrigley Field. The ball club finally broke their drought of not having played in a World Series in 2016. Chicago clinched the World Series title on the road at Cleveland when Kris Bryant fielded a ground ball at third and threw to first base for the game winning out against the Indians. It ended a 108-year World Series drought for the Chicago Cubs.

Wrigley Field is an important part of the history of baseball and is also home to the Chicago Cubs, one of the oldest teams.