Crosley Field

Crosley Field. For nearly six decades, this iconic ballpark served as the home of the Cincinnati Reds in Ohio. Known for its distinctive terraced outfield and intimate atmosphere, the stadium witnessed the evolution of Major League Baseball through the Dead-ball era and into the modern age. Its history is intertwined with legendary players, groundbreaking innovations, and memorable moments that cemented its place in American sports lore.

History and construction

Financed by Garry Herrmann and August Herrmann of the Cincinnati Reds ownership group, the stadium was built to replace the outdated Palace of the Fans. Designed by architect Harry Hake, construction began in 1911 on the corner of Western Avenue and Findlay Street in the Queensgate neighborhood. When it opened for the 1912 season, it was named Redland Field, a nod to the team's nickname. The park's name was changed in 1934 to honor Powel Crosley Jr., the innovative radio and appliance magnate who purchased the franchise and ushered in a new era. This period saw the Reds ascend to prominence, culminating in a World Series championship in 1940.

Design and features

The stadium was renowned for its unique architectural quirks and challenging playing field. Its most famous feature was the steep, terraced incline in left field, known as "the terrace" or "the bank," which allowed outfielders to play uphill on certain balls. The dimensions were notably cozy, with the right-field fence just 342 feet from home plate at the foul pole, famously inviting to left-handed power hitters like Ted Kluszewski. A large, hand-operated scoreboard stood atop the center-field wall, and the intimate setup placed fans close to the action. The park also made history in 1935 by hosting the first-ever Major League Baseball game under permanent lights, a innovation spearheaded by Powel Crosley Jr..

Notable events and games

Crosley Field was the site of numerous historic baseball milestones. It hosted the 1938 All-Star Game and both the 1939 and 1940 World Series, with the Reds winning the latter against the Detroit Tigers. On May 24, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt attended a game, and the first night game featured Paul Dean of the St. Louis Cardinals pitching against the Reds. The park saw legendary performances, including Johnny Vander Meer's second consecutive no-hitter in 1938 and a dramatic pennant-clinching victory for the 1961 National League champions. It also hosted a regular-season New York Yankees game in 1966 after a scheduling conflict at Yankee Stadium.

Demolition and legacy

By the late 1960s, the facility was deemed obsolete, lacking modern amenities and sufficient parking compared to new multipurpose stadiums like Riverfront Stadium. The Reds played their final game there on June 24, 1970, a victory over the San Francisco Giants, before moving to their new riverfront home. Demolition began in 1972, and the site was cleared for industrial use. Home plate was relocated to Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, and a historical marker now denotes the location. The legacy of the park is preserved by the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum and remembered as the beloved home of greats like Frank Robinson, Ernie Lombardi, and the Big Red Machine of the 1970s, who began their dynasty just after its closing.

In popular culture

The stadium's distinct appearance and cultural significance have earned it references across various media. It was famously featured in the 1988 film *Eight Men Out*, which depicted the 1919 World Series scandal involving the Chicago White Sox. The park is also referenced in baseball literature and historical works chronicling the National League. Its early adoption of night baseball is a frequent footnote in histories of sports technology and broadcasting, often mentioned alongside pioneers like Larry MacPhail. The intimate, classic ballpark atmosphere of Crosley Field continues to be nostalgically recalled by fans and historians as a quintessential part of baseball's golden age.

Category:Baseball venues in Cincinnati, Ohio Category:Defunct Major League Baseball venues Category:Cincinnati Reds