Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison, Chicago, Illinois) was built in 1914 for the Chicago Federal League Baseball team, the Chicago Whales[?]. Original named Weeghman Park for the owner, Charlie Weeghman, the field became the home to the Chicago Cubs following the 1915 season when the Federal League was disbanded and Weeghman gained ownership of the Cubs.

Located in a residential neighborhood, Wrigley Field is nicknamed "The Friendly Confines." With a capacity of under 40,000, Wrigley is one of the smallest ballparks being used in 2002. It is the second oldest major league ballpark and the only remaining Federal League park. When Wrigley Field was built, it had a seating capacity of 14,000 and cost $250,000 to build. From 1920 to 1926, the park was known as Cubs Park.

Wrigley Field is known for the ivy planted against the outfield wall in 1937 by Bill Veeck[?] and the manual scoreboard Veeck also erected. No batted ball has ever hit the scoreboard. Lights were not added to Wrigley Field until 1988. The first major league night game, played against the Philadelphia Phillies, was held on August 8, 1988 and was rained out. The first official night game was played the following night, August 9, against the New York Mets. In the 1940s, some Womens League night games were played in Wrigley Field using temporary lighting structures.

Historic moments

• May 2, 1917 Jim "Hippo" Vaughn and the Cincinnati Reds's Fred Toney both pitched nine-inning no-hitters before Jim Thorpe drove in a run in the 10th inning for a Reds victory.

• September 28, 1938 Gabby Hartnett[?] hits the "Homer in the Gloamin'" to beat the Pittburgh Pirates[?] and win the National League pennant.

• May 12, 1970 Ernie Banks[?] hits his 500th career home run against Pat Jarvis of the Atlanta Braves.

• September 8, 1985 Pete Rose hits his 4,191st career hit to tie Ty Cobb's record.