Why Wrigley Field is America's Last Great Ballpark

[@TexasEskimo]

I lived 3 blocks from Wrigley in the early 90's. Going to afternoon games and paying $5 to sit in the bleachers and do a crossword puzzle with a few cold ones was awesome. On summer nights with my apartment window open I could hear Harry and the crowd singing "Take me out to the ballgame". It didn't matter if the Cubs won or lost, always a great time. Before all the high tech, used to look for a W or L flag getting of the elevated after work. No other park exists like it.

[@TheRagratus]

I went to close to 30 games in the summer of 1979 as I was a student right down the el from college. $2 bleacher seats only on sale "day of the game".

[@schnarfschnarf5886]

The Pirates used to have Buc night at Three Rivers Staduim. $1 dollar to get in that big upper deck late 80s early 90s

[@JohnSmith-zw8vp]

So you didn't worry 'bout the pennant much, you just liked to see the boys hit it deep? There's nothing like the view from the cheap seats!

[@jakesapir]

I live about that distance away now, and it's great being able to walk over there

[@TheJustin99]

I absolutely love Wrigley Field. Living in Downtown Chicago, I take the L to Wrigleyville on a regular basis. Such a beautiful stadium

[@MikeNapoli1989]

The redline !

[@jackgrimaldi8685]

The Cubs also take the L on a regular basis; if not in the regular season, in the postseason.

[@longjohn-x6p]

True lol ​@@jackgrimaldi8685

[@McNubbys]

I am a Cubs fan, but I still feel Fenway deserves a mention saw a game there in 2000, hell of a ballpark😊

[@MUE4731]

Wrigley and Fenway parks both deserve to be replaced with state of the art parks.

[@mikejones3rfs]

@MUE4731 ewwww of those state of the art ballparks have huge issues lol! Like I fucking hate how the upper deck is soooo far away!!! But all for no obstructive view seats!

[@Jeremywormy]

@@MUE4731 nah

[@DnD_Robb404]

I saw a game at Wrigley yesterday, and one at Fenway last year, both good venues.

[@noname4u2see]

is the Cubs are winning or losing, the park is always full. yes part of it is nostalgia for the old school, homey feel. but the Harry Carry era made it the place to be as he would point out hot girls in the bleachers during tv broadcasts, then as the games would end, fans would be walking through the neigborhood and more than likely go into the many bars, clubs and restaurants in the area. oh, and alot of fans go into those bars to pregame, one would make a day out of going to a game. The sox on the southside got a new stadium that nobody liked, and because most people drive there, once the game was over, everyone rushes out to their cars and get the hell out of there. there aren't any bars or restaurants around their ballpark, and you dont wanna be the last few fans coming out of there cuz you become a target. and 99% of sox fans live in chicago or south burbs. I've seen people in Cubs jerseys all over the country, canada, mexico, england, and especially the carribean, never a sox one!

[@carolynhotchkiss4760]

I had a British penpal come visit me one summer and we went to stay with a friend who lived pretty near the ballpark so of course we had to take Rosie to a Cubs game. We did our best to explain the basic rules of baseball. Three strikes, you're out, four balls, you walk a base, three outs ends that side of an inning, nine innings to a regular game, etc. We hadn't explained the bunt. The leadoff Cardinal player bunted. "That's a pretty poor hit," she says as we hasten to explain the rules of the bunt. We had to tell her to stop cheering when the guys in the red hats score (the drunk gentlemen behind us were getting irate and I didn't fancy wearing a beer). And then we reached the middle of the seventh inning. Everyone stands and she looks around, bewildered. And then (to her eyes) this old geezer who sounded like maybe he'd had a few too many beers leans out of a booth and she heard "All right, everyone! A-one! A-two! A-three!" And we all launch into "Take Me Out To The Ball Game." I think that's when she decided we were all just insane and stopped trying to make sense of things. It was a lovely game. Andre Dawson hit a grand slam home run. The Cubs actually won! (this was before that glorious 1984 season and we were used to them not winning).

[@perryegolson833]

@@carolynhotchkiss4760 If Andre Dawson hit a homerun (for the Cubs) then it couldn’t have been before 1987.

[@kandipiatkowski8589]

I have not had the opportunity to attend a game at Wrigley field, but in 1998 i did find myself driving past the iconic sign while visiting the city. Glad to hear they are keeping things as original as possible for history's sake!

[@manila_thrilla]

Trust me, having watched a handful of games there of my beloved Cubbies, you must experience it at least once... You won't regret it😁🐻🐻🐻

[@kandipiatkowski8589]

@@manila_thrilla I have been to many MLB games, but at Royals stadium. It's only 2.5hrs from me. It's definitely an eventful experience.

[@DarkKnightDrones]

Just a point of reference, the chalk writing on the brick started after the Cubs won the WS and we're messages mostly to loved ones who passed on without see a Cubs WS win in their lifetime. This was allowed that off season only. When the 2017 season began, the Cubs erased all the chalk messages and has not been allowed since.

[@silverranger302]

It was coated in chalk messages about a week ago when I was there

[@DarkKnightDrones]

@@silverranger302 Yes. Apparently now, they clean it off at the end of every season.

[@psygolf7120]

Just isn’t true…I live 4 blocks from the stadium

[@2jjordan124]

Wrigley Field is a special place! I’m a cubs fan so I am biased but the energy, the ivy, the tradition…it just reverberates thru the entire stadium

[@davidalexander8996]

Growing up watching Cubs games at Wrigley Field on the WGN superstation in the 1990's with Harry Caray in the booth was a special experience. Unlike the home stadiums of the White Sox and the then home of the Atlanta Braves, Wrigley Field and the surrounding community really presented a loyal family base for its customers and followers. Touring Wrigley Field is definitely on my long term bucket list. The unique neighborhood structure really makes it difficult to replicate even in modern suburbs, though Wrigley has shown that in many ways, less is more.

[@jeanmkaufmann]

Thank you so much. I was lucky enough to get to an afternoon game against the Brewers in 2009. My mom was from Wisconsin so I've always been a fan of the Brewers. My late brother introduced me to the Cubs and Wrigley Field back in the early 80s. There was no looking back. Two guys on a rooftop with two lawn chairs and a cooler in between. I was hooked. Wrigley Field is an amazing place to be. 🙂🇨🇦

[@jmpete517]

Great video Ryan. Thank you for the history. I remember going to a few Cubs game as a kid. Coming from SW Michigan it was always a treat to go to Chicago. The games were fun to go to, listening to Harry Cary sing ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’ at 7th inning stretch and waiting for what seemed to be hours getting out of the tight parking lot and getting back on I-94 to go home.

[@billmcg1676]

As a lifelong Cub fan obviously I love Wrigley. It is a baseball experience like no other. Which is not to say it is better than other parks, just unique. Despite the performance of the team of late, I give the Ricketts family a lot of credit. They've poured millions of dollars into making sure Wrigley is good for a long time. Much more than I can say for the Tribune company that just fleeced Cub fans and left Wrigley in tatters. Anyhoo, Go Cubs Go!

[@johnthiel7422]

Remembering my first trip, the green, the smells and of course my autograph from one of my youth heroes..... Billy Williams. A great day that's clear to this day.

[@jcasey912]

Thanks for making the very interesting video. I lived in the neighborhood for years, including for a few years directly across the streets (Waveland and Sheffield), in fact you could watch games from inside a few apartments, not to mention the roofs. The expansions have negated the views and only one building is still as it was and it is slated to be torn down soon. So I was at all of the meetings for the lights, you're correct that by '87 it appeared to be a done deal but even in '88 the meetings were often somewhat confrontational, and one of the serious issues for the neighbors was parking. When the Cubs only played 1:20 games the neighborhood street parking spots were all taken until near the end of the game, which often wasn't a problem for people who drove to work but for night games that would be an entirely different story. So the city made one of the early no parking except for the neighbors zones around Wrigley, it expanded into the LV Zone (Lakeview is the larger neighborhood), and you could get a sticker for your car allowing you to park and you could get passes for guests from the Alderman's office or order them with your Zone sticker. The people in the direct neighborhood could also get a parking sticker for what was then a parking lot on the west side of Seminary, the Blue Lot. As you pointed out there was also the issue of noise, which continues well after games for the cleanup, but also with people leaving. Btw, the Cubs bought the land that now houses Gallagher Way and the new clubhouse before construction from the family that ran a parking lot, a car wash and Yum-Yum Donuts, and at some point that piece of land housed a coal yard, there was a freight line that passed between the coal yard and the ball field.

[@jasonjackson1100]

Remembering old tiger stadium... Going to Wrigley Field now is a must!!.... The old neighborhood.... The sounds of a ballpark... And yes even all the smells of an old ballpark!!!.... It's a must go to

[@badass7184me]

Cool video. I worked on the renovation for 6 years. Amazing how they saved all of the original features that made it a cool old ballpark. One thing ive never really found info on. The marquee has a green logo on the back. Not sure how old that is. But they turned the sign around and painted the red sign everyone knows. Ive been in every inch of the place except the scoreboard. One cool story. The away team lockerroom bathroom always stunk. The rerouted the plumbing vent into the air ducts. Funny all the things in baseball to get into the other teams head.

[@MikeNapoli1989]

Thank you for your service.

[@RetNemmoc555]

I traveled to Chicago to attend a game before the remodel. The game made no difference in the playoffs, and I don't even remember who they played; the whole point of going was to experience being there. The people I sat next to sensed my excitement and chatted me up about the ballpark's history and many other subjects. A memorable day for me.

[@themaestro3034]

The park blows.

[@WheelzGaming88]

I got a private (and expensive) personal tour in my only visit. When the tour guy said "...and up these stairs from the visitor's locker room walked Babe Ruth for the game he allegedly called his shot". Chills still stand if I think about it

[@DonOfChi]

Yes it’s always nice to hear history from a loser franchise😂😂😂 Cubs and Red Sox need to move to better stadiums.

[@WheelzGaming88]

@@DonOfChi I bet you're a hoot at parties. Thanks for your irrelevant two cents 👌🏻

[@MikeNapoli1989]

@@DonOfChi I agree

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

These Chicago videos are making me homesick, but I can't stop watching them. 😉❤

[@dourmoose]

I took in a game at Wrigley once on a trip to Chicago. It is a magic place if you’re a baseball fan.

[@Night_Hawk84]

I'll never forget my 1st game, I was 8 years old and I couldn't believe how small, cozy and intimate the ballpark was in person as compared to how big it looked on TV!! Oh and experiencing one of the Men's restrooms in the bleachers as a 8 year old was definitely an experience since I had never relieved myself into what looked like an endless trough next to what seemed like hundreds of drunk adults. Fast forward 20 years and I watched a guy go full on running start slip and slide on one of those urine, beer filled troughs during a rain delay....

[@garyjust.johnson1436]

Great video! Info-tainment at its finest!

[@quintn.d9492]

Thankyou so much for posting this!!!

[@ITSHISTORY]

Of course!!

[@stellamcwick8455]

Fenway park: “I’m two years older than you kid!” Green Monster: “I’m 10 feet taller, and have a toilet”

[@benmulder6487]

I live in Michigan and grew up a fan of the Cubs and have made the trip to watch them a few times before the pandemic, I would still love to make more trips and attend a few day games and watch a game from the bleachers

[@Terinije]

There are only three types of people that dislike Wrigley Field: Cardinals fans, White Sox fans, and neighbors.

[@JayTemple]

Even this Cardinals fan liked Wrigley Field… until they put the crap up.

[@tyyy4681]

Brewers fans*

[@Jude74]

He distinctly said National League Park. Fenway is American League.

[@joerapo]

I'm a Cardinals fan and I love it. Especially before the massive score boards blocking off Wrigleyville.

[@tc1718]

My mistake, I missed that.

[@Aeyrie1]

I used to live about a quarter mile from Wrigley in the late 1980's and again in the late 1990's. I was there for the first night game in 1988, which rained out. I practically lived at Wrigley Field that summer, going to every game that I had free.

[@BallparkMark]

Heading to Wrigley Field for the first time this weekend and I can't wait.

[@yoyo_ma7677]

21:30 the chalk messages on the wall was only for after the Cubs won the World Series in 2016. There’s no more chalk writing on the wall and I’m pretty sure you get in trouble if you try to

[@kosjeyr]

Grew up as a SOX fan as my great grandfather said his two favorite teams were' "the Sox and whoever beats the Cubs." I'm not a 'sports fan' but love history. 1st Sox game I went to was the in the year after they won the World Series and they played against the Twins as a birthday gift from my uncle.

[@BrianUnderwood-q5u]

Been to Wrigley several times. All true baseball fans should make a trip there on thier bucket list ❤🎉

[@1208bug]

Thank you for all of your videos Ryan, I truly enjoy all of them!

[@itsnotme07]

I'm a Red Sox fan....and for the moment, insulted by this title. I'll watch the video though and make a decision. Ok, now I've seen the video. Great video for sure! Really went deep into the history of the Cubs and baseball in Chicago. Very cool! The "Last Great Ballpark" statement? Nope. It's not even the oldest ballpark. Time to update the title. "Deep dive into the history of the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field". I'll let others chime in here on my comment.

[@Zachharper1]

As a fellow Sox fan, you wrote the words I was thinking.

[@jimmynickelz]

As a Yankee fan, I hate that your team plays in their beautiful historical home and mine plays in a modernized quazi replica of our old one.

[@jonathanrice1070]

@@jimmynickelz You guys really lost something special when they tore down Yankee Stadium, even though it was heavily renovated. All those fans right on top of the field had a genuine effect on opposing teams.

[@CatGoomba64]

@@jimmynickelz Another Sox fan here and even I gotta agree, you guys were done so dirty by that new stadium. The amount of history in the old stadium even with the renovations, it's just not something you can copy and paste to a replica. We should have seen it celebrate 100 years back in 2020 just like Wrigley and Fenway, yet you were robbed of it, and that alone just makes me sad even as a fan of a rival team

[@jimmynickelz]

@CatGoomba64 I went to see my 1st game at Yankee Stadium back in 82. Suffered through the Winfield and Mattingly years. Those were my teams and they played in YANKEE STADIUM. Regardless of the generic renovations, it was Yankee Stadium. I just don't get the same feeling/aura/smell etc. from the new one.

[@corinheathcote9868]

Great history/sport video, great topic 👍🏻

[@cincycubfan23]

Socash!!! You forgot to mention that the first attempted night game - on 8/8/88 - ended up getting rained out! It was as if God or Weeghman or Wrigley put up one last protest!!! Good stuff as always. You do great work (especially on so many pieces of Chicago history) - keep rockin’ the content. And…GO CUBS GO!!!

[@cincycubfan23]

Also. Growing up in ‘70s and ‘80s Chicago, we didn’t realize how good we had it in terms of baseball parks, with Wrigley as my Cubs’ home -and the older, bigger, and more imposing Comiskey Park on the South Side for the Sox. All that history, every time you went to a game!

[@RexMundi73]

Hey buddy, cool video, I'm English I've never been to Chicago but maybe in a past life Bears fan since it first appeared on British TV and recently become a fan of baseball so my team had to be the cubs, maybe the fact my football team is West Ham United my local team and very much like the Chicago teams steeped in tradition and working class hard work and grit, maybe not such a glorious history but always gave their all to entertain the fans, just like the bears n cubs. A trip to soldier field for winter game and a barmy summers day at Wrigley field are on my bucket list. Loved the reveal at the end cubs fan... yayy

[@within360]

I always wondered why they allowed the Rooftops, but they were there from at least 1915 (if this video accurate), so grandfathered.

[@resmarted]

Little bit of trivia about the marquee sign not mentioned: It was originally painted green and the back of it is still green. You can see the back of it from inside the park.

[@mattalbrecht7471]

13:09. Don't you mean the hits may not have been home runs if the baskets were not there? Because if the baskets weren't there, then the players might be able to go up and snag those balls but because the baskets are there what may not have been a home run becomes a homerun

[@denali9449]

The baskets were installed because of the fan interference with batted balls and fans throwing 'stuff' on the field. A batted ball that gets trapped in the basket all runners get two bases. If it bounces out, it is a live ball. Look closely at the basket, it is lower than the top of the bleacher wall. Anything landing in the basket would not have been a home run.

[@TheOGSticks11]

Balls in the basket are in fact homers. The home run distance is officially closer than the actual wall. Not by much, but still homers. Watch a Cardinals broadcast and hear them ask the heavens for a basket home run.

[@josephpatrickprescott562]

Grew up at Wrigley in the 1960s…..2 Dollars in the Grandstand, 1 Dollar in the Bleachers, the most expensive seat in the house was $6.75!!!! Programs were a dime, the pencil was a penny, hot dogs were 35 cents and The L was a quarter for the ride to Addison Street. Mr. Wrigley had a policy that every game had thousands of seats available on game day. If the team was doing well or not, everyday of the week, there were seats available so folks could go to Wrigley and buy a ticket. Thousands of kids, just like me, were Blessed to have Wrigley Field🇺🇸🇨🇦🇮🇪🇮🇱☘️

[@debidallacosta5736]

Cubs fans are some of the most dedicated fans there are! We have 3 kids: Grace Addison, Waveland Clark, and Wrigley Ivy... the only street we are missing is Sheffield. If we had a boy, we would have named him Santo Sheffield. Yes, we bleed Cubbie blue! Go Cubs Go

[@josephpatrickprescott562]

Good for you…..two folks that pass along their LOVE AND HISTORY!

[@DeanStephen]

Ditto, I’m not much of a sports guy either. But… a few years ago I tagged along with my sister’s family for a behind the scenes tour of Wriggly. By the time it was over I felt like I had toured the Notre Dame of sports. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done in Chicago. My brother-in-law was happy like a child. Maybe more so than his kids. He passed away this year, from cancer, and I’m still torn up about it. At this point I’d stand in front of the bulldozers myself if they tried to tear down that park. It’s an American monument.

[@ITSHISTORY]

Dean, I am so sorry to hear that. I want you to know that I relate to your story. My estranged/late father took me to many games at Wrigley Field as a kid. In the 1980s, I didn't enjoy the experience, although I learned many swear words. However, when he passed away in 2015 - I went to clean out his house and was humbled by how much Chicago sports meant to him. They gave him an identity and community. We attended his funeral in Chicago Blackhawks jerseys - you can see some photos of it in this video on my other channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIStlIdsZpZnrNU

[@larrysproul9424]

Great video about Wrigley field and very accurate . Cant wait to go there in 2024 !!

[@Docholliday1106]

Am i the only one who hates the addition of the Jumbotron at Wrigley? Not to mention the adverts in the ivy?

[@wiedep]

Photo @ 17:48 Cinergy Field/Riverfront Stadium Cincinnati and it's a day game on Astroturf - how could you miss that? Roger Bossard, 2nd generation White Sox groundskeeper was brought in for the rework of the field because of his experience - you should have mentioned that.

[@denali9449]

I cannot count the number of Ferris Bueller Day's we had in the late 60's at Wrigley Field, long before Ferris was born. The drive from Deerfield to Dempster; the Skokie Swift to the Howard Street El Station and the El down to Addison. What great days. There was a certain smell about Wrigley, one I have spent the last 50-some years associating with baseball. During the summer of '69 we went to every home game we could swing. If just the guys we were in the left field bleachers, if the girls went with us were 'civilized' and upgraded to the first base grandstand. They broke our hearts that summer but we never lost our spirit. Because Ryan, as you have learned, deep in our souls, we are all Cubs fans.

[@WeFlyTheW]

1st actual Night Game was played at Wrigley Field was 8/8/88 vs Philadelphia Phillies.. it was rained out. 1st Complete Game was played on 8/9/88. Good Episodes tho 👍🏽

[@phils2891]

Awsome job. I live in Buffalo ,NY and would like to see more on the city. The Larkin building was a good segment

[@walterlevesque7602]

Find sir I enjoy many of your informative tales of the Chicago. But you have to remember. There's a place called fenway park in Boston Massachusetts and it stands up to this day. I believe it's over 100 years old if my estimation is correct which I believe it is so yep. We might have some competition You are beloved Chicago from Massachusers Truth is for you just saying. Sir continue the good work and thank you for sharing.❤

[@DaveSCameron]

Shout yes. ☘️⚽⚾🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@MessiahProphylaxis]

IT'S HISTORY always be sleeping on Boston

[@michaelt312]

Fenway is an American League park.

[@IndigoSolution]

Video title is "Why Wrigley Field is America's Last Great Ballpark". The national league qualifier is rather buried.

[@tc1718]

If a ball is stuck in the ivy, and the outfielder throws up his hands it is ruled a ground ruled double. If he reaches in after the ball it's a live ball.

[@denali9449]

Not according to the Wrigley Field Ground Rules as provided by MLB. The outfielder has nothing to do whether the play is dead or in play. If a ball gets caught in the Ivy, all runners get two bases. If the ball rebounds from the Ivy it is still in play. The following is quoted from MLB: WRIGLEY FIELD OUTFIELD AREA: Fair batted ball lodges in vines on bleacher wall: Two Bases. Fair ball enters vines on bleacher wall and rebounds onto playing field: In Play. These are not the only Wrigley Ground Rules.

[@TheRagratus]

The first night WAS to be on 8/8/88 but it was rained out forcing it to be on 8/9/88.

[@MrPriebster]

This was so good!

[@TonysMusic1974]

17:48 That's not Wrigley Field Riverfront stadium maybe?

[@jjporretto]

I had to turn it off after that one 🤦

[@ReidGameX]

You forget that Fenway exists and is older. And didn't drag its feet on things into the 80's like... LIGHTS. Wrigley may be awesome but don't say its the last.

[@WJV9]

The lack of lights was a plus not a negative unless your only yardstick is money and profits.

[@jakeweitzel6433]

He said oldest in the National League. But yes, Fenway is 2 years and 3 days older than Wrigley. I've been to both stadiums and Fenway is in need of major renovations.

[@holydado]

@@jakeweitzel6433 it has had renovations, some pretty major since the current owners bought the team in the early 2000s. I’ve been there a number of times and it’s improved a lot.

[@jakeweitzel6433]

@@holydado I was there a few weeks ago. I live near Chicago and frequent Wrigley. Although I'm sure it's better than it used to be, Wrigley is nearly the same age, but much more comfortable and modern.

[@davidw7]

MISSED? "Wrigley Field" in 2020 was listed officially as - "A National Historic Landmark of the United States". One of our 2,600+ National Historic Landmarks Nationwide. "Fenway Park" - is honored as being on the "National Register of Historic Places" in 2012 as one of more than 90,000 places and I do not think moved up to that other notch? ALSO MISSED was that Wrigley Field was the home to the Chicago Bears from 1921 to 1970. Maybe I just missed it?

[@JohnSmith-zw8vp]

I think Fenway might have something to say about that!

[@Alan-lv9rw]

I’ve been to Wrigley and Fenway. I prefer Wrigley, but they’re both great. It’s like arguing what’s better: a 1960’s Mustang or Camaro?

[@moosecat]

In the history of Wrigley Field, I would have to say that "The Called Shot" of the 1932 World Series is probably the most famous home run ever hit within "The Friendly Confines".

[@OleDonKedic]

Probably the most famous home run in ALL of baseball after Hanks record homer. I can't put bonds' homer in that conversation, even if he was undoubtedly extremely talented. That asterisk and the way he acted towards fans will always kill his reputation.

[@Not_Sal]

I’d love to see some videos on the old NY baseball stadiums. Old Yankee Stadium, Poli Grounds, Ebbets Field, even Shea Stadium

[@ITSHISTORY]

Hey there, we are thinking about the Yankee Stadium one!

[@jonsturtz4164]

At 11:16 why is there a censored bar on the screen for what seems to be general info?

[@yoyo_ma7677]

MLB logo on the back of the hat…but they completely missed it

[@jonsturtz4164]

@@yoyo_ma7677 you must have amazing eyesight cuz I didn't see anything.

[@skyden24195]

That is an incredible stadium history. Very interesting. Don't know if I'll ever get a chance to see the iconic stadium in person, but I would definitely like to do so. Just a side note, historic ballparks that I have been to (two of the four no longer existing) Anaheim Stadium/Angel Stadium/Edison Field/Angel Stadium-(again/current), Oakland Colosseum, (old)-Bush Stadium, and Candlestick Park. I may have been to Dodger Stadium, but if I have, I was way too young to remember.

[@davidw7]

Just to note that in 2020... Wrigley Field got elevated to being listed as a - "National Historic Landmark of the United States" one just over 2,600 sights being a official level of esteem for its contribution in Chicago's and American History. Fenway Park is honored as being on the "National Register of Historic Places" of more than 90,000 places. Seems there is a difference in levels ... though both must be preserved gaining them.

[@Eddyrozay]

I learned more in this video than the actual tour I took at wrigley lol

[@politicsuncensored5617]

My mom was a really big sports fan and a really big fan of the Chicago Cubs. I have no idea why, but when I would come home for a visit she would have the Cub games on when ever they played. I became a Cubs fan because of her. Sadly mom passed away one year before the Cubs won their World Series in 2016. If there is baseball in Heaven she was rooting for the Cubs & still is. Shalom

[@larrysproul9424]

So very sorry to hear about your mom . Sounds like she was one heck of a Cubs fan . Bless her .

[@josephpatrickprescott562]

There is Baseball in heaven….your Mom gets to watch everyday! There are no night games and Ernie talks with your Mom between innings!

[@ChrisMDSmith79]

One you missed, the last update saw the bullpens moved from the sidelines to under the bleachers

[@roycehuffman399]

14:50 "To this point the Cubs had never played a night game before" Just oof. The Cubs had played many night games before. They had played in Cincinnati, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Boston, Milwaukee, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, San Diego, and Montreal. I do not have the time to count how many games. Please correct your statement and say "a home game before" and be closer to correct by hundreds and hundreds of games. Please.

[@Heyu7her3]

It was before the 1980s

[@moosecat]

I'd love to catch a few ballgames at both Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. IMO, it's sad that after those two stadiums, the oldest MLB stadium is Dodger Stadium.

[@scotteldridge9658]

i do like wrigley but. fenway park is 2 years older than wrigley. so that's the oldest. as a boston fan, no disrespect to wrigley, fenway is the last great ballpark..... speaking of boston you should do the sumner/callahan tunnel. it's closing this summer for major renovations.

[@scotteldridge9658]

@Jim Allen yes but someone says somewhere is the oldest ballpark and there is one that is 2 years older, i'm gonna have to point that out. the cubs are my second favorite team and wrigley would be my second favorite ballpark, so there is that.

[@darcybloom-boedefeld5046]

Love your work! Go Cubs!!

[@ITSHISTORY]

Appreciate it!

[@russellmancillas4464]

Enjoyed this video

[@jetsons101]

Uh-Oh..... Did you say "Bud-Light" bleachers? Hmmmmm. Ryan, for not being a sports fan this was a great watch.....

[@poko247]

Great video. So in 1984 the Cubs did lose home field advantage in the NLCS because of a lack of lights.

[@johnbiggio1117]

And let’s not forget, Labor Day weekend 2005 Jimmy Buffett ushers in the use of Wrigley Field as a music venue.

[@bak4320]

This misses a few things in terms of facts and context but I definitely learned some things I didnt know. Thanks!

[@7viewerlogic670]

Great video! Go Cubs!

[@kzisnbkosplay3346]

I'm not a sports fan. I'm not a baseball fan. I'm not a stadium fan. But I am a cubs fan, and a Wrigley Field fan.

[@denali9449]

As are we all.

[@boogitybear2283]

I love Chicago best big city in America!

[@robertlogsdon]

summer 83 to 89 befor lights best time and job thanks

[@DaveSCameron]

Sounds great! 😂

[@girldaddividendinvestor]

Lights came in 88

[@Mk99987]

4:05-the Federal League buys the Lutheran seminary property. But earlier you said it was sold for residential use!

[@chrisunjnown]

One of two! Fenway deserves a nod also

[@matthewb4902]

Love the video! But it’s 8/8/1988 for first night game, no?

[@galedribble9535]

I used to go to a reggae club that was in the Wrigley area called “The Wild Hare” in the late 90s

[@alexvlk]

The number of pictures that are out of context or incorrect is driving me crazy! Talking about night games and showing Cincinnati, discussing the scoreboard and showing a 1940s version of it, etc. etc..

[@jjporretto]

The night game one made me turn it off. There are very famous pictures of the first Wrigley night game! You CAN'T show some random unrelated stadium there

[@randyherbrechtsmeier4796]

I Love My Cubbys! Ya Fenway you Forgot. Da Green Monster!!!!

[@mickjames666]

South side pride. Go White Sox!

[@michaelwhite2823]

Very good and very complete., I think you topped yourself. One question though, are there bleachers on rooftops of surrounding buildings? The thought of living in those buildings is unbearable.

[@AnonymousCapybara2050]

As a matter of fact the entire area surrounding the stadium is unbearable to live in unless you don't mind constantly dealing with noise and seas of people.

[@michaelwhite2823]

@@AnonymousCapybara2050 Yikes

[@girldaddividendinvestor]

​@anonymouscapybara2377 the stadium was there before anyone currently living in the neighborhood, what would expect moving to Wrigleyville. 🤣🤣🤣

[@thotfulspot]

Most of the buildings across the street in the outfield are bars with those not blocked from seeing into the park have rooftop bleachers.

[@bak4320]

@@AnonymousCapybara2050 In my experience, most of those buildings are inhabited by young folks that knew exactly what they were getting into.

[@patrickobrien8060]

Cubs' fan here, but I think that Red Sox fans would disagree with your headline. "Several would-be home runs have been hit into the basket..." No, no. balls hit into the basket are homeruns. And I wonder about your mentioning that the park could hold 50,000 fans at one time. "Blocking the managers' views of the dugouts..."?? The managers are in the dugouts. It is a great park.

[@hoosierflatty6435]

I was lucky enough to have my folks let me skip school and go to day games. Plenty of good times there and it's way too pricey for me currently.

[@DaveSCameron]

Same thing here in England with our football clubs pricing out all but the rich local support which made them what they are today. Liverpool/Anfield is now full of Asians, Irish and Norwegians whilst we're resigned to watching it in the alehouse. The bastion of partisan fervour we used to give them has been killed off for *business *money and foreigners with no idea what being Scouse is. Best wishes my American cousin. 🙏🇺🇸⚽⚾🇬🇧☘️

[@hoosierflatty6435]

@@DaveSCameron I hear you cousin. I just haven't been working much and mainly just trying to keep the lights on and having a warm dinner. Multiculturalism hasn't quite worked out imo

[@DaveSCameron]

FENWAY PARK?

[@choossuck7653]

LMFAO 😂😂💀 UR EVERYWHERE CAMERON 🔥😂😂💀😂 OOO

[@DaveSCameron]

​@@choossuck7653 Hey! #OurHistory is my passion mate, this tale of the the Cubs could be a mirror of Liverpool FC, similar ground evolution and sadly sold by the original family owners in the 1980s too, sports clubs generate incredible loyalty and identity, I'm just glad our Hooligan phenomena didn't get taken up by our American cousins. Incidentally Fenway /John W Henry now own Liverpool FC. 📚👍

[@nikolaskipp769]

I came here to say this. Fenway and Wrigley are tied for #1 IMO

[@antfbi]

@@nikolaskipp769 Fenway was 1912 and Wrigley was 1914

[@BurnedJello]

Cubbies! I was waiting for this after the Comiskey one haha

[@jesset061084]

I haven’t been to a game there yet but I travel to Chicago all the time and isn’t Fenway park they oldest field in the mlb

[@garymccoy6564]

It is not the last great ballpark, but it may be the most charming ballpark. The cool thing about baseball stadiums is that they are seldom called stadiums. They are typically called fields or parks.

[@markhackett9379]

Just discovered your channel. Liking the videos you've created. Lived in Chicago for 46 years. I worked nights so by the time my CTAtrain went by Addison, stop the W or L banners would have been taken down. BUT I always knew how we did that days game because there was a blue light for win and white light for loss at the top of flag poles. That tradition was one of the features i loved. Go Cubs

[@ITSHISTORY]

Welcome aboard!

[@cadengreco]

Great video but do want to let know that Bill Veeck was only a Junior Assistant within the Cubs organization and he lied heavily about his involvement in the ivy and scoreboard, he had very little to nothing to do with the creation of both, although it is widely thought otherwise.

[@dash4800]

Its interesting hearing how anti lights people in the neighborhood were considering in my himetown. There are baseball parks in nearly every residential area with lights and it's never bothered anyone.

[@oliverramirez9911]

Dude! You’re forgetting Fenway.

[@walterbison]

I'll take Fenway park any day, every day.

[@toastnjam7384]

Trivia question: Name the only American League team to play an entire season at Wrigley Field. Hint, it's not the White Sox.

[@yaterspoon57]

Angels!

[@toastnjam7384]

@@yaterspoon57 BINGO! The Los Angeles Angels played their 1961 inaugural season at Wrigley Field Los Angeles which was then the home field of the Chicago Cubs AAA team. It was called Wrigley Field before Chicago's.

[@freetolook3727]

Funny looking at those old photos where fans sat right on the field! 😂

[@guyrhodes]

The part about the seminary selling the land and then complaining about it was very confusing. I watched that part three times and I still don't understand what happened.

[@carlmelville]

Wrigley Field is the Sistine Chapel of baseball.

[@shakarussanders9911]

I'm not a Cubs fan in fact i like the White Sox more but Wrigley is a big part of history! You can't be a Baseball fan and not absolutely fall in love with that park!

[@norman10]

Last great ballpark ? I'll take FENWAY.

[@paulsummerfield6357]

I know you said "perhaps" but should've changed the title imo- Fenway has to be considered 💯