Comiskey Park Home Plate

Comiskey Park Home Plate

Chicago, Illinois

Near by stories

Transcript

Welcome to the historic Comiskey Park, a legendary baseball field in Chicago, Illinois. Known as the original home of the Chicago White Sox, this iconic park was inaugurated in 1910 and served as a beloved venue for Major League Baseball until its closure in 1990. With a seating capacity of over 30,000 spectators, Comiskey Park was not only a sports arena but also a cultural landmark that witnessed numerous memorable moments in baseball history.

Did you know that Comiskey Park was one of the first baseball stadiums to install an electronic scoreboard? Introduced in 1939, this innovative feature revolutionized how fans experienced the game. Additionally, Comiskey Park was famous for its "exploding scoreboard," which would set off fireworks whenever the home team hit a home run—a spectacle that added excitement and drama to every game.

The story of Comiskey Park is deeply intertwined with that of Charles Comiskey, the founder and initial owner. A key figure in American baseball, Comiskey's vision led to the creation of this ballpark which quickly became synonymous with thrilling baseball action. One of the most significant events held here was the 1917 World Series, where the Chicago White Sox claimed victory against the New York Giants. This event cemented Comiskey Park's reputation as a premier sporting venue.

For those looking to capture a piece of history, it's interesting to note that although the original structure no longer exists—having been replaced by Guaranteed Rate Field—parts of old Comiskey Park were preserved. The old home plate is embedded in the pavement outside the new stadium, and some of the original outfield wall can still be seen. These elements offer a tangible connection to countless games and legends that passed through its gates.

Imagine attending a game during an era when night baseball was just beginning! Comiskey Park hosted its first night game on August 14, 1939. This event was not only pivotal for Comiskey but also marked a significant shift in how baseball games were scheduled and attended nationwide, making it possible for more fans to enjoy games post-workday.

After visiting this historic site, you might want to explore other notable attractions nearby. Just a short distance away is the Field Museum of Natural History, one of the largest such museums in the world known for its comprehensive anthropological and biological collections. Another must-visit is Millennium Park, renowned for its innovative art installations like Cloud Gate (the Bean) and vibrant cultural activities.