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Built by diner chain owner Charles H. Weeghman at a cost of $250,000, Weeghman Park housed the Chicago basseball team that participated in the upstart Federal League. The team was referred to as the Federals and later, the Whales. Seating capacity was 14,000. It is currently the second oldest ballpark in the Major Leagues. Boston's Fenway Park was built in 1912.
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The first major league game at the ballpark took place April 23, 1914, with the Federals defeating Kansas City 9-1
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When the Federal League folded at the end of the 1915 season, Weeghman purchased the National League Chicago Cubs and brought them to his ballpark. The Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-6 in 11 innings. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-food320100617092154,0,2134653.photo
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The park's name becomes Cubs Park after chewing gum magnate William Wrigley acquires the team from Weeghman.
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From 1921-1970, the Chicago Bears (then known as the Staleys) played home games at Wrigley field. The Bears won this first game against the Rochester Jeffersons, The photo shows the field and stand alignment for football.
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After renovations and additions that increased the stadium capacity to 20,000, the park was named to honor owner William Wrigley Jr. Pictured is Hall of Fame player Hack Willson, who joined the Cubs in 1926.
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During Game 3 of the 1932 World Series, the Cubs were taunting the New York Yankees' outfielder mercilessly. Ruth allegedly pointed toward the center field bleachers, called angrily toward the Cubs bench that he would hit the next pitch to that location, then proceded to hit the ball to that location. Historically referred to as the "called shot," Ruth never confirmed or denied that he predicted the hit. The photo allegedly shows Ruth calling his shot.
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The iconic Wrigley Field marquee is installed.
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In a flurry of activity, many new additions came to Wrigley Field. The 85-foot long, hand operated scoreboard was installed, the first outfield wall vines were planted., and the outfield bleacher sections were built. These all remain today.
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To keep trash (and other things) from falling on the field, angled chain-link fencing dubbed "The Basket," was set up along the length of the outfield wall. A yellow tube was attached to the top end of the basket. A hit ball must pass over this line to be called a home run.
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The Tribune Company, which owns the Chicago Tribune newspaper, buys the Cubs from the Wrigley family.
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No night baseball had been played at Wrigley before this date, even as most other stadiums installed lights starting in the 1930s.
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One of the striking differences of Wrigley to other sports venues is the rows of bleacher seating set up just outside the park on the tops of buildings. The Cubs tolerated these interlopers until 2003 when they installed a large screen to keep the rooftops from "stealing" their product. In 2004, the Cubs and the rooftop owners agreed to a profit sharing agreement and the screen came down.
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Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band stage a concert in center field. Subsequent shows have included Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, and Pearl Jam.
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The bleacher sections were expanded over the sidewalks along Waveland and Sheffield Avenues. Capacity is now 41,000. Also added was a restaurant in the center field bleachers called "The Batter's Eye," and a street-level window allowing pedestrians on Sheffield Avenue to peek into the ballpark.
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A professional hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings was held outdoors in the infield of Wrigley Field http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2009/0107/espn_winterclassic_500.jpg
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Investment banker Tom Ricketts and his siblings buy the Cubs from the Tribune Company.
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The Friendly Confines will enter its second century.
