Today marks the 112th anniversary of a milestone in American sports history. On April 23, 1914, the first baseball game was played at what would become one of the most iconic ballparks in Major League Baseball: Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Originally known as Weeghman Park, the stadium first hosted the Chicago Whales, then known as the "Chi-Feds." Two years later, in 1916, the venue became home to the Chicago Cubs, establishing a relationship that has endured for more than a century.
Wrigley Field has distinguished itself through numerous unique features that have become synonymous with baseball tradition. The ivy-covered brick outfield wall, the unusual wind patterns off Lake Michigan, and the iconic red marquee over the main entrance have made the ballpark instantly recognizable. The hand-turned scoreboard remains a testament to baseball's analog past, while the stadium's location in a primarily residential neighborhood with no parking lots and views from the rooftops behind the outfield creates an intimate atmosphere unlike any other major league venue.
The ballpark earned distinction as the last Major League park to install lights for night games, reflecting a commitment to preserving the traditional daytime baseball experience. Another innovation came on April 26, 1941, when Wrigley Field became the first Major League ballpark to introduce live organ music. By July 2019, Cubs organist Gary Pressy had established a remarkable record of 2,653 consecutive games played, never having missed a day's work in 33 years.
One of the ballpark's most enduring traditions dates to former Cubs owner P.K. Wrigley and the 1937 bleacher and scoreboard reconstruction. The practice of raising a flag with either a "W" for win or an "L" for loss to inform passersby of the day's result has become a beloved ritual that continues to this day.
The anniversary serves as a reminder of the ballpark's significance not only to Chicago but to baseball culture nationwide. Wrigley Field represents continuity in an era of constant change, maintaining its historic character while remaining a competitive venue for modern professional baseball. The stadium's ability to blend tradition with contemporary sports has made it a destination for baseball fans from around the world.
As Wrigley Field enters its 113th year of operation, it stands as one of the oldest active ballparks in Major League Baseball, second only to Fenway Park in Boston. The venue continues to host Cubs games and special events, ensuring that new generations of fans can experience the same historic atmosphere that captivated audiences more than a century ago.