Book Report - Notes

Construction Paradise

In the Beginning

• The Providence Grays played at the Messer Street Grounds from 1878 to 1885
• Chicago's Lakefront Park was a paragon of its decade, deemed by Harper's magazine
• At various times in its several late-nineteenth century incarnation.
• If you look at sketches of some of the most famous ball parks I believe the most unique one would be the American League Park in north Baltimore.
• The most uniform shaped one would probably be Bennett park located in Detriot's Corktown.

The Classic Fireproof Parks

• 1909 ballpark evolution occurred, it ushered a new age, new inspirations, and a paradigm shift in both major and minor league facilities.
• The leader of the evolution was Shibe Park, it had enclosed green space was unconstitutional.
• Patrons saw a less ornate but no less impressive world.
• Shibe park cost 300,000 to construct; ballpark was huge.

Texas

• Texas being known as the hottest place to play baseball, the Arlington Stadium wasn't done being constructed till right before the first pitch.
• The proposed location of the new park was a natural hollow in the centrally located suburb of Arlington, adjacent to the freeway and next door to an amusement park.
• Ideal for visitors who wanted extra entertainment on their Texas visits.
• The stadium had seating all around the field.
• Despite being one the few ballparks in the major leagues not to have floodlights. 
• Success in the World Series was achieved again in 1945.