August Of 1988 History Lights Up Chicago
1988 in Chicago seems like yesterday, but it was 36 years ago. Major League Baseball rejoiced, and some sneered about the progress.
The first official night game at Wrigley Field occurred on August 9, 1988, when the Chicago Cubs defeated the New York Mets 6–4.
91-year-old Cubs fan Harry Grossman was given the honor of ceremonially turning on the lights, and Rick Sutcliffe started the game for the Cubs.
Things Didnt Go As Planned In Chicago
The Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field first turned on its lights on August 8, 1988, but the scheduled night game against Philadelphia was rained out after 3.5 innings due to a severe thunderstorm.
Maybe the baseball gods weren’t ready to change a long-time tradition of no lights.
Not Everyone Was On Board For Change
The decision to add lights to Wrigley Field was not easy, as many people opposed the idea, even though other teams in the league had been playing night games for decades. Some shareholders claimed that Wrigley’s decision was harming the team’s revenue. At the same time, Wrigley ( William Wrigley Jr.,) the club’s owner in 1926) believed that baseball was a daytime sport and that the lights would negatively impact the neighborhood. However, the court ruled in Wrigley’s favor, deciding that his business judgment was within the law.
The Chicago Cub Was Not The Only Hold Out To Have Lights
In 1948, The Detroit Tigers finally flipped the switch and turned the light on at Tiger Stadium ( Known then as Briggs Stadium.) Back then, they spent $400,000 on a field lighting system in 1948, making it the last American League team to do so. The first night game was held on June 15, 1948.
Detroit Tigers Take On Chicago Under The Lights In Late August
Inner League play as The Tigers head to Chicago to take on the Cubs for 2-night games Aug 20-21 and one day game on the 22nd at Wrigley Field.
12 Of The Most Unique MLB Stadium Attractions
The Pool at Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks
Behind the outfield wall at Chase Field, there’s a pool area. From here, you can see the entire game. At the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, you can take in a National League West game while going for a swim. The area accommodates 35 people.
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The Green Monster Seats at Fenway Park - Boston Red Sox
You surely know all about the infamous Green Monster left field wall at Fenway Park, but did you know you can sit on top of it? There are 269 seats available for Red Sox ticket purchase. This area is a common spot for lucky fans to catch a home run ball.
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
McCovey Cove at AT&T Park - San Francisco Giants
If you want to kayak up against the outfield wall of a picturesque stadium, McCovey Cove in San Francisco is your spot. While its common to see boats overshadowing right field, this is also a common spot for those looking to catch a memorable home run ball.
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The Ivy at Wrigley Field - Chicago Cubs
“There’s magic in the ivy and the old scoreboard,” Eddie Vedder sings in his Cubs tribute song “All The Way.” The legendary ivy covering the outfield walls at Wrigley might arguably be the most iconic ballpark look of all.
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Touch Tank at Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Rays
A tank containing real live stingrays rests within the outfield of the stadium. This is a 35 foot, 10,000 gallon exhibit that is in partnership with the Florida Aquarium.
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The Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park - Miami Marlins
Along the main concourse in center field, there’s the Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park in Miami. This is the home of over 500 bobbleheads that are enclosed behind glass. While many of these are MLB and minor league players, a section includes entertainers and special giveaways the Marlins have done.
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The Fountains at Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City Royals
The city fountains are well represented at the home of the Royals. The fountains in outfield are 322 feet wide. They can change colors and offer a magnificent display. Select 200 level seats near the fountains can be purchased. There are eight programmed fountain shows, where 600 nozzles can launch into 150 combinations of effects.
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The Rockpile at Coors Field - Colorado Rockies
You can sit high above centerfield in Colorado. The Rockpile offers $4 select tickets. It’s a bleacher style seating, giving you a true Rocky Mountain feel.
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