Wrigley Field is one of the most iconic ballparks in American sports history. Located in the heart of Chicago, it has been home to the Chicago Cubs for over a century. From its early days as Weeghman Park to its present-day status as a historic landmark, Wrigley Field has played a key role in the evolution of Major League Baseball.
With its ivy-covered walls, hand-operated scoreboard, and rich traditions, Wrigley continues to stand out in a modern sports world.
From Weeghman Park to Cubs Park
Wrigley Field opened on April 23, 1914, originally named Weeghman Park after Charles Weeghman, a Chicago restaurant owner. At the time, the ballpark served as the home of the Chicago Whales, a team in the short-lived Federal League. The park seated about 14,000 fans and was built in under two months at a cost of $250,000.
After the Federal League folded in 1915, Weeghman and a group of investors, including chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., purchased the Chicago Cubs, a National League team. In 1916, the Cubs played their first game at Weeghman Park after moving from the West Side Grounds.
As Wrigley’s financial influence grew, he gradually bought out the other investors. By 1921, he became the majority owner and renamed the venue Cubs Park. In 1926, the stadium received its most recognizable name—Wrigley Field—in honor of Wrigley himself.
A Time of Renovation and Expansion
The 1920s and 1930s brought significant changes to Wrigley Field. In 1923, a new press box was added. By 1927, the park underwent major renovations, including the addition of a second deck to increase capacity.
One of the most notable transformations came in 1937, when team president Philip K. Wrigley, William Wrigley’s son, hired Bill Veeck to improve the fan experience. That year, Veeck oversaw a complete overhaul of the outfield. This included building a new bleacher section, installing a hand-operated scoreboard, and planting the now-famous ivy along the outfield walls.
These additions gave Wrigley its distinct charm and established many of the features still associated with the ballpark today.
The Babe Ruth “Called Shot” Moment
Wrigley Field has hosted its fair share of legendary moments, but few are as debated or memorable as Babe Ruth’s “called shot” in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series.
Facing Cubs pitcher Charlie Root, Ruth reportedly pointed to center field before launching the next pitch into the bleachers. While the truth of the gesture remains unclear, the moment has become one of the most talked-about events in baseball history. Ruth’s dramatic home run helped the Yankees sweep the Cubs in four games.
Challenges and Changes During Wartime
Although Wrigley Field saw several World Series appearances in the 1930s and 1940s, the Cubs were unable to secure a championship. The team reached the World Series in 1929, 1932, 1935, 1938, and 1945, but lost each time.
The 1945 World Series marked a turning point. Not only did the Cubs lose to the Detroit Tigers, but it was also the last time they appeared in the Fall Classic until 2016. This drought helped fuel the infamous “Curse of the Billy Goat,” which began when a fan and his goat were asked to leave the stadium during the 1945 series. The story became part of Cubs lore for decades.
The Last MLB Stadium to Install Lights
For decades, Wrigley Field resisted modern stadium trends. One major holdout was the lack of stadium lights. While other teams had played night games since the 1930s, the Cubs continued to schedule only day games.
That changed in 1988. On August 8, Wrigley Field hosted its first official night game against the Philadelphia Phillies. However, rain forced a cancellation. The first complete night game took place the next day, on August 9, 1988, with the Cubs defeating the New York Mets.
This marked a new era for the stadium and brought Wrigley Field in line with the rest of Major League Baseball.
Historic Moments and Modern Updates
Over the years, Wrigley Field remained a beloved but aging venue. By the early 2000s, it was clear the stadium needed upgrades. Beginning in 2014, the Cubs launched the 1060 Project, a massive renovation plan to modernize Wrigley while preserving its historic character.
Upgrades included new locker rooms, wider concourses, improved restrooms, and new video boards. The team also restored the marquee sign and updated bleacher seating. These renovations aimed to improve the fan experience while keeping the soul of the ballpark intact.
Breaking the Curse: 2016 World Series
Wrigley Field finally witnessed what generations of Cubs fans had waited for. In 2016, the Cubs ended their 108-year championship drought by defeating the Cleveland Guardians (then the Indians) in a dramatic seven-game series.
While the Cubs clinched the title on the road in Cleveland, Wrigley Field became the epicenter of celebration. Millions of fans flooded Chicago streets in one of the largest victory parades in U.S. history.
The win also brought new attention and appreciation to the ballpark that had been the site of so many heartbreaks over the decades.
A National Landmark and Baseball Treasure
In 2020, the U.S. government officially recognized Wrigley Field as a National Historic Landmark. This status highlighted the ballpark’s cultural and architectural significance.
Wrigley Field remains one of the oldest ballparks in the MLB, second only to Boston’s Fenway Park. Its long history, quirky charm, and devoted fanbase have helped it endure in a sports landscape dominated by modern, tech-heavy stadiums.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Wrigley Field is more than just a baseball venue. It’s a symbol of Chicago pride and American baseball tradition. Generations of fans have passed through its gates to cheer for their team, share hot dogs in the bleachers, and sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch.
Television, movies, and pop culture have also embraced the stadium. Films like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Break-Up featured scenes set at Wrigley. Broadcasters, comedians, and celebrities often speak fondly of their visits to the Friendly Confines.
Wrigley Field represents a rare blend of sports, history, and community spirit. It remains a bucket-list destination for baseball fans everywhere.