Yankee Stadium Pre-Renovation

[locke40]

I'm sure some posters will remember this one that I posted a while back but for some posters that came along later here it is again.

Opening day 1923 at the big park, ticket scalpers beware.

:laugh My how times have changed. $1.10?! Wow!

[SHOELESSJOE3]

The big park, June 12, 1961 Roger Maris..............yes he did make the catch.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Not a big deal for The Mick, high and far.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Roger 1961. After all the talk about the use of steroids in recent years, that 61 by Roger looks better than ever.

[Gary Dunaier]

1924.

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/35600/35684v.jpg

I think this photo is actually from 1923, prior to the stadium's first opening day... there are no ads on the outfield wall, and the Concourse Plaza Hotel (161st Street and the Grand Concourse) is still under construction.

Also, if you look in the lower left corner you'll see "4/[?]/23" backwards.

[Mattingly85MVP]

Great great photos locke40....here are a few new ones I found on getty image..

[Petemc1969]

I think this photo is actually from 1923, prior to the stadium's first opening day... there are no ads on the outfield wall, and the Concourse Plaza Hotel (161st Street and the Grand Concourse) is still under construction.

Also, if you look in the lower left corner you'll see "4/[?]/23" backwards.


And there are no seats in the upper deck......

[The Monument]

More great pics, locke40. You must be the guy that keeps outbidding me on ebay. You know, I'm working on this little book project...

[locke40]

Gary, you have a keen eye to pick that up in the corner, it definitely says 4/3/23. The source I had said 4/3/24, but that is obviously wrong.

When I saw the frieze for the new Yankee Stadium, I commented on how thin I thought it looked, and someone on here said the original was also very thin, but I never saw a photo from an angle to tell for sure until I saw this photo. The original frieze was very, very thin!

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/35600/35684v.jpg

[locke40]

Monument, I sent you a PM. Let me know what you think. :cap:

[Chef Bill]

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/35700/35766v.jpg


The man in the black uniform on the far right is none other than the great John Phillip Sousa, who led the Seventh Regiment Marching Band that day. Wouldn't it be great to see a picture of him and the Babe together?

Thanks so much for posting these photos - I've seen hundreds of pictures of Yankee Stadium, but never seen these before.

[Urbanshocker13]

Did anyone hear the owner of the Giants when they where handed the Super Bowl Throphy? He said
" This is for the fans that have seen us in the 30 years at Giant stadium, Yankee Stadium and some way back at the Polo Grounds!"

I thought that was kind of cool to hear for us stadium lovers out there!

[Mattingly85MVP]

He forgot about the fans who suffered at the Yale Bowl for 2 seasons

[Urbanshocker13]

He forgot about the fans who suffered at the Yale Bowl for 2 seasons

ummm I think they want to just forget about those years!

[locke40]

This is one of my favorite pictures. They need to bring those sweaters back, they are awesome!

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/35700/35768v.jpg

[locke40]

Lou Gehrig sliding into home. I am not sure if this is Yankee Stadium or not; I can't tell if the Iron Horse is wearing pinstripes. Thoughts?

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3c30000/3c35000/3c35300/3c35395v.jpg

[stlfan]

Lou Gehrig sliding into home. I am not sure if this is Yankee Stadium or not; I can't tell if the Iron Horse is wearing pinstripes. Thoughts?

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3c30000/3c35000/3c35300/3c35395v.jpg

Definately NOT Yankee Stadium. You can tell by the split in the field level grandstand. I see the catcher has a "W" on his sleeve. Could be the Senators. Therefore it would be at Griffith Stadium in D.C., which did have a split in the grandstand as seen in the photo. Awesome photos.

[locke40]

Definately NOT Yankee Stadium. You can tell by the split in the field level grandstand. I see the catcher has a "W" on his sleeve. Could be the Senators. Therefore it would be at Griffith Stadium in D.C., which did have a split in the grandstand as seen in the photo. Awesome photos.

Thanks stlfan, the photo description did say it was against the Washington Senators, so i bet you are correct. I now notice the split you mentioned, but Yankee Stadium looked really different in its early years, so I just wasn't sure. Thanks man.

[locke40]

stlfan, i found another picture of Griffith Stadium in D.C., and you can see the split in the grandstand. You were right, buddy.

http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/past/griffith2.jpg

[jimmyjimjimz]

This is one of my favorite pictures. They need to bring those sweaters back, they are awesome!

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/35700/35768v.jpg

I think the sweaters look horrible. No one wears sweaters like that anymore. I think the jackets are much better.

[Mattingly85MVP]

I found these on ebay

[Urbanshocker13]

This is one of my favorite pictures. They need to bring those sweaters back, they are awesome!

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/35700/35768v.jpg

I wish they sold those now! I would get one! I like others ones I have seen in old films and photos the ones that have YANKEES in block lettering on the front

[locke40]

4/3/23

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/35600/35683v.jpg

[locke40]

Frank Chance & Miller Huggins, managers of the Boston Red Sox & NY Yanks shaking hands before start of 1923 opening game at Yankee Stadium, NY, 4/18/23

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/35700/35754v.jpg

[locke40]

Jacob Ruppert, Gov. Al Smith & wife at opening of Yankee Stadium, 4/18/23

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/35700/35763v.jpg

[locke40]

Jacob Ruppert, Judge Kenesaw M. Landis, Tillinghast Huston, at Yankee Stadium, 4/18/23

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/35700/35765v.jpg

[locke40]

Fans at ticket booths at Yankee Stadium, right field grandstand - 1923

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/35700/35755v.jpg

[tdinan]

Fans at ticket booths at Yankee Stadium, right field grandstand - 1923

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/35700/35755v.jpg

Wonder if those ticket booths, which still exist in their exact location, will be moved to the new ballpark?

[jimmyjimjimz]

Wonder if those ticket booths, which still exist in their exact location, will be moved to the new ballpark?

Those are the ticket booths that are still there? I thought the ones that were still there were on the other side, far away from the subway, accross the street from the new stadium.

[The Monument]

You're right Jim, those booths aren't there at Gate 6 anymore. There are booths,unused, at Gate 2 in LF. My guess is that one might make it to the Yankees Museum and the rest sold off. There is one already in the Smithsonian.

[tdinan]

You're right Jim, those booths aren't there at Gate 6 anymore. There are booths,unused, at Gate 2 in LF. My guess is that one might make it to the Yankees Museum and the rest sold off. There is one already in the Smithsonian.

Aren't there some still there underneath the renovated entrance to gate 6?

[The Monument]

There are booths at Gate 6, but not those old ones.

[stlfan]

Fans at ticket booths at Yankee Stadium, right field grandstand - 1923

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/ggbain/35700/35755v.jpg

I've always had a question about the right field corner stands when it first opened. It seems like they extended the main structure and got rid of the wooden bleachers not many years after they completed the stadium in 1923. Were they originally planning on constructing the stadium to open in 1923 to the way it was after the expansion and new bleachers but ran out of money? This photo shows how hap-hazzard and incomplete this part of the stadium looked through those years.

Because it wasn't until after the extension down both the left and right field lines that they finished off the frieze on the SIDES of the roof as well as the slightly decorative sidewalls on the upper decks at each end. I hope people know what I am talking about. Because if you look at the photos of the stadium between 1923 and when they extended the upper decks, it's all exposed steel on the ends.

[stlfan]

Ok, I searched the thread for photos about the ends of the upper deck I was talking about. The first photo is how it looked when it first opened and it seems that once they expanded both the left and right firld upper deck (the left field was extended before the right) the ends were no longer exposed steel but decorative copper, as shown in the second photo. I know that the first picture is on the left field side and the second picture is of the right field side.

I also noticed that later on, maybe the 60's, the decorative copper on the ends of the upper deck were removed. Anyone know the timeline of when these went up and when they came down and why? Also, if anyone else has the answer to my other question in my previous post, I'd be interested to hear. Thanks.

[RichardLillard1]

This has actually been discussed at length previously.

When the stadium was built the plan was to extend the grand stand at a later date, I don't know for certain if they ran out of money, but I doubt it. They likely just did what they could in the short amount of time they had to get the stadium finished.

The end pieces of the grandstand were in place until the end of the 1960 season, during which time they were removed for reasons we cannot figure out. The end pieces looked to have been copper like the frieze and I have a few theories as to why they could have been removed; 1). it could have been too expensive to maintain such large sections, 2). these could have been in the way of working on interior parts of the grandstand or 3). they could have thought that the look of these end pieces gave the stadium more of a dated look than they wanted, so they were removed.

These are only theories and we may never know exactly why they were removed. I hope this helps a little!


Richard

[Urbanshocker13]

Looking at this and the Polo Grouds thread really me wish they did little details like the ornate decorations around the top of the polo grounds and those copper decorations on Pre -1960 Yankee Stadium on ball parks now. I like that a ton more than exposed steel, it would make the parks look really impressive. Chances are they would mess it up, but it would be really cool if they could add some of those victorian accents around the stadium and still have modern comforts inside the stadium.

[Sean O]

This might have been covered at some point in the thread, but I have a question on the ends of the upper deck in Classic Yankee:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/WS3Oct1963.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/ApartmentviewbeforeLouisConnfight19.jpg

In the '63 version, you have the blank, exposed edge to the upper deck, as it was before the upper deck was fully extended around the foul poles. In the 1946 version, it has the ornamental grating.

http://baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=34922&stc=1&d=1201650382

In that '70s version, it also appears to be gone. Do we know when it was taken down, and why? It was beautiful and looked so much better than exposed supports.

I don't want to take away from kaplanski's wonderful modeling, but here's progress on my version:

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/6907/ysoseats2qb2.th.jpg (http://img181.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ysoseats2qb2.jpg)

[brooklyndodger14]

Hello SeanO,

Nice progress on your Stadium model!

Just so you don't drive yourself crazy with reconciling the Upper Deck pillars and the portals:

1. Using your roof and facade/frieze as a guide, allign each pillar with the flagpoles.

2. Now relocate each portal so that they are centered between each pillar. You will find that they will be spaced in regular intervals with the exception of the final end portals in LF & RF being slightly wider and the portals in the curve around homeplate being slightly tighter.

3. When you start creating your exterior walls, each 3-rectangled section of the Upper Deck will be defined by where those pillars are located. For the main grandstand, it gets slightly more complicated where the buidling curves around the Gate 2, 4, & 6 areas, but you will find that in the straightaways along 1B and 3B, you will have the pillar locations defining each 3-arched window panel, and that each aisle in the Field and Mezzanine sections will be alligned with the middle arched window.

Hope this helps!

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[RichardLillard1]

Sean,

I just covered in my last post.


Richard

[Sean O]

Sean,

I just covered in my last post.


Richard

So sorry, I spent like 2 hours poring through the first 20 pages of the thread that I didn't see it covered right above. Thanks for your help.

Do you know of any specific closeups of the copper end piece other than that boxing 1946 view? It would help a bunch, especially without any blueprints detailing it.

[RichardLillard1]

Sean,

Sorry, I don't. Not without going through each page of this thread to find the pictures of it. If I find anything I will let you know though.

I've been straying away from the forum for a while, busy with school things and still suffering from a hard drive crash a few months ago. I lost everything.

I'm hoping things will go back to normal soon in which case I would actually like to start working on CAD's of the stadium sections. But we'll have to see how it goes.


Richard

[locke40]

Army-Stanford Game, December 2, 1928, at the Yankee Stadium, New York

http://images.nypl.org/?id=101449&t=w

[locke40]

http://images.nypl.org/?id=700173F&t=w

[locke40]

http://images.nypl.org/?id=700177F&t=w

[locke40]

http://images.nypl.org/?id=700178F&t=w

[locke40]

http://images.nypl.org/?id=700174F&t=w

[locke40]

http://images.nypl.org/?id=700175F&t=w

[locke40]

http://images.nypl.org/?id=700179F&t=w

[locke40]

http://images.nypl.org/?id=701706F&t=w

[Gary Dunaier]

http://images.nypl.org/?id=700178F&t=w
These are great photos! It's interesting to note that the apartment buildings beyond the right field wall - 815 and 825 Gerard Avenue - are white, whereas if you see them today they're more of a natural "brick" color. I guess they were painted white at the time, and perhaps the paint faded away over time.

[RichardLillard1]

These are OUTSTANDING photos! Is there any way we could get hi-res scans of picture itself?


Richard

[locke40]

Richard,
I only wish I could get these pictures in high-res, it would be amazing. Here is another:

http://images.nypl.org/?id=700176F&t=w

[locke40]

This came out pretty well.

35524

[locke40]

That took some time in photoshop. Here is another size.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2125/2256874175_4046091dcc_b.jpg

[stlfan]

http://images.nypl.org/?id=700173F&t=w
It's funny to see pictures like this where Yankee Stadium is on the outskirts of town.

[thechefs2003]

Great pictures. I love the ones with non-Yankee events like the boxing and football.

[thechefs2003]

That took some time in photoshop. Here is another size.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2125/2256874175_4046091dcc_b.jpg

Pardon my ignorance, but what's the deal with the first few rows in the upper deck? How come there aren't any seats?

[Astros]

The stadium is at the tail end of construction and seats have yet to be installed. It looks like this in the lower box seats closest to the field too.

[jimmyjimjimz]

The stadium is at the tail end of construction and seats have yet to be installed. It looks like this in the lower box seats closest to the field too.

I thought it was standing room only sections. I was gonna ask how long were they like that?

[brooklyndodger14]

I thought it was standing room only sections. I was gonna ask how long were they like that?

If they really were SRO seats, then wouldn't they be blocking those rows immediately behind them? I guess that's where the term "Down in front!" came to being... :laugh

Those are the literal boxes for the box seats fans, and in those days the seats were actual four-legged seats and not anchored or bolted down like those in the riff-raff rows behind them.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[RichardLillard1]

Great work on the big scans, it would be great if you could do the rest of them.

I love seeing pictures like this, I'm sure there's a lot more out there, but only time will see if the reveal themselves or not.


Richard

[locke40]

Thanks Richard, I will try to get the others done when I get home from work. Maybe I'll even get some done at work :hide:. Try browsing around the New York Public Library website, that's where I got the latest ones from, and I'm sure there are more tucked away that I didn't see. The great thing about the Library websites is that they are in the public domain, so there are no restrictions on publication, it's fantastic. Go Yankees!!!!!!

[brooklyndodger14]

Thanks Richard, I will try to get the others done when I get home from work. Maybe I'll even get some done at work :hide:. Try browsing around the New York Public Library website, that's where I got the latest ones from, and I'm sure there are more tucked away that I didn't see. The great thing about the Library websites is that they are in the public domain, so there are no restrictions on publication, it's fantastic. Go Yankees!!!!!!

Those pictures are a goldmine!
Here is a closer version of the Yankee Stadium aerial...

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[jimmyjimjimz]

If they really were SRO seats, then wouldn't they be blocking those rows immediately behind them? I guess that's where the term "Down in front!" came to being... :laugh

Those are the literal boxes for the box seats fans, and in those days the seats were actual four-legged seats and not anchored or bolted down like those in the riff-raff rows behind them.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

Actually, I don't think they'd be blocking anyone unless they were directly in front of them. The seats are obviously built on a slant, so it's not like the people in the last row won't be able to see.

[brooklyndodger14]

Great work on the big scans, it would be great if you could do the rest of them.

I love seeing pictures like this, I'm sure there's a lot more out there, but only time will see if the reveal themselves or not.


Richard

More from the digitalgallery.nypl.org site:

This is the first picture I've ever seen of the the RF/Gate 6 construction...
Thank you locke40 for your research!

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[stlfan]

Awesome photo BrooklynDodger14. I don't think I have ever seen a photograph of the expansion down the right field corner.

[willisraverchk77]

Awesome photo BrooklynDodger14. I don't think I have ever seen a photograph of the expansion down the right field corner.

that isn't the expansion. thats the original 1923 construction.

[stlfan]

that isn't the expansion. thats the original 1923 construction.
Here is a pictue that Locke posted of the right field corner in 1923 with the wooden bleachers in the right field corner before they expanded the granstand around the right field corner.

Also, take a look at the arial photos that he has been posting of the stadium in 1923.

[willisraverchk77]

Here is a pictue that Locke posted of the right field corner in 1923 with the wooden bleachers in the right field corner before they expanded the granstand around the right field corner.

Also, take a look at the arial photos that he has been posting of the stadium in 1923.

no no no. you're looking at it from the wrong angle. the wooden bleachers werent in the corner that far up the line. the weird exterior extension was in the corner which is what that unfinished section is. that picture we're talking about is from 1923. look at the cars for example. your telling me those are 1937 cars?



http://images.nypl.org/?id=101054&t=w

[locke40]

Here's a longer view, hopefully this settles the argument that these pictures were taken during the extension.

35555

[RichardLillard1]

The frame work for the upper deck didn't extend that far in 1923. I don't be mean to call you out on this, but that is the extention that happened in 1937. The structure for the bleachers is much lower and that overhand over the ticketbooths likely served a double purpose of being a scaffold for the workers and protecting fans, employees and the booths themselves from falling debris.


Richard

[locke40]

This is an interesting picture, perhaps during the left field extension?

35558

[willisraverchk77]

guess i stand corrected. still weird that all those cars are from way earlier than the expansion.

[RichardLillard1]

Definitely an interesting picture. Are there anymore from different angles?


Richard

[Urbanshocker13]

What amazes me about these photos is how the city has just grown around the stadium, there is that one photo of the stadium from the 20's and there is a dirt road in front of it! That's crazy cosidering what's there now!

[locke40]

Football

35559

[Urbanshocker13]

Do you know who that is playing football? Looks to early to be the Giants I think they still played at the polo grounds. Is it College? If so do you which teams?

[locke40]

Definitely an interesting picture. Are there anymore from different angles?


Richard

Richard,
Hopefully something will come up, I am still going through all the pictures on the New York Public Library website and the Library of Congress website. Here's the link for the NYPL: http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/index.cfm

The hardest part is when there is no description/notes for the pictures, so searching for just "Yankee Stadium" will only bring in a few results. Sometimes I'll find pictures when searching for "Bronx," which brings up a ton of pictures, with some Stadium pictures sprinkled in. I love finding pictures of the old stadiums that I hadn't seen before, I find it very fun!! :D

[locke40]

Do you know who that is playing football? Looks to early to be the Giants I think they still played at the polo grounds. Is it College? If so do you which teams?

No, unfortunately the picture's only description was: "The foot-ball game shown here has attracted a capacity crowd."

[RichardLillard1]

Great photos! As for the football one, I am not sure, I would think it is either college or Army vs. Navy. I'm sure if someone looked through the pages of photos on this thread they could find out if any fot he greycoats sat in the areas of the stadium that can be seen in that picture, might give us some clues.


Richard

[BSmile]

The 1st is an exterior shot of Yankee Stadium during the 1937 World Series. The last 3 are rare color pics of Babe Ruth at the Stadium June 13, 1948.
Enjoy! ~B (more to come...)

[locke40]

Wow, I love the color of the frieze from back then. It's the same color as the Statue of Liberty.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Wow. Thanks so much for those. I don't know about you guys, but I just love to see old colour photos. They just make things look even more real, more relavant. Thanks again.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

A sad sight, seeing the man who exuded so much energy in his life, the famous grin, fun loving a real action type on and off the field. To see him now ravaged by a terrible disease, a shell of what he once was, difficult to look at. That is probably why we seldom see these photos.

Photographer Nat Fein had the right idea that day at Yankee Stadium. After seeing the ailing Babe have two men help him dress and looking so sick he laid out his strategy to take his picture. What could be better than to take the photo from behind thinking people would not want to remember Babe as he looked on that day. Besides the only way that famous number 3 could be viewed was from behind and you could also see the fans seated in the lower and upper deck in right field, the Babe's home.

Babe was always a fierce competitor and it showed that day. He was very sick and weak even walking put a strain on him. When offered a wheel chair to take him to home plate he refused. The bat he is leaning on was used as a cane might be used to support him walking. Ironic the very tool that made him famous, the bat was now supporting him on this day. The bat was Bob Feller's bat.

Here it is the photo that won a Pulitzer Prize for Nat Fein, the first ever in the world of sports. Title "The Babe Bows Out".

[BSmile]

Here's 2 pic's of The Babe exiting the dugout, taken at almost the exact same time by two different photographers. It was probably just moments before these pic's that he was given Feller's bat to steady himself.
~B

[BSmile]

Mickey receiving the MVP Award for 1957. That's Tony Kubek getting the 1957 Rookie Of The Year Award.

[TJH1923]

Wow!! it is so nice to see some new material on this forum of old Yankee Stadium. Great finds to those of you who have been looking. There is a lot of satisfaction when you come across some photos that have not been posted before. Keep 'em coming!

[PeteU]

A sad sight, seeing the man who exuded so much energy in his life, the famous grin, fun loving a real action type on and off the field. To see him now ravaged by a terrible disease, a shell of what he once was, difficult to look at. That is probably why we seldom see these photos.



I wouldn't even want to imagine having to see Lou Gehrig in his last days. The disease that now bears his name is one of the most horrible, dehabilitating and dehumanizing diseases imaginable.

Luckily, Gehrig's famous speech was made at the very onset of his condition before it became truly symptomatic, so fans were spared having to see a legend in such a crippled state.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

I wouldn't even want to imagine having to see Lou Gehrig in his last days. The disease that now bears his name is one of the most horrible, dehabilitating and dehumanizing diseases imaginable.

Luckily, Gehrig's famous speech was made at the very onset of his condition before it became truly symptomatic, so fans were spared having to see a legend in such a crippled state.


Thats true. If you ever see the video of that event, look close and you can see Lou's fatal illness was becoming evident. As he steps back he shuffles his feet looks like he was unable to lift his feet. Lou was not one to complain. Even the year before some of his teammates realized it was not the same Lou. Out playing golf with some teammates they noticed he was not wearing golf shoes with cleated soles and heels, he was wearing sneakers. Later they realized why. He could not lift his feet and if wearing cleats they would catch on the grass, sneakers would not.

Lou was a tough guy. Ruth the greatest Yankee but Lou had to one of the most valuable Yankees. The fact that he was so steady in the line up and also one of the greatest in the game.

[BSmile]

Here's a great shot of The Babe tossing his own brand candy into the outfield bleachers at The Stadium. I also attached a promo poster for the candy as well as an image of the actual wrapper. The actual year of the 1st picture...I'm not quite sure...but I'd guess it to be the late 1920's ('28-'29).
Enjoy! ~B

[locke40]

Here is another higher resolution photograph from those found at the New York Public Library:

35670

[BSmile]

Great picture locke40!
I must have missed that one.
It's funny how the outfield had that sudden incline into to the fence. I wonder what they thought the advantage of that was? Water drainage? Anybody have any thoughts about that?
Cheers! ~B

[BSmile]

Maybe the sudden incline was to alert the outfielder that he was getting really close to slamming into the fence. Hmmmmm.
Anyways, dug up these two beauties.....Kodachrome's of The Stadium.

1st) Attributed to being taken in 1965. No other details
2nd) Attributed to being taken on April 10, 1969 - Opening Day.

~B

[jimmyjimjimz]

Here's 2 pic's of The Babe exiting the dugout, taken at almost the exact same time by two different photographers. It was probably just moments before these pic's that he was given Feller's bat to steady himself.
~B

why is he comming out of the away team's duggout?

[Astros]

A HILL OR INCLINE IN THE OUTFIELD?!?!

THAT'S RIDICULOUS! WHY WOULD A STADIUM EVER HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS? AND...A FLAGPOLE IN FAIR TERRITORY?

oh well...back to Minute Maid Park.

:cap:

[Yankees12]

why is he comming out of the away team's duggout?

In Ruth's days, the Yankees' dugout was on the 3rd base line. However, by 1948, they changed it to the 1st base side (where it still is). But Ruth's locker was in the clubhouse on 3rd base side, so he dressed in there instead of in the Yankees' locker room. Presumably, his locker was retired, although I'm not 100% sure on that (I think it was though).

[JWB13]

Questions about the original Yankee Stadium scoreboard:

I always thought it was electronic? Was it electronic in it's first year and then became a manual scoreboard after the first season?

Thanks

[brooklyndodger14]

Questions about the original Yankee Stadium scoreboard:

I always thought it was electronic? Was it electronic in it's first year and then became a manual scoreboard after the first season?

Thanks

Hello JWB13,

(All of the following is based only on my subjective past research and as such, should not be considered to be authoritative nor definitive. I am open to and welcome any corrections).

Judging by the pictures from 1923 til about 1946 or 47 when they installed the first version of the bleacher auxilliary scoreboards (and also extended field level and relocated the dugouts), the original main scoreboard was a manual one. The only electric feature I can see is was the small round clock (See the Bob Feller's Yankee Stadium no-hitter picture) though I'm not sure when they first installed it.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[JWB13]

Hello JWB13,

(All of the following is based only on my subjective past research and as such, should not be considered to be authoritative nor definitive. I am open to and welcome any corrections).

Judging by the pictures from 1923 til about 1946 or 47 when they installed the first version of the bleacher auxilliary scoreboards (and also extended field level and relocated the dugouts), the original main scoreboard was a manual one. The only electric feature I can see is was the small round clock (See the Bob Feller's Yankee Stadium no-hitter picture) though I'm not sure when they first installed it.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

Ahh, I see.

Thanks, Brooklyn :)

[thechefs2003]

In Ruth's days, the Yankees' dugout was on the 3rd base line. However, by 1948, they changed it to the 1st base side (where it still is). But Ruth's locker was in the clubhouse on 3rd base side, so he dressed in there instead of in the Yankees' locker room. Presumably, his locker was retired, although I'm not 100% sure on that (I think it was though).
That is very interesting, I did not know that. I wonder why they switched sides?

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Here is another higher resolution photograph from those found at the New York Public Library:

35670


LOCKE do you know if there is a block on this pic. I tried printing it, saving it in a folder with no luck. This is unusual but I have experienced this before.

Disregard the above, I did manage to get it in to a folder.

[BSmile]

Here's a classic UPI picture form the Aug.10, 1968 Old Timer's Game at Yankee Stadium. Somebody, somewhere has the video tapes to these old games (WPIX-11 ?). I was lucky enough to actually go to the 1981-1983 games at The Stadium...but I've never seen any older footage from them. I'll have to scour youtube and see if anything is there.
~B

[locke40]

Another from the NYPL.

35701

[Yankeefan90]

Does anyone know when they built the apartment buildings. Because some of the early pics of The Stadium in like 1923 show mostly rural like areas. But pics from like 1927 and on show a different picture, The Bronx seemed to be more developed and close to what it is in later pics and the present. So I'm just wondering when were those apartment building built.

[Gary Dunaier]

When were the apartments built... that's a good question. This early view of Yankee Stadium, which I'm guessing was taken in 1923, shows the area in its original rural state, with just a few farmhouses and such.

http://pro.corbis.com/images/VV11013.jpg?size=67&uid={51627748-66a7-4fbb-bd5c-e2d4c181c376}
(Photo taken 1923? © Underwood & Underwood/CORBIS)


This 1926 photo, looking at the northeast corner of River Avenue and 157th Street (where a valet parking lot is today) shows that this stretch of River Avenue was still rural.

http://pro.corbis.com/images/BE048979.jpg?size=67&uid={8a432dbb-ec16-4793-8871-5fa157f0984d}
(Photo taken October 2, 1926. Original caption: "General view of crowds going into Yankee Stadium for a World Series game." © Bettmann/CORBIS)


By 1932, much of the immediate area had been developed. The white buildings facing the Stadium (from the 1929 photo in post #841) were already a few years old. Curiously, the property on the northwest corner of Gerard Avenue and 158th Street seems to have been passed over by developers; whereas the two-story house that was behind the telephone pole in the 1923 photo had open land on its north side, now it has 845 Gerard Avenue, a 6-story apartment building, right up against it.

http://pro.corbis.com/images/U631432INP.jpg?size=67&uid={91b14ab4-67b3-484d-830e-a60997876b58}
(Photo taken September 28, 1932. Original caption: "Bronx, New York: General view of the Yankee Stadium before start of first World Series game." © Bettmann/CORBIS)


By the time of Lou Gehrig Day in 1939, the land at Gerard and 158th was finally developed, and an 8-story apartment building (831 Gerard Avenue) now stands on the site; in this photo you can see it rising from directly behind the scoreboard.

http://pro.corbis.com/images/BE029746.jpg?size=67&uid={e8f725b0-0aa9-4269-8866-5436e427fad1}
(Photo taken July 4, 1939. Original caption: "7/4/1939 - New York, NY: Mayor LaGuardia at microphone speaking as Lou Gehrig listens with bowed head at Yankee Stadium, July 4th - Lou Gehrig Day." © Bettmann/CORBIS)


These apartment buildings have been overlooked when talking about the history of the Stadium. While the footprint of the field may not be the same, and the external physical structure may not be the same, the buildings you see beyond the scoreboard are the very ones that Ruth, DiMaggio, Mantle, and so many others were looking at when they stepped up to the plate. These windows have seen a lot of baseball history. God only knows what stories they can tell!

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/YANKEESTADIUM-2006-04-29-270.jpg
(Photo taken April 29, 2006. © Gary Dunaier)

[Yankeefan90]

These apartment buildings have been overlooked when talking about the history of the Stadium. While the footprint of the field may not be the same, and the external physical structure may not be the same, the buildings you see beyond the scoreboard are the very ones that Ruth, DiMaggio, Mantle, and so many others were looking at when they stepped up to the plate. These windows have seen a lot of baseball history. God only knows what stories they can tell!

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/YANKEESTADIUM-2006-04-29-270.jpg
(Photo taken April 29, 2006. © Gary Dunaier)

You got a point. Those apartment building really have been around during some of the greatest periods in baseball. Like you said they've seen Ruth, Gherig, DiMaggio, and Mantle as well as some great teams and great opponents, especially the Brooklyn Dodgers. That's one thing I love about Yankee Stadium and alot of the old stadiums it's a neighborhood ballpark. And I'm glad in 2009 it won't lose that distinction.

[jimmyjimjimz]

In Ruth's days, the Yankees' dugout was on the 3rd base line. However, by 1948, they changed it to the 1st base side (where it still is). But Ruth's locker was in the clubhouse on 3rd base side, so he dressed in there instead of in the Yankees' locker room. Presumably, his locker was retired, although I'm not 100% sure on that (I think it was though).

That is very interesting, I did not know that. I wonder why they switched sides?

So, the team that plays at the stadium gets to decide what side the home duggout is? I always thought it was a league rule that the home duggout was on the 1st base side.

You learn something new every day........................

Another from the NYPL.

35701

I know someone already brought this up, but it's really odd to see so much bare land outside Yankee Stadium. Especially for everyone like me who grew up going to Yankee Stadium.

[stlfan]

What's wild is to see that during all of the development between 1923 and 1932, the farmhouse that I circled in red seemed to have survived.

[SultanOfWhat]

Those NYPL photos are incredible. Thanks for posting them so large.:bowdown:

In some of those shots (particularly those of the Stadium in 1923, before the ads were put on the walls, such as posted above by Locke40 in post #853) you can actually see what I take to be the water barrel in deep RCF (against the back wall) into which Babe Ruth supposedly deposited a baseball on May 24, 1930. I imagine that the water barrels were there to be used if fire broke out in the enormous wooden bleachers (70 rows deep!).

Here is the description of that "water barrel" home run from Bill Jenkinson's "The Year Babe Ruth Hit 104 Home Runs":

5/24/1930 City:NY Opponent:Philadelphia Pitcher:Wallberg 4th Inning, Two outs, 1 on

"To top bleacher row in deep right center field; into water barrel; 535 feet":eek:

If people would be interested, I'll post a list of Babe Ruth's longest home runs hit in Yankee Stadium.

[alpineinc]

What's wild is to see that during all of the development between 1923 and 1932, the farmhouse that I circled in red seemed to have survived.
35709
35710

Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore!! LOL

Nice analysis, BTW, Gary. Amazing how fast the area changed.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Those NYPL photos are incredible. Thanks for posting them so large.:bowdown:

In some of those shots (particularly those of the Stadium in 1923, before the ads were put on the walls, such as posted above by Locke40 in post #853) you can actually see what I take to be the water barrel in deep RCF (against the back wall) into which Babe Ruth supposedly deposited a baseball on May 24, 1930. I imagine that the water barrels were there to be used if fire broke out in the enormous wooden bleachers (70 rows deep!).

Here is the description of that "water barrel" home run from Bill Jenkinson's "The Year Babe Ruth Hit 104 Home Runs":

5/24/1930 City:NY Opponent:Philadelphia Pitcher:Wallberg 4th Inning, Two outs, 1 on

"To top bleacher row in deep right center field; into water barrel; 535 feet":eek:

If people would be interested, I'll post a list of Babe Ruth's longest home runs hit in Yankee Stadium.


Am I looking in the wrong area, dont see the water barrel in post #853. I have several pictures depicting home runs Ruth hit in many other parks and actual game recaps from the NY Times, a life long project. He did hit at least two into the centerfield bleachers in the area of the 487 foot mark.

[jimmyjimjimz]

Am I looking in the wrong area, dont see the water barrel in post #853. I have several pictures depicting home runs Ruth hit in many other parks and actual game recaps from the NY Times, a life long project. He did hit at least two into the centerfield bleachers in the area of the 487 foot mark.

I don't see a water barrel either

[Gary Dunaier]

locke40, those high resolution photos you've been posting are f***ing awesome! I not only printed out a 4x6 copy of the photo in post #841 at a public photo kiosk, but I also cropped that image and zoomed in on 825 Gerard Avenue (the two white buildings to the right of the scoreboard), made a printout, and the quality of that image was also excellent!

Great job, locke40, keep up the good work!!!!!

:applaud:

[SultanOfWhat]

Am I looking in the wrong area, dont see the water barrel in post #853. I have several pictures depicting home runs Ruth hit in many other parks and actual game recaps from the NY Times, a life long project. He did hit at least two into the centerfield bleachers in the area of the 487 foot mark.

There are two barrels in the pic in post #853. They are the two dark spots at the base of the white RCF wall at the very back of the Stadium.

You can see the barrel in question even better in post #803. You can also see another in the LF bleachers in post # 807.

If you have sharp eyes (or zoom in on the image in Picasa) you can even see the barrel in the pic in post # 841 (re-posted below). Look for the sign
at the back wall in RCF that says "Bronx County Trust" and look down between the "R" and "O" in "Bronx".

Here's what Bill Jenkinson writes about that water barrel home run on May 24, 1930:

"In Game two, the 66,000 attendees watched him drop a bunt single, hit a sacrifice fly, and hit one of the great home runs
in Stadium history. Contemporary newspaper accounts agreed that the ball landed near the top of the bleachers in right
center field. They did not give any further details. However, Yankee pitcher Waite Hoyt and Athletics catcher Cy Perkins
both later swore that the ball landed in a barrel of water kept in the top row in case of fire. If true, this drive came as close
to leaving Yankee Stadium as any that has ever been struck."

Here is the pic from post 841 again:

http://baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=35670&d=1202931057

[locke40]

locke40, those high resolution photos you've been posting are f***ing awesome! I not only printed out a 4x6 copy of the photo in post #841 at a public photo kiosk, but I also cropped that image and zoomed in on 825 Gerard Avenue (the two white buildings to the right of the scoreboard), made a printout, and the quality of that image was also excellent!

Great job, locke40, keep up the good work!!!!!

:applaud:

Gary,
Thank you so much for the kind words. Like I've said before, it feels good to know there are others out there with the same passion for baseball stadiums, especially Old Yankee Stadium. Here's another, with a few more to come:

35724

[locke40]

The quality of this photograph and the previous one seem to be a little worn, but they are great nevertheless.

35728

[Gary Dunaier]

What is that little "pavilion," for lack of a better term, that extends from the right field grandstand?

[tdinan]

What is that little "pavilion," for lack of a better term, that extends from the right field grandstand?

I think it's the extension of the Grandstand, to fully wrap around the RF foul pole.

[brooklyndodger14]

What is that little "pavilion," for lack of a better term, that extends from the right field grandstand?

It actually is the switchback ramps that start at the gate (Lobby Level) leading up to (in order): the Lower Stand Concourse (2 ramps), the Mezzanine Concourse (another 2 ramps), and finally, the Upper Deck Concourse (a single ramp).

Those ramps are still in use today though I do believe that during the '74-'76 renovation they had altered some, but not all of the ramps so that you could "switch" to the adjacent ramp system where they intersected. In the original configuration, that was not possible.

The RF grandstand expanded in the 1930's and replaced the wooden bleachers that had been there for about 10 years.

Note that both the RF (Gate 6) and the LF (Gate 2) expansions were planned for in advance as both gates' exteriors in their 1923 state anticpated their eventual completion to look exactly like the Gate 4 (Home Plate) entrance.

I am not certain, however, if Gate 4 was always known as "Gate 4" before the expansions were completed.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[lollar]

The pic in post 841 is July 29, 1929. The Yankees beat the Browns 9-0 behind Ed Wells eight hitter.

[locke40]

What I don't understand is why they originally designed left field with the anticipation of extending the upper sections around the foul pole, but right field was designed completely different with bleacher seats. Wouldn't it have been easier to design the right field grandstand just as left field was designed? If they in fact had done that, maybe they could have extended the right field upper sections a little earlier than 1937.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

LOCKE the pics are the greatest, any dates on some of these.

[locke40]

LOCKE the pics are the greatest, any dates on some of these.

SHOELESSJOE3,
There are no dates attached to the photos, but I think I can safely assume they are from April of 1923. The Stadium looks to be getting its' final touch-ups, seat installation, etc. in preparation for the Babe to break her in.

Lollar did a great job identifying the photograph in post #841, which is July 29, 1929. It's great to see the Babe roaming right field, and Lou Gehrig patrolling first base in one picture.

[Yankeefan90]

This is probably a crazy question, but did that farmhouse in the pics of the early Stadium survive? I've tried looking but the newer pics of the Stadium makes it very hard to see the area in the back. So just wondering if anything from the old Bronx survived.

[jimmyjimjimz]

This is probably a crazy question, but did that farmhouse in the pics of the early Stadium survive? I've tried looking but the newer pics of the Stadium makes it very hard to see the area in the back. So just wondering if anything from the old Bronx survived.

I was actually gonna ask that same question, so I'll add to it then.
If that house isn't there anymore, does anyone know what year they knocked it down?

[SHOELESSJOE3]

I really like this one, the connection the man and the park go together. The fact that you can only see the sillhouette only and not the man himself, a photogrophers dream.

I don't think I have to tell you who he is............your correct, it's him taking in a game at the big park.

[jimmyjimjimz]

I really like this one, the connection the man and the park go together. The fact that you can only see the sillhouette only and not the man himself, a photogrophers dream.

I don't think I have to tell you who he is............your correct, it's him taking in a game at the big park.

Who exactly is "him"? It kinda looks like Babe Ruth, and it kinda looks like Joe DiMaggio, so I don't know who you mean by "Him"

[Gehrig27]

Wow, that's a great shot of Joe D. Kinda "haunting" and symbolic if I do say so myself.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Wow, that's a great shot of Joe D. Kinda "haunting" and symbolic if I do say so myself.


Yea, I wonder if the photogopher had that outline of Joe in mind when he snapped it. Thats what makes the pic so great. Had there been more light on him the pic would have lost something.

[locke40]

Here is another nice shot, with a good view of rural Bronx.

35756

[The Monument]

That's a great shot. Theres that water barrel again at the top of the bleachers. And if you look close you can make out a beer barrel in the first row. That was there for the Babe, in case he got thirsty. Beyond the Stadium walls is the elevated train, used for bringing in relief pitchers. The architects forgot to put in bullpens, so the relievers would warm up in Macombs Dam Park, then take the train to the Stadium. The Babe would hit that beer barrel during these long pitching changes. Speaking of beer, Stans bar is clearly shown beyond the bleacher walls, originally in one of those houses. Patrons were asked to leave by Mrs Stan when they became too loud.

[jimmyjimjimz]

Wow, that's a great shot of Joe D. Kinda "haunting" and symbolic if I do say so myself.

Thanks for telling me who "he" is

[BSmile]

I'm loving the OLD pic's of The Stadium Locke40. Keep 'em coming. BTW, my Babe Ruth Thread has been moved (appropriately) to the "History Of The Game" section. I just added some more new pics...and will continue to do so.
Anyways, is there any wonder as to WHY they built up the construction around The Stadium so quickly! Wow, talk about suddenly VERY valueable land! It's really amazing (the timing of it all). They built The Stadium...then POW! Instant start of the Dynasty.
I'll still be digging for pre-renovation pic's too though. As soon as I find 'em, I'll post 'em. Also, I think I'm going to start a new thread soon, probably in the "History Of The Game" section...filled with Championship/All-Star Rings, Awards etc. My image collection of them is getting pretty deep.

Cheers! ~B

[Gary Dunaier]

This is probably a crazy question, but did that farmhouse in the pics of the early Stadium survive? I've tried looking but the newer pics of the Stadium makes it very hard to see the area in the back. So just wondering if anything from the old Bronx survived.

That farmhouse is no longer there. As I mentioned in post #855, by the time of Lou Gehrig Day in 1939, the property on which that farmhouse stood was developed and an 8-story apartment building (831 Gerard Avenue) was erected on the site.

http://pro.corbis.com/images/U510821DACME.jpg?size=67&uid={635aaebf-a726-4fc2-857d-77853dddd757}

In the above photo, 831 Gerard Avenue is the white building that can be seen peering up from behind the scoreboard. My theory - and it's just a theory, with no factual research done to back it up - is that the landowner had a hard time selling that property because the scoreboard blocked the view of the field that the other buildings on that side of Gerard enjoyed. (As an aside, note the crowds on the roof of 825 Gerard, the building with the "BE WISE - SIMONIZ" sign on top.)

Here's a more recent view of 831 Gerard:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/640x480YANKEESTADIUMHOUSESDAY.jpg
(Photo taken April 29, 2006. © Gary Dunaier)

[BSmile]

I just posted this picture of the 1927 Yankees on my Babe Ruth Pic's Thread in History Of The Game section. I thought that I'd post it here as well for all my fellow Stadium fans. This is the biggest and best (non-resized) picture I've ever come across of the 1927 NYY. BTW, if you go over to my Babe Ruth Pic's, make sure you check out all the links to watch the Babe in action in a variety of Newsreels and short films...Including the Newsreel of Walter Johnson v. The Babe in 1942 at The Stadium...classic stuff.
Enjoy! ~B

[Yankeefan90]

I think what's cool about this pic is the fans that are in the pic. I think it's pretty cool that the fans in the background got to be in a pic with one of the greatest teams of all time. Wish that happened to me lol.

[alpineinc]

Simply outstanding photos.

[Gary Dunaier]

I think what's cool about this pic is the fans that are in the pic. I think it's pretty cool that the fans in the background got to be in a pic with one of the greatest teams of all time.
It's interesting to see the expressions on some of their faces. One guy's resting his head in his hand, as if he's bored, and another guy isn't even looking at the field, he's got his head down because he's really engrossed in his newspaper!!!!!

[Gary Dunaier]

Here are a couple of Flickr.com photos from the October 11, 1969 Notre Dame-Army football game at Yankee Stadium...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/2275422300_237f9e4df7.jpg?v=0
(Posted on Flickr.com by user Dick Leonhardt on February 18, 2008; photo listed as having been taken October 11, 1969. Link to original Flickr.com post: here (http://flickr.com/photos/35033278@N00/2275422300/in/photostream/))

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/2274629429_30f649b086.jpg?v=0
(Posted on Flickr.com by user Dick Leonhardt on February 18, 2008; photo listed as having been taken October 11, 1969. Link to original Flickr.com post: here (http://flickr.com/photos/35033278@N00/2274629429/in/photostream/))

[Mattingly85MVP]

The higher resolution shots on flicker are outstanding...great photos

[SHOELESSJOE3]

It's interesting to see the expressions on some of their faces. One guy's resting his head in his hand, as if he's bored, and another guy isn't even looking at the field, he's got his head down because he's really engrossed in his newspaper!!!!!

I don't think at the time folks realize the greatness they are witnessing at the time it is taking place. As time passes then it's more appreciated.

I speak from experience. So many times over the years regrets, I never saw Ruth, Walter Johnson, Cobb, Grove, Foxx. Then I realized, I saw Mantle, Mays, Aaron..................and Ted Williams. Now as years go by I realize I did see some of the greatest ever......in my own time.

[Yankeefan90]

Here are a couple of Flickr.com photos from the October 11, 1969 Notre Dame-Army football game at Yankee Stadium...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/2275422300_237f9e4df7.jpg?v=0
(Posted on Flickr.com by user Dick Leonhardt on February 18, 2008; photo listed as having been taken October 11, 1969. Link to original Flickr.com post: here (http://flickr.com/photos/35033278@N00/2275422300/in/photostream/))

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/2274629429_30f649b086.jpg?v=0
(Posted on Flickr.com by user Dick Leonhardt on February 18, 2008; photo listed as having been taken October 11, 1969. Link to original Flickr.com post: here (http://flickr.com/photos/35033278@N00/2274629429/in/photostream/))

For a baseball only stadium, Yankee Stadium is really not a horrible football stadium. It actually seems like it has good sightlines.

[Urbanshocker13]

Wasn't the stadium actually kind of built for multi-use, for baseball,football, boxing and whatever? I know it was mostly built for baseball, but didn't they have multi-use in mind when they designed it? You know, thats why there was that safe thing under 2nd base for cables and boxing ring and other stufflike that.

[jimmyjimjimz]

Wasn't the stadium actually kind of built for multi-use, for baseball,football, boxing and whatever? I know it was mostly built for baseball, but didn't they have multi-use in mind when they designed it? You know, thats why there was that safe thing under 2nd base for cables and boxing ring and other stufflike that.

is that safe still there?
if it is, does anyone know what theyre gonna do with it when they take the stadium down?

[Urbanshocker13]

is that safe still there?
if it is, does anyone know what theyre gonna do with it when they take the stadium down?

They took most of it out during the 70's renovations, might even have taken it all out. Babe Ruth's gold might be there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek::eek::rofl:

[BSmile]

Here's a great (large) picture of Frank "Home Run" Baker, Ray Schalk, Dazzy Vance, Ted Lyons, Gabby Hartnett, and Joe DiMaggio taken at Yankee Stadium in 1955 during an Old-Timer's event.

Cheers! ~B

[BSmile]

Here's a great large-scale team pic of the 1937 New York Yankees. Taken at The Stadium...

Cheers! ~B

[Kaplanski]

I’m getting ready to put the center filed monuments and plaques in my 3D model. I was wondering if anybody knew the dimensions of the monuments, plaques and the flag pole.

Thanks

Rick

[BSmile]

It's been a while...here's a few great old pictures...

1) Casey Stengel (of the Giants) crosses the plate to win Game 1 of the 1923 World Series on October 10th - Yankee Stadium.

2) Great press photo from the bleachers of the 3rd game of the 1952 World Series.

3) Bob Feller hurls a pitch to Joe DiMaggio during his no-hitter on April 30, 1946.

4) Old-Timer's Day pic - Yankee Stadium. I don't know the year...it appears to be the early 1950's. Anybody want to take a crack at who's/who? I don't have a listing for this picture. At first glance, Bill Dickey is the only obvious player to me.

Cheers! ~B

[Yankeefan90]

In that second picture those people are sitting in what is now the black section of the bleachers now. And who in the last picture is wearing a Yankee jersey and a NY Giants hat?

[Kentucky Bomber]

4) Old-Timer's Day pic - Yankee Stadium. I don't know the year...it appears to be the early 1950's. Anybody want to take a crack at who's/who? I don't have a listing for this picture. At first glance, Bill Dickey is the only obvious player to me.

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=36714&stc=1&d=1204303556

Here are some of them..

Hank Greenberg is top row far left. Joe Sewell is 4th to the left of Dickey, Red Rolfe immediately to Dickey's left. Earle Combs is 2nd right of Dickey. Frank Frisch is far left bottom row, Bucky Harris is 2nd from the right on the bottom.

And the old lady far left just above the Yankee dugout is John McGraw's widow.

[brooklyndodger14]

Here are some of them..

Hank Greenberg is top row far left. Joe Sewell is 4th to the left of Dickey, Red Rolfe immediately to Dickey's left. Earle Combs is 2nd right of Dickey. Frank Frisch is far left bottom row, Bucky Harris is 2nd from the right on the bottom.

And the old lady far left just above the Yankee dugout is John McGraw's widow.


I would like to add that I believe that is pitcher Waite Hoyt, front row, 5th from left.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[alpineinc]

1953.

36743

[brooklyndodger14]

Taken by my brother on an Instamatic 104.

The time is 2:11 and the game is just getting underway. Every fan in attendence received a 7" commemorative LP, "Yankee Stadium, the Sounds of Half a Century."

As it is now early autumn, the shadows are longer on the field at the game's start, and the field condition is not in tip-top shape since there are no playoffs going on in this corner of the city. You can see the traces of a gridiron from the recent final old-Stadium NY Giants game.

If you look closely at the monuments, you will see they are just the granite without the plaques on them.

The other two pictures are of course from the field at the game's end. The final scoreboard message says, "Thanks for the memories. See you back here in 1976."


Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[BSmile]

Great responses guys!
Nice find with the newspaper clipping alpineinc, that's some awfully solid evidence for it being 1953....and Kentucky Bomber, that's pretty amazing that you knew that it was McGraw's widow sitting there (or were you kidding?). I'll assume you weren't...good stuff. I love the old-timer's pics...hopefully I can dig up some more. And finally....fantastic pic's Dennis...You've been holdin' out on us!?!?!!!! Hahaha....great pic's, thanks so much for sharing those...love the 70's attire on everyone.

Cheers! ~B

[brooklyndodger14]

And finally....fantastic pic's Dennis...You've been holdin' out on us!?!?!!!! Hahaha....great pic's, thanks so much for sharing those...love the 70's attire on everyone.

Cheers! ~B


I had to REALLY clean the pix up with ArcSoft PhotoImpression V.3 (a pauper's version of Photoshop) to remove as many blemishes as I could, adjust the color, and re-scan the originals in as hi-rez as possible and then reduce to meet the upload limits of the site.

I have one more snapshot of the RF facade from the field.

Does anyone else have any pics of that day???

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

PS: I actually have that EXACT vendor outfit (circa 1967-73) you posted in #138 on Page 6 of the "Yankee Stadium Renovation 1973-1975" thread. I'll post a picture of the back of the outfit when I get a chance.

As gaudy looking as it is (it was the psychedelic era back then, after all), to me it is a great artifact from my very first paying job at 15: what could be a better gig than making some money and seeing ballgames for free (besides being an actual ballplayer that is)?

[BSmile]

PS: I actually have that EXACT vendor outfit (circa 1967-73) you posted in #138 on Page 6 of the "Yankee Stadium Renovation 1973-1975" thread. I'll post a picture of the back of the outfit when I get a chance.

As gaudy looking as it is (it was the psychedelic era back then, after all), to me it is a great artifact from my very first paying job at 15

That's AWESOME Dennis!!!
I also read the UniWatchBlog every day and submit different items to Paul (the head writer - also writes for ESPN.com) and he's actually posted a lot of the things I've sent him. Anyways, that shirt has been the subject of a LOT of talk over there lately (spawned by yours truly). People are LOVIN the shirt (me too). So check out his blog from today (the 29th) over at his site:

http://www.uniwatchblog.com/

You should take a picture of yourself in the uni and send it to him!
I bet he'd LOVE IT!

Cheers! `B

[Kentucky Bomber]

Great responses guys!
Nice find with the newspaper clipping alpineinc, that's some awfully solid evidence for it being 1953....and Kentucky Bomber, that's pretty amazing that you knew that it was McGraw's widow sitting there (or were you kidding?). I'll assume you weren't...good stuff. I love the old-timer's pics...hopefully I can dig up some more. And finally....fantastic pic's Dennis...You've been holdin' out on us!?!?!!!! Hahaha....great pic's, thanks so much for sharing those...love the 70's attire on everyone.

Cheers! ~B

Not kidding...Mrs Mac was a regular at Old Timer's days and the like until her death, along with Mrs Ruth and Mrs Gehrig who, I assume, hadn't arrived when this was taken. Here she is in 1957 at the last game in the Polo Grounds; looks pretty much the same.

[Kentucky Bomber]

If you look closely at the monuments, you will see they are just the granite without the plaques on them.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

.........................

[Kentucky Bomber]

If you look closely at the monuments, you will see they are just the granite without the plaques on them.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

I don't recall the plaques ever being removed from the monuments, and I was there that day as well.

[Mario Mendoza...HOF Lock]

Thanks to all for all the great old pictures. As on all forums, there are likely hundreds of others who are appreciating your pics who can not say thank you. Many of these have never been seen before by most, including myself.

[SultanOfWhat]

I don't recall the plaques ever being removed from the monuments, and I was there that day as well.

It makes sense that they would want to protect the actual plaques from theft or damage in the melee expected after the final out. That would mean taking them off ahead of time.

I just zoomed in on the monuments in the pic in Picasa, and they do indeed seem to be bare.

I ended up getting a floppy phonograph record on black plastic that had broadcasts from Yankee Stadium some time around 1973. I wonder if it was the "LP" mentioned above. I remember Scooter's call of Roger Maris' 61st home run most clearly from this record.

I was lucky enough to go into the Yankee bullpen during a game in 1972, and to meet Sparky Lyle (who my Dad knew through his restaurants). I can't believe that it will be 40 years this Spring since my first Yankee game. Time flies, which is one reason these photos are so precious.

[TJH1923]

Guys, you have been coming up with some great material lately. I hope there is more to follow.
I vividly remember that final game. I was sitting in the upper deck, general admission, between home and third. My brother was able to remove a piece of a seat which I still have today. I also remember Duke Sims of the Tigers hitting the last home run at the stadium, a line drive over the right field auxiliary scoreboard, into the bleachers. My father ushered us out of there before the game was over. You could sense a little mayhem in the air as the crowd was starting to slowly disassemble the stadium.
These pictures also made me realize it has also been about 40 years since my first game. Wow time flies. The only thing I remember was Mickey Mantle hitting a titanic, at least to a three year old, batting practice home run.
Spring Training brings us a new season to look forward to. With all the problems baseball has had recently, it is still refreshing to anticipate the coming season. I do love this game. It is part of who I am. Play ball!!

[David Atkatz]

I just zoomed in on the monuments in the pic in Picasa, and they do indeed seem to be bare.

I'm sure the powers-that-be realized that everything that wasn't nailed down (and quite a few things that were) was going to be liberated, and they decided to protect those precious plaques.

BTW, this June will mark 49 years since my first game. I don't think that eight-year-old could have imagined that the Stadium wouldn't be there fifty years later.

[Kentucky Bomber]

I ended up getting a floppy phonograph record on black plastic that had broadcasts from Yankee Stadium some time around 1973. I wonder if it was the "LP" mentioned above. I remember Scooter's call of Roger Maris' 61st home run most clearly from this record.

They issued the record twice. Those of us there the last game got a 7" record in a cardboard sleeve. Then they reissued the record as a floppy insert in the 1974 yearbook.

My first game was as an eight year old 49 years ago in June as well, June 11, 1959, a 9-5 loss to the KC A's. Marv Throneberry and Mick homered, but Bob Turley had nothing to stop the mighty A's offense, led by Dick Williams and Whitey Herzog.

[Gary Dunaier]

It makes sense that they would want to protect the actual plaques from theft or damage in the melee expected after the final out. That would mean taking them off ahead of time.

I just zoomed in on the monuments in the pic in Picasa, and they do indeed seem to be bare.

I can just imagine what those plaques would go for if put up for auction today, had the Yankees not had the foresight to remove them ahead of time and someone did walk off with them.

On the other hand, if someone did walk off with them back in '73 and they wound up on the auction block, I wonder if the Yankees would have legal grounds to try and get them back (for example, they could make a case for them being stolen property, &c.).

[Kentucky Bomber]

I can just imagine what those plaques would go for if put up for auction today, had the Yankees not had the foresight to remove them ahead of time and someone did walk off with them.

On the other hand, if someone did walk off with them back in '73 and they wound up on the auction block, I wonder if the Yankees would have legal grounds to try and get them back (for example, they could make a case for them being stolen property, &c.).

They probably had the Eddie Grant memorial in mind. As has been discussed many times on the Polo Grounds thread, the monument to Grant stood in dead center in the PG in the Giants' days and disappeared without a trace. It may have been melted down for the bronze, it could be sitting in somebody's living room or stuck in a warehouse where it was placed for safekeeping and forgotten.

[Sooperdon]

hello all. great photos JACKIE 42. I love this photo it shows how close the polo grounds and yankee stadium were. Donald :clapping

The Baker Bowl and Shibe Park in Philadelphia were about the same distance apart too.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/27/Shibe_Park_and_Baker_Bowl.JPG

[yankees82]

i originally posted this on new yankee stadium construction thread but i suppose it qualifies as pre-renovation too.

check it out and enjoy:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZUOJWpdORNw

[BSmile]

Wow! That was great....Loved it!

[J.R.]

i originally posted this on new yankee stadium construction thread but i suppose it qualifies as pre-renovation too.

check it out and enjoy:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZUOJWpdORNw

That's great.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Just a test here. Want to see if this text appears. The problem, when ever I attach anything in my post, the entire post does not appear. Any help from the board.

[alpineinc]

Just a test here. Want to see if this text appears. The problem, when ever I attach anything in my post, the entire post does not appear. Any help from the board.

I find my attachments don't show up immediately and after posting, and I have to refresh the thread page to see them, if that means anything.

Are the attachments too large? There's an approximate 1.05 mb limit. Also I often find a message won't post with only an attachment, usually have to add text (if you preview, it will say the message is too short to post).

If you have an online photo place like Photobucket, uploading the attachment there and linking to it here usually works easier than attachments.

And "Preview Post" is essential in seeing what works, what doesn't, before submitting.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

I find my attachments don't show up immediately and after posting, and I have to refresh the thread page to see them, if that means anything.

Are the attachments too large? There's an approximate 1.05 mb limit. Also I often find a message won't post with only an attachment, usually have to add text (if you preview, it will say the message is too short to post).

If you have an online photo place like Photobucket, uploading the attachment there and linking to it here usually works easier than attachments.

And "Preview Post" is essential in seeing what works, what doesn't, before submitting.

I have all that covered, I am within the size limit, I do have text to go along with it and the killer is when I preview the post it looks fine, the post and the attachment display themselves. Then when I click submit, the post does not appear on the board. I posted, or should say I "attempted" half a dozen posts with attachments in the last two days, none have showed on the boards, history section, current or the parks.
Thank you for the response, I have sent an EMAIL to the board, waiting for help.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Keeping score at the big park in 1949.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Don't know what happened but it's now working.

[The Monument]

They probably had the Eddie Grant memorial in mind. As has been discussed many times on the Polo Grounds thread, the monument to Grant stood in dead center in the PG in the Giants' days and disappeared without a trace. It may have been melted down for the bronze, it could be sitting in somebody's living room or stuck in a warehouse where it was placed for safekeeping and forgotten.

"Indiana Jones and the Eddie Grant Memorial"

[Kentucky Bomber]

"Indiana Jones and the Eddie Grant Memorial"

Precisely the image I had.

[tomato]

They issued the record twice. Those of us there the last game got a 7" record in a cardboard sleeve. Then they reissued the record as a floppy insert in the 1974 yearbook.

My first game was as an eight year old 49 years ago in June as well, June 11, 1959, a 9-5 loss to the KC A's. Marv Throneberry and Mick homered, but Bob Turley had nothing to stop the mighty A's offense, led by Dick Williams and Whitey Herzog.
For those of you that were at the last game of the 1973 season, I know Kentucky Bomber was, was the game a sell out?

[The Monument]

For those of you that were at the last game of the 1973 season, I know Kentucky Bomber was, was the game a sell out?

The crowd was 32,000 plus. I was twelve years old and sitting in the RF lower boxes a few rows behind the 344' sign. Dad meant to bring his Polaroid camera but forgot it. Around the bottom of the 7th, guys with screwdrivers started taking the box # plates off of the railings. They were only screwed in. Today they're pop riveted. Nearer the end of the game the wrenches and pliers came out and seats were being removed. We moved back a few rows to avoid getting hit with flying pieces when guys started smashing the seats apart to seperate them. After the last out, some kid jumped onto the field and two cops picked him up and threw him back. This despite the hundreds that had already run onto the field. We watched for a few minutes, then headed for the exit. I found a straight-backed seat slat lying on the steps in the Reserved seats on the way out. My father said "Make sure nobody sees it". He thought we'd get in trouble. As we drove away towards the Major Deegan, I kept looking back at the Stadium, thinking 'this is the last time I'll ever see it while it looks like this'. I was not looking forward to two years in Shea, and not crazy about the renovation plans that I had seen.

[brooklyndodger14]

The crowd was 32,000 plus. I was twelve years old and sitting in the RF lower boxes a few rows behind the 344' sign. Dad meant to bring his Polaroid camera but forgot it. Around the bottom of the 7th, guys with screwdrivers started taking the box # plates off of the railings. They were only screwed in. Today they're pop riveted. Nearer the end of the game the wrenches and pliers came out and seats were being removed. We moved back a few rows to avoid getting hit with flying pieces when guys started smashing the seats apart to seperate them. After the last out, some kid jumped onto the field and two cops picked him up and threw him back. This despite the hundreds that had already run onto the field. We watched for a few minutes, then headed for the exit. I found a straight-backed seat slat lying on the steps in the Reserved seats on the way out. My father said "Make sure nobody sees it". He thought we'd get in trouble. As we drove away towards the Major Deegan, I kept looking back at the Stadium, thinking 'this is the last time I'll ever see it while it looks like this'. I was not looking forward to two years in Shea, and not crazy about the renovation plans that I had seen.

What I had definitely forgotten but was reminded about after reading "The Yankees: An Illustrated History" by John Sullivan & George Powers (1982) was that some of the fans were in an ugly mood for the way the Yankees just collapsed in September losing 18 games or so games while the Mets were eeking out a playoff berth in the NL East.

They were visciously booing manager Ralph Houk and he suddenly resigned after the game was over.

That's something you don't see any evidence of in the pix I posted...

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[tomato]

The crowd was 32,000 plus. I was twelve years old and sitting in the RF lower boxes a few rows behind the 344' sign. Dad meant to bring his Polaroid camera but forgot it. Around the bottom of the 7th, guys with screwdrivers started taking the box # plates off of the railings. They were only screwed in. Today they're pop riveted. Nearer the end of the game the wrenches and pliers came out and seats were being removed. We moved back a few rows to avoid getting hit with flying pieces when guys started smashing the seats apart to seperate them. After the last out, some kid jumped onto the field and two cops picked him up and threw him back. This despite the hundreds that had already run onto the field. We watched for a few minutes, then headed for the exit. I found a straight-backed seat slat lying on the steps in the Reserved seats on the way out. My father said "Make sure nobody sees it". He thought we'd get in trouble. As we drove away towards the Major Deegan, I kept looking back at the Stadium, thinking 'this is the last time I'll ever see it while it looks like this'. I was not looking forward to two years in Shea, and not crazy about the renovation plans that I had seen.
Thanks Monument. I grew up in New Jersey and was only 11 at the time and was only at the old stadium once and that was a Giants football game and I dont remember anything conserning the renovation. My first Yankee game was at Shea, it was bat day and I got Lou Piniella. I remember I was upset, I wanted Ron Blomberg. BTW I still have the bat.

[The Monument]

What I had definitely forgotten but was reminded about after reading "The Yankees: An Illustrated History" by John Sullivan & George Powers (1982) was that some of the fans were in an ugly mood for the way the Yankees just collapsed in September losing 18 games or so games while the Mets were eeking out a playoff berth in the NL East.

They were visciously booing manager Ralph Houk and he suddenly resigned after the game was over.

That's something you don't see any evidence of in the pix I posted...

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

Yeah, the front page of the Daily News the next day had a picture of Houk trudging back to the dugout after a visit to the mound, and in the background some fans were holding up a banner which read 'Fire Houk'. I liked Houk, but he didn't have the players he needed to win the Division. I know that photo has been posted here before.
tomato, it's cool that you still have that bat. I still have a Johny Ellis from the early 70's. And I still have that seat slat. It's my prize, even though I've purchased several whole seats over the years.

[Kentucky Bomber]

Yeah, the front page of the Daily News the next day had a picture of Houk trudging back to the dugout after a visit to the mound, and in the background some fans were holding up a banner which read 'Fire Houk'. I liked Houk, but he didn't have the players he needed to win the Division. I know that photo has been posted here before.
tomato, it's cool that you still have that bat. I still have a Johny Ellis from the early 70's. And I still have that seat slat. It's my prize, even though I've purchased several whole seats over the years.

I thought I had posted in this thread but it was somewhere else that I talked about that last day. The last innings were played to a chorus of "Houk Must Go" with sounds of ripping and tearing in the background. I had a seat slat as well, can't remember how I got it, but I gave it away when I got my seat. (I do still have a seat slat from the last event ever at the old Madison Square Garden, a Rangers hockey game. They can't close anything without me!;) )As I posted elsewhere my strongest memory of that day was the two guys leaving the park carrying a urinal.

[stlfan]

I found this book at the library yesterday and saw photos that I hadn't seen before. I'm not sure if anyone has posted info about this book or its photos. This first photo wasn't marked as far as when it was taken. It's a beautiful arial shot.

[stlfan]

Another photo from the 75 Years book. The caption reads:

"A section of the ramshackle property owned by the William Waldorf Astor estate is seen here in a picture taken in 1921. The ten-plus acres bordered River Avenue and extended from 158th Street to 161st Street, in the West Bronx, across the East River from The Polo Grounds. A palace would rise from this trash-strewn landscape."

[stlfan]

Here's a photo during construction from the book. The caption reads:

"Taken in the late summer of 1922, this picture shows the lower grandstand structure, and the beginning of the mezzanine and upper deck flanking the third baseline."

[stlfan]

This great shot from the main entrance reads:

"Grandstand seats cost a dollar on opening day. The cold wind snapping the flags made topcoats the uniform of the day for most spectators."

[stlfan]

Here is an awesome aerial of opening day 1923 from the 75 Years book. Take a look at the parking jobs in the lower right hand corner of the photo. It looks like they used the construction sites of the development around the stadium as parking lots. It looks like many cars would have been stuck until the cars around them left because of how packed in they are. The caption reads:

"An aerial view of opening day, showing the proximity of the subway line and the slowly emerging Bronx neighborhood."

[locke40]

Great work stlfan.

[Kentucky Bomber]

I found this book at the library yesterday and saw photos that I hadn't seen before. I'm not sure if anyone has posted info about this book or its photos. This first photo wasn't marked as far as when it was taken. It's a beautiful arial shot.

I have this book in my library and if you go to the credits page it identifies the photo as July 4, 1961. A great shot. And Maris homered in a doubleheader split.

[stlfan]

Another photo from the book. What I find humorous is how short the foul pole is.

"This view of the grandstand taken during the 1926 World Series displays the construction that supported the mezzanine and upper grandstand."

[stlfan]

This book is pretty awesome. It's a great resource.

"Babe Ruth taking his cuts in a batting practice session in 1928. Readers are invited to submit ideas as to why the lower grandstand beyond third base is filled to capacity, while the rest of the park is empty."

I am wondering that myself.

[stlfan]

Here's a photo with the caption:

"Opening day, 1927, and the Babe is flanked by an uncharacteristically amiable Ty Cobb, on the left, and Eddie Collins. It was the forty-year-old Cobb's first year with the Philadelphia Athletics, and he finished the season with a .357 average, an accomplishment eclipsed by Ruth's record sixty homers."

[stlfan]

"Auxiliary field level scoreboards were added in right and left field for the 1946 season."

If you look closely you can see where they had knocked out part of the concrete outfield wall in order to install the scoreboard.

[stlfan]

Here is an impressive shot the demonstrates how imposing of a structure that Yankee Stadium is.

"The Yankees won the 1951 World Series from the Giants in six games. The action here shows Hank Bauer tripling with the bases loaded in the sixth inning of game six, providing a 4-1 Yankee lead."

[stlfan]

I'm not sure but I think someone else may have posted this photo.

"In the second game of the 1951 World Series, Mickey Mantle, while avoiding a collision with Joe DiMaggio, stepped on a drain cover and sprained his right knee. He did not play again in the Series that year, and was afflicted with knee and leg injuries for the rest of his career."

[SultanOfWhat]

I have that Yankee stadium book. On that last Hank Bauer photo, I think he's actually fouling off a pitch straight back. His triple must have come later in the at-bat.

[Kentucky Bomber]

I'm not sure but I think someone else may have posted this photo.

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=37058&stc=1&d=1204680063

"In the second game of the 1951 World Series, Mickey Mantle, while avoiding a collision with Joe DiMaggio, stepped on a drain cover and sprained his right knee. He did not play again in the Series that year, and was afflicted with knee and leg injuries for the rest of his career."

About 12 years later Dr. Sidney Gaynor, Yankee physician, attended an orthopaedic convention and displayed an X-Ray of an unnamed patient's legs. He asked the attending doctors their opinion of the patient's prognosis. They said the patient was obviously in a wheelchair and could look forward to a life as an invalid. He then revealed the patient as Mickey Mantle.

[stlfan]

Wow, and people complain about the use of ads today. But here all the buildings outside of the stadium were fair game for ads. Also, comparing this with my previous photo, it looks like sometime between the 1951 WS and the beginning of the 1954 season that the "407 FT." sign went from being painted white to another color with a white border. I know the scan doesn't show it that well though. Anyone have any answers?

"This sweeping view of Yankee Stadium was taken before a preseason game between the Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1954."

[Kentucky Bomber]

Wow, and people complain about the use of ads today. But here all the buildings outside of the stadium were fair game for ads. Also, comparing this with my previous photo, it looks like sometime between the 1951 WS and the beginning of the 1954 season that the "407 FT." sign went from being painted white to another color with a white border. I know the scan doesn't show it that well though. Anyone have any answers?

"This sweeping view of Yankee Stadium was taken before a preseason game between the Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1954."

The 457, 461 and 407 signs were a torquoise green color with (I think) a yellowish edging.

[stlfan]

Here's a neat football photo.

"Giants versus Colts action."

[The Monument]

I found this book at the library yesterday and saw photos that I hadn't seen before. I'm not sure if anyone has posted info about this book or its photos. This first photo wasn't marked as far as when it was taken. It's a beautiful arial shot.

Thats a very good book and it has some great photos. I met Chis Jennison, one of the authors, at a Borders in Levittown NY when the book came out. He's a real nice guy and I wouldn't be surprised if he's on this site. One of the things that always bugged me about the aerial photo from behind the plate. One setion of the exterior, just to the right of the 'M' in the Stadium sign, is bright white while the others are not.

[TJH1923]

"Auxiliary field level scoreboards were added in right and left field for the 1946 season."

If you look closely you can see where they had knocked out part of the concrete outfield wall in order to install the scoreboard.


I have also read that the auxiliary scoreboards were installed for the '46 season.
The '47 WS photo of Dimaggio hitting that drive toward the LF bullpen which was ultimately caught by Gionfriddo show no auxiliary scoreboards. I also believe the photo to be accurate due to only two monuments in CF. Babe Ruth's wasn't placed until '48 or '49. Can anybody clarify this?

[stlfan]

Thanks for the info Kentucky Bomber.

Here is another great football photograph.

"Alex Webster is seen here wedging into the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter."

[Kentucky Bomber]

Thats a very good book and it has some great photos. I met Chis Jennison, one of the authors, at a Borders in Levittown NY when the book came out. He's a real nice guy and I wouldn't be surprised if he's on this site. One of the things that always bugged me about the aerial photo from behind the plate. One setion of the exterior, just to the right of the 'M' in the Stadium sign, is bright white while the others are not.

I noticed that too. Look at the roof above it as well...there was obviously a major piece of repair that went on in that section and that probably is new concrete that looks so much lighter in color.

I looked up the Stadium in Green Cathedrals and it says the auxiliary scoreboards came in in the late '40's and covered the 367' and 415' markers. Since Gionfriddo made his catch at the 415' marker in '47 I am guessing they came in for the '48 season since that was the year after Larry MacPhail was gone and it could mark Topping and Webb's desire to make their mark on the Stadium.

[h-man]

I have also read that the auxiliary scoreboards were installed for the '46 season.
The '47 WS photo of Dimaggio hitting that drive toward the LF bullpen which was ultimately caught by Gionfriddo show no auxiliary scoreboards. I also believe the photo to be accurate due to only two monuments in CF. Babe Ruth's wasn't placed until '48 or '49. Can anybody clarify this?

yea ruth didnt die until 1948 so i imagine it was placed there in 49

[h-man]

double post

[PhilaPhanDave]

As a new reader, I commend and thank everyone for all of the outstanding pictures in this thread. While not a Yankees fan, I have always been enthralled with Yankee Stadium, as well as the era of NYC baseball from 1947-1957.

Thanks again, and keep it coming!!

[Kentucky Bomber]

Monuments:

Huggins - 5/30/32
Gehrig - 7/4/41
Ruth - 4/19/49
Mantle - 8/25/96
DiMaggio - 4/25/99

Plaques:

Ruppert - 1940
Barow - 1954
McCarthy - 1976
Stengel - 1976
Munson - 1979
Howard - 1984
Maris - 1984
Rizzuto - 1985
Martin - 1986
Ford - 1987
Gomez - 1987
Dickey - 1988
Berra - 1988
Reynolds - 1989
Mattingly - 1997
Allen - 1998
Sheppard - 2000
Jackson - 2002
Guidry - 2003
Ruffing - 2004

Papal Plaques 1965 and 1979, 9/11 plaque 2002

[jimmyjimjimz]

Monuments:

Huggins - 5/30/32
Gehrig - 7/4/41
Ruth - 4/19/49
Mantle - 8/25/96
DiMaggio - 4/25/99

Plaques:

Ruppert - 1940
Barow - 1954
McCarthy - 1976
Stengel - 1976
Munson - 1979
Howard - 1984
Maris - 1984
Rizzuto - 1985
Martin - 1986
Ford - 1987
Gomez - 1987
Dickey - 1988
Berra - 1988
Reynolds - 1989
Mattingly - 1997
Allen - 1998
Sheppard - 2000
Jackson - 2002
Guidry - 2003
Ruffing - 2004

Papal Plaques 1965 and 1979, 9/11 plaque 2002


Actually, the 9/11 "plaque" is a monument.

[Reds41]

I didn't think I saw this one posted.

http://pro.corbis.com/images/U1094725INP.jpg?size=67&uid={f7dd8e09-ea66-405f-8810-3fd90ba0805d}

[stlfan]

I didn't think I saw this one posted.

http://pro.corbis.com/images/U1094725INP.jpg?size=67&uid={f7dd8e09-ea66-405f-8810-3fd90ba0805d}

Wow, the facade looks in bad shape.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Monuments:

Huggins - 5/30/32
Gehrig - 7/4/41
Ruth - 4/19/49
Mantle - 8/25/96
DiMaggio - 4/25/99

Plaques:

Ruppert - 1940
Barow - 1954
McCarthy - 1976
Stengel - 1976
Munson - 1979
Howard - 1984
Maris - 1984
Rizzuto - 1985
Martin - 1986
Ford - 1987
Gomez - 1987
Dickey - 1988
Berra - 1988
Reynolds - 1989
Mattingly - 1997
Allen - 1998
Sheppard - 2000
Jackson - 2002
Guidry - 2003
Ruffing - 2004

Papal Plaques 1965 and 1979, 9/11 plaque 2002