Polo Grounds/Brush Staircase

[hbwriter]

All--Thought I'd share this piece I just wrote for Preservation magazine

http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/story-of-the-week/2009/the-last-of-the-polo-grounds.html

chris

[mandrake]

hbwriter

Haven't heard from you in a while. The stairway has been mentioned in a few other threads, but certainly not in your detail.

The last I had read, the football Giants had chipped in 200K, the Yankees 100K, the NY Jets 50K and the SF Giants 50K. The NY Daily news had reported that the Mets did not chip in. Looking at the article you provided, you listed the Mets chipped in and the total of all the teams was 500K; so do you know if the Mets chipped in the 100K ? If so, I will apologize to them on the forum because I implied that they were cheap!!!

[DiggerODell]

All--Thought I'd share this piece I just wrote for Preservation magazine

http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/story-of-the-week/2009/the-last-of-the-polo-grounds.html

chris

Nice article hb! It's good to hear something from the old Polo Grounds being restored. Last summer when I walked around the apartments, Brush Staircase was the area I most regret having missed. I looked up that day from about the area of where homeplate was towards the bluff and realized with my right hip going sour (I was walking with the aid of stick by then) I wouldn't make it. Oh well, perhaps another day.

Thanks again for sharing that article.

Almost forgot to mention, I ordered from Amazon, A Day In The Bleachers by Arnold Hano, it should arrive any day now . . . really looking forward to reading that having read all the great reviews of it on the PG thread.

[hbwriter]

Mandrake--they didn't want to break it down for me but your math seems right--

Digger--I'll pass that along to Mr. Hano :)

(I'm going down to interview him in a few weeks)

[Chris Jones]

On August 13, 2007 (the day the "Scooter passed away), I had some time before the Yankee game so I made my long overdue pilgrimage across the Harlem River, meandered my way around the apartments, and finally climbed the steep steps beside the bridge...to the road atop Coogan's Bluff (I have an inherited interest in the Giants...Mathewson was the first player I ever heard about...and Dad was briefly scouted by the Team in the early 40's.

Walking along the road and peering down into the tangle of brush (no pun intended) where the magnificent ballpark once stood, I searched in vain for the staircase. Little did I know it was up the slope.

I will be returning to the Bronx in May and hope to make a stop to pay my
and my dead Father's respects.

Thanks for the clarification!

Regards,

Chris

[Mary Ellen]

All--Thought I'd share this piece I just wrote for Preservation magazine

http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/story-of-the-week/2009/the-last-of-the-polo-grounds.html

chris


Enjoyed your article very much. I am going to send Mr. Benape a donation - I am sure every bit helps.

[mandrake]

Enjoyed your article very much. I am going to send Mr. Benape a donation - I am sure every bit helps.

Me too. I'll put my money where my big mouth is. And if Fred and Lil Jeff ever read these forums, I APOLOGIZE FOR CALLING YOU CHEAP.
As Fonzie used to try to say " I was wrrrrrrrrrrrr.......well,not exactly right"

[Chris Jones]

Dear Chris, Mary Ellen, DiggerODell, and mandrake:

My daughter and I will be attending the Yankee game on May 4 and I certainly want both of us to see the staircase...a few questions:

- should we walk or take a taxi?
- how visible is the staircase from the street?
- how far from the bridge is it?
- is it "safe" enough to take my daughter?
- how much, if any, restoration/preservation has already taken place?

We're from Viginia, and will arriving at Penn Station between 1:00 and 2:00
the day of the game. For us, trips to the Bronx are not as frequent as I would wish...how long would it take (on foot or by taxi) to cross the bridge and locate the stairs...the photographs are great, but could one of you post
the exact location and what to look for?

This Southerer appreciates any information ya'll (Southern contraction)
can provide.

Thanks,
-Chris

[Chris Jones]

Dear Chris, Mary Ellen, DiggerODell, and mandrake:

My daughter and I will be attending the Yankee game on May 4 and I certainly want both of us to see the staircase...but a few questions:

- should we walk or take a taxi?
- how visible is the staircase from the street?
- how far from the bridge is it?
- is it "safe" enough to take my daughter?
- how much, if any, restoration/preservation has already taken place?

We're from Viginia, and will arriving at Penn Station between 1:00 and 2:00
the day of the game. For us, trips to the Bronx are not as frequent as I would wish...how long would it take (on foot or by taxi) to cross the bridge and locate the stairs...the photographs are great, but could one of you post
the exact location and what to look for?

This Southerer appreciates any information ya'll (Southern contraction)
can provide.

Thanks,
-Chris

[mandrake]

Well, in the daytime the area should be OK. It is a tough walk from Yankee Stadium. You could always take the IND subway (D train) and get out at 155th Street, which is one stop away. That leaves you on street level where the RF stands were at the Polo Grounds, so even that is a tough haul up the hill.

Somebody else who has walked around the grounds lately would be better qualified to say; I would post this under the NY GIANTS forum and you will get some expert opinion over there.

[Mary Ellen]

Chris

go to: local.live.com and search for 523 Edgecombe Ave, NY, NY and check the bird's eye view. Rotate the view with the dial in the upper left corner. It is an excellent view of the stairs.

[hbwriter]

Chris--Mandrake's take on it is good--the area is a little rough though, even by day, so if it's not too cost prohibitive, a cab might not be a bad way to go--certainly it's the most direct way to go--

chris

author's site: www.chrisepting.com

[DiggerODell]

Chris, I think everyone has hit the nail on the head. I took the D train from Yankee Stadium and it lets you out in a subway right in front of the Polo Ground apartments (approx under where the team lockers used to be). It's one stop from YS at the 155th St. Station. As for the neighborhood, "rough" is probably the best description. My daughter was with me as well but she's 24 and can pretty well handle herself if things got rough. We had absolutely no trouble whatsoever, but I will admit, after walking around the old PG site for about 45 min. I didn't really want to push my luck anymore than I already had and walk around the neighborhood and up the bluff to find Brush Stairs. Earlier in this thread, Others as well as myself posted some photos of the area around PG apts, not sure if that will be of any assistance to you.

I hope you have a great time at Yankee Stadium with your daughter on May 4.

[hbwriter]

I think I've posted this link before, but all of this (beautiful) Polo Grounds chatter takes me back to the magical day I spent with my son and this man, who for me is the living, breathing essences of the Polo Grounds--

http://articles.latimes.com/2006/aug/27/magazine/tm-bleachers35

chris

(it's about a six page piece--just keep clicking "next page" if you want the entire thing)

[Paul W]

amazing that the stairs have lasted all these years, infrastructure was built to last back then - just look at the subway infrastructure. both have suffered from decades of neglect and are still with us.
i hope that what is being done to the park doesn't suffer the usual bloomberg treatment - over the top and commercialized!

[DiggerODell]

I think I've posted this link before, but all of this (beautiful) Polo Grounds chatter takes me back to the magical day I spent with my son and this man, who for me is the living, breathing essences of the Polo Grounds--

http://articles.latimes.com/2006/aug/27/magazine/tm-bleachers35

chris

(it's about a six page piece--just keep clicking "next page" if you want the entire thing)

Uncanny timing Chris! I just came in from the mailbox where I received my brand spanking new copy of "A Day in the Bleachers" by Mr. Hano. Looking forward to the read and I will order up your "The Early Polo Grounds" when I'm finished. The story about you, your son Charlie and Mr. Hano out at Dodger Stadium (OK, you don't have much taste in ballclubs, but I won't hold it against ya . .ha!) seeing that game is a lovely story and was the first time I had personally heard of Mr. Hano and his book. Brought back awesome memories of taking my own son & daughters to the Rockies games at Mile High Stadium in '93-'94 and teaching them how to score a game. Thank You.

[hbwriter]

(OK, you don't have much taste in ballclubs, but I won't hold it against ya . .ha!)

----

D--okay, okay :) raised a Met fan/Yankee Stadium fan but have lived in CA for a long time - needed a local to root for and the Angels have been a delight--good, solid franchise and hey, 2002 was one for the ages

I may re-read A Day... since you bring it up!

Hope you enjoy The Early Polo Grounds - Mr. Hano's foreword in the book is some of the most marvelous baseball writing I have ever experienced

[DiggerODell]

(OK, you don't have much taste in ballclubs, but I won't hold it against ya . .ha!)

----

D--okay, okay :) raised a Met fan/Yankee Stadium fan but have lived in CA for a long time - needed a local to root for and the Angels have been a delight--good, solid franchise and hey, 2002 was one for the ages

I may re-read A Day... since you bring it up!

Hope you enjoy The Early Polo Grounds - Mr. Hano's foreword in the book is some of the most marvelous baseball writing I have ever experienced

2002 broke my heart! Still does when I get to thinking about it. Bottom 7, 3-2 series lead, 5-0 game lead, Ortiz pitching a masterpiece, I'm thinkin' "finally! The Giants are gonna win one, all my life dreaming of the Giants as champions, they haven't won one since the old days in New York at the Polo Grounds" and I'm even practicing the sound of it in my head "2002 World Series Champions, San Francisco Giants!". Oh well, thats enough. I don't like to think about things I don't like to think about . . . ha!

I grew up a Giants fan, living about 35 miles north in Benicia, CA. My grandma used to watch the Dodgers vs. Giants games on TV with me, she was a Dodger fan because as she used to say "Don Drysdale and Sandy Kolfax are so handsome" and that was the sole reason she liked em!!!!! Grandma's???? We used to have some fun evenings, me jabbing her, her jabbing me about who's team was best (late 60's, we all know who was best . .ha!)

I don't blame you really for who you support. I love the Rockies as much as I ever did the Giants and A's having lived in Colorado for 26 years now. It's the hardest game to watch out at Coors Field though . . . I don't openly root for either, I just sit and watch the game and see how it unfolds . . . either way I win, either way I loose. I actually prefer it when the Dodgers come to town, a ballgame is always more fun when there is a "villain" involved.

As usual, I'm way off topic (I'm gonna get 86'd someday off here if I don't watch it . .ha!) Time to read about the Giants last "hurrah" . . . with Mr. Hano writing the honors.

[Chris Jones]

Chris:

I, too, just this afternoon, ordered "The Early Polo Grounds" and "Roadside Baseball"...can't wait to ream 'em.

A couple more things about the staircase...is it better to go to Edgewood Ave. and work our way down, or work our way up from Harlem River Dr. (that IS the street between the bluff and the stairs, right?). And...are the steps themselves still accessible? Finally, if we drive past them, will we know it?

Again, thanks to all of you for the information and suggestions.

Regards,

-Chris

[hbwriter]

Chris--thanks so much--let me know how you like the books and if you'd like a signed bookmark just shoot me your address (chris@chrisepting.com)

and either way works--if you want to visit the home plate marker, then start below, then take the stairs located toward the right field side up to the road and once you make it there--look up the hill for the stairs--if you drive past, go slow and you should see them--you may even to just pull over and run up--just be aware, there's some rough activity through there so keep a good eye on your surroundings.

Being a native NYer, I pride myself on being street smart--i was shooting some photos there this summer and a guy who lives in the apartments came down and told me a couple of gang members were watching me from up top--he led me around though and I even shot a picture of him for the book!

[Gary Dunaier]

Well, in the daytime the area should be OK. It is a tough walk from Yankee Stadium. You could always take the IND subway (D train) and get out at 155th Street, which is one stop away. That leaves you on street level where the RF stands were at the Polo Grounds, so even that is a tough haul up the hill.

Somebody else who has walked around the grounds lately would be better qualified to say; I would post this under the NY GIANTS forum and you will get some expert opinion over there.

If the stairs are between Edgecombe Avenue and the Harlem River Drive street (not to be confused with the actual Harlem River Drive, which is next to the river), the Bx6 bus may be a better bet than the subway. The Bx6 bus runs along 161st Street in the Bronx, and along 155th Street in Manhattan (the elevated road next to the Polo Grounds Houses). The first stop in Manhattan is, in fact, Edgecombe Avenue, so you're good to go.

Can't tell you where the best place to see the steps is because I thought they were between the Harlem River Drive street and the Polo Grounds houses, so I've never looked for them in their "proper" place.

[nov. 1957]

By car if you are heading south on the Harlem River drive, you will have to get off at the 155th st. exit road (there is a sign for Yankee Stadium). The bottom of the steps are on the right side of the exit road set back a little in the grass area before you get to the traffic light that is 155th st. The Polo grounds towers will be on your left. So remember the bottom of the steps are on the right of the exit road not on the Harlem River Dr. Now once you get to the traffic light on 155th If you make a left you will head towards Yankee Stadium. If you make a right then make the next right you will be on Edgecomb Ave. The top of the Steps will be on your right side you cant miss it because it is fenced off. I cant help with mass transit.

This photo would be from the top of the steps area looking down to the road that is the exit road from the H.R. Drive to 155th ST.

I hope this helps

[Chris Jones]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Thanks to you all...now I know how to get there and where to look!

Regards,

-Chris

[hbwriter]

FYI, I have some nice postcards from the publisher from my new "The Early Polo Grounds" book--if you'd like one on me, email your address to:

chris@chrisepting.com

while supplies last--

the book:
http://www.amazon.com/Early-Polo-Grounds-Images-Baseball/dp/0738562874/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237682133&sr=8-4

[hbwriter]

The Early Polo Grounds - with a foreword by Arnold Hano - out today!

http://www.amazon.com/Early-Polo-Grounds-Images-Baseball/dp/0738562874/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238428883&sr=8-3

[cringey]

The Early Polo Grounds - with a foreword by Arnold Hano - out today!

http://www.amazon.com/Early-Polo-Grounds-Images-Baseball/dp/0738562874/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238428883&sr=8-3

Just placed my order right now, but Amazon seems to be sold out or back ordered.

[hbwriter]

Cringey-I heard they sold out fast--should be back in a couple of days--if you'd like, shoot me your address and I'll send off one of these Polo Grounds postcards for the book

chris@chrisepting.com

note to group--The Early Polo Grounds is on sale on amazon for just 14.95--way better than a bookstore

[Gehrig27]

Just ordered mine as well. Thats my favorite period of the Polo Grounds; can't wait to check it out.

[hbwriter]

Gehrig27--THANKS

if you'd like a signed postcard for the book--shoot your address to
chris@chrisepting.com

[DukeBX]

here's a pictures of a train in front of the polo grounds. never seen it before.very cool.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g57/dukebx/polo155.jpg

[hbwriter]

and just look at that High Bridge!

[Coach Bombay]

Imagine the Mets still played in Harlem right across the river from Yankee Stadium, that would be odd to say the least.

[DukeBX]

must have been good times back then. Polo Grounds (155th) and Yankee Stadium (161st.) were one train stop away from each other. easy for fans.

[mandrake]

here's a pictures of a train in front of the polo grounds. never seen it before.very cool.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g57/dukebx/polo155.jpg

This is a rare photo. The train station is the last part of the old 9th Avenue EL. In fact, there are no tracks south of the Polo Grounds when this picture is taken. The EL was now just a spur over to Yankee Stadium and then connected to the 3rd Ave EL in the Bronx. Trying to date the picture: Lights are on the Polo Grounds (so after 1940); projects are next to the Polo Grounds (after 1951); Giants are still there (1957 at the latest) So its 1951-57.

The board says "Nite game NY Giants vs Phila Tues May 28(?)" If it is indeed May 28th, then this picture is before the Tuesday 5/28/57 game where the Jints lost 16-6 before 4,977.

I did a quick check and 1957 was the only season after 1951 where they hosted the Phillies between May 20-28.

Think I have better things to do when I wake up? :coffee:sleepy:

[chinese home run]

Just picked up the book today at the local Barnes and Noble- I couldn't resist. Nor could I put it down, either- great job!

[mandrake]

and just look at that High Bridge!

UPS tracking says my book comes tomorrow !!!!! I can't wait . Like a kid before Christmas.

[hbwriter]

All-I met with Arnold Hano this week to interview him for my radio show--all about the Polo Grounds in conjunction with my new book for which he penned the foreword. It will be available for download next week and I'll post a link--he really brings the old place alive with his words

The Early Polo Grounds from Arcadia Publishing
http://www.amazon.com/Early-Polo-Grounds-Images-Baseball/dp/0738562874/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239496243&sr=8-3

and Chinese Home Run-THANKS - glad you're enjoying it

[mackenzie]

Chris Jones, his daughter, and I visited the Brush Staircase this past Tuesday. For Chris it was a mission to complete as his father was a big Giants fan, and I just like exploring old remnants of history, especially when they involve ballparks. I only became aware of its existence about a year ago despite having driven right by it numerous times on the way home from Yankee games.

The staircase does need a lot of work. The upper section turns 90 degrees to the left from the lower part, and the two sections are partially separated due to severe rusting of the steel frame. Hope the restoration project discussed here goes forward.

Chris E. - Looking forward to reading your book. Should be delivered next week.

Regards,
Mark

[hbwriter]

Mark--you guys made it--great! Good for all of you--

hope you the book--let me know if you'd like

chris@chrisepting.com

[Chris Jones]

As Mark said, He, Katherine, and I made it over to the stairway...and what a treasure, easier to find than I had anticipated (a big thanks to all you guys and your directions, etc.).

I can't believe I missed it in 2007; back then I was peering into the thick brush (no pun intended) and down into the hollow...just looking the wrong way.

The Book is marvelous...the evolution of the Ballpark is fascinating, as it grows to maturity up the side of the cliff (hollow), only to face such a sudden demise.

The Stairway is a portal to gentler time and place.

Thanks!

[hbwriter]

The Stairway is a portal to gentler time and place.


---

How beautifully put--

shoot me an email when you get the chance--i have a question about the book for you

[Chris Jones]

Chris:

The Book is like a classic movie...you watch it over and over again; it gets better with each viewing, and some new detail or perspective is seen and appreciated for the first time.

Those circles appear behind the bases...even the coaches' box is
circular in some photographs. As you said, "that ballpark has more odd touches and mysteries..."

I guess the circles go hand-in-hand with the "keyhole" path, the ornate frieze, and McGraw's love for those black uniforms.

It still strikes me...how many folks in those 1,616 apartment units, live, sleep, work, and die, never knowing of the infinite number of "Miracle(s) at Coogan's Bluff?"

The photograph of Eddie Cicotte (page 62) is a haunted (and haunting) photograph...

In closing, I find myself referring to the Polo Grounds in the present tense (as you do as well). I owe that to you and your Book. You have raised the ballpark out of the dust of an ignorant metropolis and placed it back in Coogan's Hollow.

On behalf of my Father, Thanks.

Regards,

Chris

[hbwriter]

Chris--that's about the nicest compliment I have ever received for any book I have written--I cannot thank you enough

ce

[410 FT]

Went looking for the staircase on tuesday and couldn't find it as I was on St Nicholas Pl/Harlem River Dr just above the polo grounds ---but then I went to Edgecombe above and found it. Back down to St Nicholas Pl then there had to be the ramp to the Polo Grounds to continue the walk down. I guess the only part of that thats left is the closed gate atop the hill.
So you went down the staircase,crossed St.Nicholas and then proceeded downward again. As the greenery had bloomed is there anything to the ramp left on that hill?

[Chris Jones]

As the push to preserve Gate 2 at Yankee Stadium continues...how is the preservation and restoration of the Brush Stairway proceeding?

[nov. 1957]

Best old photo of the brush staircase on the left

[DiggerODell]

Best old photo of the brush staircase on the left

Best photo I've seen. I love. I hate this joint. What a horrible joint. I love it.

[Lpeters199]

Best old photo of the brush staircase on the left

Thanks for posting that wonderful picture. Do you know if the indentation in the cliff was natural or man-made?

[Mary Ellen]

Those are both great photos. I can't tell but, in the first photo it looks like that area was used for something. Maybe a carriage turnaraound?

It seems to have a rubble stone retaining wall on the cliff which was very typical in the NY metro area in the 1920's to 1940's. I wonder if the area was excavated.

[Lpeters199]

Those are both great photos. I can't tell but, in the first photo it looks like that area was used for something. Maybe a carriage turnaraound?

It seems to have a rubble stone retaining wall on the cliff which was very typical in the NY metro area in the 1920's to 1940's. I wonder if the area was excavated.

Yes, it looks excavated, but I wonder why? Maybe for some project that was abandoned and forgotten.

[tdinan]

Best old photo of the brush staircase on the left

Same location today, different angle...courtesy of Bing.