9 Wrigley Field Facts You Never Knew

As Chicago natives, the lawyers of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard have a deep respect and love for Wrigley Field. Here are some 9 facts about the iconic stadium that you might not have ever known.

Wrigley Field - Salvi

1. The Scoreboard Dates Back to 1937

Since Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL has been around since 1914, it might not surprise you to know that the stadium is the second oldest ballpark in the United States, second only to Boston’s Fenway Park. But did you know that the scoreboard has been around nearly as long? The scoreboard has been around since 1937 and continues to be manually operated by hand.

2. Lights Didn’t Appear on the Field Until 1988

Despite its early beginnings, it wasn’t until 1988 that Wrigley Field was lit up. That year, baseball officials announced Wrigley Field would be unable to host any post-season games without lights, so they were quickly added to avoid that issue.

Why the long wait? Lights were slated to be added to the field in the 1940s, but then the Pearl Harbor attack happened. Rather than going through with the original plans to add the lights, the field’s owner donated the 165 tons of steel to the war effort. Also, the City of Chicago had issued an ordinance prohibiting night games because it was believed the lights would distract local residents. These factors contributed to the delay in installing lights at Wrigley Field. Night games are still limited by ordinance in Chicago.

3. Neighborhood Residents Sit on the Roof to View Games

Since Wrigley Field is in a residential neighborhood of Chicago, IL, some fans sit on their rooftops to view the games for free. However, once some innovative entrepreneurs added bleachers to their rooftops and began charging others for admission, the Cubs and the apartment owners struck a deal with the Cubs, exchanging some of the rooftop sales proceeds with the team for a promise not to install a fence to block the view.

4. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” Almost Didn’t Happen

Radio producer and broadcaster Jay Scott asked Harry Caray to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” and he initially declined. However, Scott turned the mic on in the announcer’s booth without informing Caray, and the rest is history.

5. You’re Supposed to Give the Ball Back

While most baseball fans dream of catching a fly ball and maybe getting an autograph on it, the Cubs have their own traditions. When a Cub hits a home run, the fan who catches the ball is supposed to return it to the player. If an opponent hits the ball, it is usually thrown back onto the field.

6. Wrigley Field Had Another Name

Wrigley Field was named after chewing gum magnate William Wrigley who was an early investor in the Chicago Cubs. However, the park used to be named Weeghman Park after another investor until Wrigley bought him out.

7. Babe Ruth’s Called Shot Occurred at Wrigley

One of the most notable moments in sports history is when Babe Ruth pointed to centerfield to show where he planned to hit the ball during the 1932 World Series. That happened at Wrigley.

8. Several Movies Have Been Filmed at Cub Stadium

Movies like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Blues Brothers, and The Break-Up have shot scenes at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

9. The Cubs Ended Their 108-Year Losing Streak

The Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 1908. Then, they did not win another World Series until 2016, a whopping 108 years later!

Directions to Salvi Schostok & Pritchard

You can get to the Chicago office of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. from Wrigley Field by:

Getting on US-41 S from W Addison St and N Lake Shore Dr
Following US-41 S to N Lake Shore Dr. Exit from US-41 S
Taking N Michigan Ave and E Wacker Dr to N Clark St