Feature: Ode to Wrigley

That's why it seems like such a shame that they are polluting it's nostalgia with gigantic scoreboards in left and right field and charging people to sit on neighboring roofs to watch the game. At some point, money shouldn't be at the forefront when you are a billion dollar business.

Your field of dreams

I listened to Stenett's seven-hit game as a 14-year-old coming home from school and turning on the radio in my bedroom. How else could a 22-0 game be riveting? I have yet to see Wrigley but plan on it soon. Thanks, Josh!

Of course, the 1938 "Homer in the Gloaming" by Gabby Hartnett is a big part of Pirates history also.

This essay was wonderful. It took me to a place I haven't been and helped me to experience the sights, sounds and smells of Wrigley Field.

My Dad was also at Forbes Field to see Babe Ruth's final HRs. Some of my best memories are of playing catch in the yard with Dad when he came home from the mill, and going to Forbes Field to see the Bucs.

Josh, this piece transcends typical sports writing, and I thank you for sharing your experience.

You were probably struck by how small Wrigley is. My first impression was, “This is a television studio.”

Used to stand along the fence behind the back row of the right field bleachers and, with an Old Style in hand, between pitches would occasionally turn around to check on my mountain bike that was locked up to a street sign on the sidewalk below.

Was in a band and after a game once we played a short gig on the front porch of the building where my buddy lived, right behind the right field foul pole on Sheffield.

Saw Tim Wakefield standing on top of a fire hydrant at the corner of Addison and Sheffield after a game in ’92.

Looks like it’s game over for some of those rooftop parties. Those used to be a blast.

great stuff. I think baseball and grandfathers are synonymous with each other

Excellent writing, Josh.

My 9 year-old has become a huge baseball fan, and this column makes me want to plan a trip to Wrigley for us that much more.

"Smells like Kennywood." Nice touch, and accurate. I don't think you enjoy a place like Wrigley (or old Yankee or even Forbes) as much as you appreciate it. Everything from the tight seats in the stands to the warren of concession kiosks is nostalgic to a time when America just went to a ballgame. Nice job.

I took my boys there last year to see Bucs play Cubs. It was awesome. Enjoyed every minute of it. Glad we saw it in its pre-renovation dtate.

Ok now I want to dig up my old laptop from college and find the pictures I took years ago when I was lucky enough to visit Chicago and In turn Wrigley... smells like Kennywood... yep... and the rest of the column? yep. Beautiful piece about baseball and Americana.

Just an outstanding piece of writing, Josh. For those of us born in the 70's who grew up with Three Rivers as our home "park", I too can remember walking into Wrigley for the first time and just being awestruck! And you nailed it with Kennywood! Awesome piece!

Went to Wrigley over Memorial Day weekend in 1988 when I graduated from Navy boot camp in Great Lakes! Will never forget it!

Saw the Bucs clinch a playoff birth at Wrigley 2 years ago. The heart stopping play at the plate to secure the win was an exclamation point to a magical night. My first trip to Wrigley was about 25 years ago. Saw Doug Drabek pitch an afternoon gem from behind the dish. Parked in somebody's garage for 5 bucks. Jumbo screens at Wrigley just sucks...

Great article-I was there with you!

This is a great piece. I kept expecting you to say Moonlight Graham appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

I'm happy to have been able to see a game there (and it was the Pirates) in my only trip to Chi town.

Great article. I love the Kennywood comparison.
I visited Wrigley for the first time last year and it is awesome. A must see for the true baseball fan!

My first (and only) trip to Wrigley I saw Stargell hit a ground rule double when the ball was lost in the ivy!

I got a good belly laugh from you Kennywood analogy. been a long time since I've been there but it brings back quite a few memories. Wrigley is a great place to catch a game if you don't like being comfortable but do like history. great column josh