The US$1 million ($28.8 million today) project was initiated by Pittsburgh Pirates' owner Barney Dreyfuss, with the goal of replacing his franchise's then-current home, Exposition Park. The stadium was made of concrete and steel, the first such stadium in the National League and third in Major League Baseball, in order to increase its lifespan. The Pirates opened Forbes Field on June 30, 1909, against the Chicago Cubs, and played the final game against the Cubs on June 28, 1970. The field itself featured a large playing surface, with the batting cage placed in the deepest part of center field during games. Seating was altered multiple times throughout the stadium's life; at times fans were permitted to sit on the grass in the outfield during overflow crowds. The Pirates won three World Series while at Forbes Field and the other original tenant, the Pittsburgh Panthers football team had five undefeated seasons before moving in 1924. In fact, it was on-field performance, by both the Steelers and the suddenly surging Pirates, rather than any intrinsic properties of the stadium itself that led to Forbes Field being dubbed "The House of Thrills" in 1959.
Some remnants of the ballpark still stand, surrounded by the campus of the University of Pittsburgh. Fans gather on the site annually on the anniversary of Bill Mazeroski's World Series winning home run, in what author Jim O'Brien writes is "one of the most unique expressions of a love of the game to be found in a major league city".
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Jun 3, 1965Jun 3, 1965
On June 3, 1965, the New York Mets faced the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field....
1965 New York Mets vs Pittsburgh Pirates - Radio Broadcast / On June 3, 1965, the New York Mets faced the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field. The Mets, struggling in the bottom half of the National League standings, were looking to gain some momentum mid-season. Starting for the Mets was Galen Cisco, aiming to improve his record, while Pittsburgh's starting pitcher was Joe Gibbon, who had yet to secure a win this season. The Pirates, featuring star players like Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell, were in contention for a strong finish and were looking to close the gap with the league leaders.
The game began slowly, with both teams held scoreless through the first two innings. The Mets broke through in the third inning, with Galen Cisco contributing both on the mound and at the plate. The fourth inning proved pivotal for New York, as they exploded for six runs, capitalizing on pitching struggles by Pittsburgh. Ed Kranepool and Joe Christopher led the charge with timely hits. The Pirates remained scoreless until a dramatic eighth inning, when Willie Stargell and Jerry Lynch each hit home runs to fuel a six-run rally, narrowing the gap significantly.
Despite the late surge by the Pirates, the Mets held on for an 8-6 victory. Cisco earned his first win of the season, and Dennis Ribant secured the save. For the Mets, the win was a small bright spot in a challenging season. The Pirates, despite the loss, continued to be competitive and had their sights set on the postseason, with Clemente and Stargell both having standout seasons.
2½ hours
Jul 7, 1959Jul 7, 1959
The 1959 All-Star game was the first year the MLB held an All Star Game...
1959 MLB All-Star Game - Radio Broadcast / The 1959 All-Star game was the first year the MLB held an All Star Game Double Header. The first game of 1959 was held at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. The second game would be played a month later in Los Angeles. The experiment of two All-Star Games continued for four seasons; the league returned to just one annual game in 1963. In this first game of 1959, the American League started the 39 year old veteran Early Wynn while the National League went with 22 year old Don Drysdale.