What was the original purpose of the Polo Grounds when it was first built in 1876?

The original Polo Grounds, constructed in 1876, was initially built for the sport of polo. Its name was descriptive rather than formal, often appearing as "the polo grounds" in newspapers.

Which professional baseball team was the first to play at the original Polo Grounds, and when did they begin playing there?

The New York Metropolitans, an independent team of considerable caliber, was the first professional baseball team to play at the original Polo Grounds, starting in September 1880.

Which two Major League Baseball teams shared the Polo Grounds in 1883?

In 1883, the Polo Grounds hosted two Major League Baseball teams: the American Association Metropolitans and the National League Gothams, who soon became known as the Giants. This arrangement involved building a second diamond and grandstand, dividing the park into eastern and western fields.

What significant baseball event occurred at the Polo Grounds involving Roger Connor?

An early highlight at the Polo Grounds was Roger Connor's home run hit over the right-field wall and into 112th Street. Connor's career home run record was later broken by Babe Ruth.

What types of college sports were played at the original Polo Grounds?

The original Polo Grounds was not only used for polo and professional baseball but also frequently hosted college baseball and football games, even for teams outside of New York.

What is the earliest known surviving image of the original Polo Grounds, and what event did it depict?

The earliest known surviving image of the original Polo Grounds is an engraving of a baseball game between Yale University and Princeton University played on Decoration Day, May 30, 1882.

What was the primary reason for the demolition of the original Polo Grounds in 1889?

The original Polo Grounds was demolished in 1889 because New York City was extending its street grid into uptown Manhattan, with plans for West 111th Street to run through the venue.

How did Governor David B. Hill's decision impact the Polo Grounds?

Governor David B. Hill vetoed a bill that would have allowed the Polo Grounds to remain, upholding the city government's plan for street extension, which led to the Giants being forced to relocate.

Where did the New York Giants relocate to after the original Polo Grounds was demolished?

Following the demolition of the original Polo Grounds, the New York Giants relocated to a new site within Manhattan at 155th Street and 8th Avenue (now Frederick Douglass Boulevard), which became known as the 'New Polo Grounds' or Polo Grounds II.

What was the geographical feature that overlooked the new Polo Grounds site, and how did fans utilize it?

The new Polo Grounds site was overlooked by a steep promontory known as Coogan's Bluff. Due to its elevation, fans frequently watched games from the bluff without purchasing tickets.

What was the name given to Polo Grounds II after it was sub-leased to the Manhattan Athletic Club?

After the National League version of the New York Giants moved to Polo Grounds III, Polo Grounds II was sub-leased to the Manhattan Athletic Club and was subsequently referred to as Manhattan Field.

What significant baseball event involving Babe Ruth occurred at Manhattan Field in 1920?

Babe Ruth hit his first home run as a Yankee at Manhattan Field on May 1, 1920. The ball was described as a 'sockdolager' and traveled an estimated 500 feet after clearing the Polo Grounds' right field grandstand.

What was the original name of Polo Grounds III when it opened in 1890?

Polo Grounds III was originally known as Brotherhood Park when it opened in 1890.

Which baseball league featured a team called the New York Giants that played in Brotherhood Park (Polo Grounds III) in 1890?

The New York Giants of the Players' League played in Brotherhood Park in 1890. This league was formed by the Brotherhood of Professional Base-Ball Players as their own alternative to the established National League.

How did the proximity of Polo Grounds II and Brotherhood Park affect fans during games when both teams played on the same day?

When the National League Giants and the Players' League Giants played on the same day in neighboring parks (Polo Grounds II and Brotherhood Park), fans in the upper decks could watch both games, and home run balls hit in one park might land on the other team's playing field.

What caused the destruction of the grandstand of Polo Grounds III in April 1911?

A fire of uncertain origin swept through the stadium's horseshoe-shaped grandstand in the early morning hours of April 14, 1911, consuming the wooden structure and leaving only steel uprights.

Where did the New York Giants play their home games during the reconstruction of their stadium after the 1911 fire?

While their stadium was being rebuilt after the 1911 fire, the New York Giants rented Hilltop Park from the Highlanders.

What was the new structure, reopened in June 1911, and what materials was it primarily constructed from?

The rebuilt stadium, which reopened on June 28, 1911, was constructed primarily from concrete and steel, making it the ninth concrete-and-steel stadium in Major League Baseball at the time.

What nickname did the stadium acquire after its 1923 expansion and reconstruction?

After its expansion and reconstruction in 1923, which enclosed the field in a horseshoe or bathtub style, the stadium became known by the nickname 'The Bathtub'.

Describe the distinctive dimensions of the Polo Grounds, particularly the differences between the left/right field lines and center field.

The Polo Grounds was known for its unusual dimensions: very short distances down the left (279 ft) and right field lines (258 ft), contrasted with unusually deep distances to left-center (450 ft) and straightaway center field (483 ft).

What famous catch, considered one of baseball's most iconic moments, occurred in deep center field at the Polo Grounds in the 1954 World Series?

Willie Mays made his iconic 'The Catch' in deep center field at the Polo Grounds during Game 1 of the 1954 World Series, snagging a fly ball hit by Vic Wertz of the Cleveland Indians.

Where were the bullpens located within the Polo Grounds?

Both the home and visiting bullpens were situated on the outfield warning track, in the right-center and left-center field gaps, respectively, approximately 450 feet from home plate.

What unique feature of the Polo Grounds' outfield dimensions made certain home runs difficult to achieve?

The extremely deep dimensions in straightaway center field, reaching 483 feet from home plate, meant that no batter ever hit a home run over that wall during the stadium's existence.

What was the significance of the 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' in 1951?

The 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' was a walk-off home run hit by Bobby Thomson on October 3, 1951, at the Polo Grounds, which secured the National League pennant for the Giants in a playoff series against the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Who was Ray Chapman, and what tragic event led to his death at the Polo Grounds in 1920?

Ray Chapman was the shortstop for the Cleveland Indians. He died on August 17, 1920, after being hit in the head by a pitch from Yankees pitcher Carl Mays during a game at the Polo Grounds, remaining the only player to die from an injury sustained in a Major League Baseball game.

How did Bernard Doyle die at the Polo Grounds in 1950?

Bernard Doyle was struck and killed by a stray bullet fired from a rooftop into the stands while he was attending a doubleheader between the Dodgers and the Giants at the Polo Grounds on July 4, 1950.

What factors contributed to the Polo Grounds' decline and the Giants' eventual departure from New York?

The stadium's poor maintenance from the late 1940s, ownership of the land by the Coogan heirs, a declining neighborhood, restricted ticket sales even during successful seasons, and the financial devastation of owner Horace Stoneham due to collapsing attendance all contributed to the Giants' departure.

When did the New York Giants announce their relocation to San Francisco?

The New York Giants announced their relocation to San Francisco on August 19, 1957, after 74 years of professional baseball in New York.

Which two teams used the Polo Grounds as an interim home while Shea Stadium was being built?

The New York Jets (then known as the Titans) and the newly formed New York Mets both used the Polo Grounds as an interim home stadium while Shea Stadium was under construction.

What was the final sporting event held at the Polo Grounds, and between which teams was it played?

The final sporting event at the Polo Grounds was a professional football game played on December 14, 1963, between the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills.

When was the final iteration of the Polo Grounds demolished, and what marked the beginning of the demolition?

The final Polo Grounds was demolished in 1964, beginning on April 10 with a wrecking ball painted to resemble a baseball, which had previously been used to demolish Ebbets Field.

What is the only remaining physical structure from the Polo Grounds?

The only remaining physical part of the Polo Grounds is the John T. Brush Stairway, which runs down Coogan's Bluff from Edgecombe Avenue to Harlem River Driveway.

Where are the original light poles from the Polo Grounds currently located and in use?

The original light poles from the Polo Grounds were shipped to Phoenix, Arizona, and are currently in use at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Arizona State University's baseball field.

What was the first professional football game played in New York City, and where was it held?

The first professional football game in New York City was played at the Polo Grounds on December 4, 1920, featuring the Buffalo All-Americans against the Canton Bulldogs in the inaugural year of the American Professional Football Association (later the NFL).

Which NFL teams used the Polo Grounds as their home field?

The New York Giants of the NFL and the New York Jets (then known as the Titans) of the AFL both used the Polo Grounds as their home field during different periods.

What significant college football games were played at the Polo Grounds, including the event that inspired the 'Four Horsemen' nickname?

The Polo Grounds hosted games for New York-area college teams like Fordham and Army. An upset victory by Notre Dame over Army in 1924 at the Polo Grounds inspired Grantland Rice's famous article about Notre Dame's backfield, dubbing them 'The Four Horsemen'.

What notable international soccer matches took place at the Polo Grounds, and what were some of the attendance figures?

The Polo Grounds hosted several international soccer matches, including a 1926 tour by SC Hakoah Wien which drew crowds of 25,000, 30,000, and 36,000, with one exhibition game against an ASL all-New York team attracting 46,000 fans.

What was unique about the 1947 All-Ireland Gaelic football final held at the Polo Grounds?

The 1947 All-Ireland Gaelic football final between Cavan and Kerry was unique because it was the only time an All-Ireland Senior Final was played outside of Ireland, held at the Polo Grounds as part of the Gaelic Athletic Association's commemoration of 'Black '47'.

Which famous boxing matches were held at the Polo Grounds?

The Polo Grounds hosted several famous boxing matches, including the 1923 heavyweight championship bout between Jack Dempsey and Luis Ángel Firpo, Harry Greb's middleweight title defense against Mickey Walker in 1925, Billy Conn's near-upset of Joe Louis in 1941, and the heavyweight rematch between Ingemar Johansson and Floyd Patterson in 1960.

What types of motorsports were held at the Polo Grounds, and on what kind of tracks?

The Polo Grounds hosted midget racing on a 1/4 mile dirt oval in 1940-1941, brief board track racing on a 1/5 mile track in 1948, and stock car racing on a 1/4 mile paved oval in 1958-1959.

What significant musical performance took place at the Polo Grounds in 1916?

A performance of Verdi's Requiem was held at the Polo Grounds on June 4, 1916, presented by the National Open Air Festival Society, featuring a chorus of 1,200 singers and an augmented New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

What were the dimensions of Polo Grounds I for left field line, center field, and right field line?

Polo Grounds I had dimensions of 335 feet (102 m) to left field line, 500 feet (150 m) to center field, and 335 feet (102 m) to right field line.

How did the dimensions of Polo Grounds IV (post-1923) differ from earlier versions, particularly in center field?

After the 1923 reconstruction, Polo Grounds IV featured a very deep center field, with the clubhouse base at 483 feet (147 m) from home plate, and distances to the gaps in left-center and right-center around 450 feet, a significant increase from earlier versions.

What was the seating capacity of the Polo Grounds in 1911, and how did it change by 1923?

The Polo Grounds had a seating capacity of 34,000 in 1911. This capacity increased to approximately 43,000 by 1923 after significant renovations and expansions.

What was the significance of the 'Chinese home run' term in relation to the Polo Grounds?

The term 'Chinese home run' became associated with the short right-field fence at the Polo Grounds (258 feet from home plate). It referred to home runs hit to that area, implying they were achieved with minimal effort, a criticism often directed at Mel Ott.

What happened to the Polo Grounds light poles after the stadium was demolished?

The light poles from the Polo Grounds were relocated and are still in use at Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona, which serves as the baseball field for Arizona State University.

What was the name of the public housing complex built on the site of the Polo Grounds?

The site of the demolished Polo Grounds is now occupied by the Polo Grounds Towers, a public housing complex that opened in 1968.

What was the 'Miracle Mets' associated with the Polo Grounds?

The 'Miracle Mets' refers to the New York Mets team that played their first two seasons (1962-1963) at the Polo Grounds, serving as an interim home before Shea Stadium opened.

What was the 'New York Sack Exchange' and its connection to the Polo Grounds?

The 'New York Sack Exchange' was a nickname for the dominant defensive line of the New York Jets in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The team played its home games at the Polo Grounds from 1960 to 1963.

What was the 'Heidi Game' and its connection to the Polo Grounds?

The 'Heidi Game' was a famous NFL game in 1968 between the Oakland Raiders and the New York Jets, which was controversially switched from NBC to Heidi, causing viewers to miss the Raiders' comeback victory. The Jets played their home games at the Polo Grounds from 1960-1963.

Polo Grounds Wiki: The Polo Grounds: A Chronicle of New York's Iconic Stadiums

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An Overview

A Legendary Venue

The Polo Grounds, a name synonymous with New York sports history, refers to a series of three stadiums located in Upper Manhattan. Primarily serving as the hallowed grounds for professional baseball and American football from 1880 to 1963, these venues witnessed countless historic moments and hosted legendary teams.

Location and Origins

Originally built for the sport of polo in 1876, the first Polo Grounds was situated in Upper Manhattan, bordered by 110th and 112th Streets, and Fifth and Sixth (Lenox) Avenues, adjacent to Central Park. Its transformation into a baseball stadium began when leased by the New York Metropolitans in 1880.

Multi-Sport Heritage

Beyond baseball's iconic clashes, the Polo Grounds served as a versatile arena for American football, soccer, boxing, and even motorsports. Its unique dimensions and storied past made it a central figure in the city's sporting and cultural landscape for nearly a century.

A Rich History

Polo Grounds I (1876–1889)

The original Polo Grounds, established for polo, was converted for baseball in 1880. It hosted the New York Metropolitans and the New York Giants. Its existence was cut short by urban development, forcing the Giants to relocate.

The initial Polo Grounds, located near Central Park, was leased by the New York Metropolitans in 1880. The New York Giants also played there from 1883. The stadium's demise came with the city's expansion plans, necessitating the construction of a new venue.

Polo Grounds II & III (1889–1911)

The second Polo Grounds, also known as Manhattan Field, was a transitionary venue. The third iteration, initially called Brotherhood Park, became the primary home for the Giants, evolving over time.

Polo Grounds II served as a temporary site. Polo Grounds III, built in 1890, was home to the Giants and later renamed Brush Stadium. Its unique layout, including the famous "bathtub" shape, became a defining characteristic.

Fire and Reconstruction (Polo Grounds IV)

A significant fire in 1911 destroyed the grandstand of Polo Grounds III. It was rapidly rebuilt with concrete and steel, reopening as Polo Grounds IV, enhancing its capacity and durability.

The fire of April 14, 1911, led to a swift rebuilding effort. The new structure, completed in just over two months, featured modern materials and an expanded capacity, setting the stage for its most famous era.

Notable Incidents

The Polo Grounds was the site of tragic events, including the death of Ray Chapman in 1920 after being hit by a pitch, and a spectator fatality from a stray bullet in 1950.

On August 16, 1920, Cleveland Indians shortstop Ray Chapman died from a beanball, leading to mandatory batting helmets in baseball. In 1950, Bernard Doyle was killed by a stray bullet fired from a rooftop, highlighting safety concerns.

Final Years and Demise

By the late 1940s and 1950s, the Polo Grounds faced challenges with maintenance and modernization. The departure of the Giants to San Francisco in 1957 marked the beginning of the end, with the stadium eventually being demolished in 1964.

Financial difficulties, stadium obsolescence, and the team's relocation led to the Polo Grounds' closure. The final sporting event was held in December 1963, followed by demolition in 1964 to make way for public housing.

Field Dimensions

Baseball Dimensions

The Polo Grounds was renowned for its distinctive dimensions, particularly the short right field and exceptionally deep center field, which significantly influenced gameplay.

The field's layout evolved over its history. Notably, the dimensions from 1923 onwards featured a right field line of approximately 258 feet, while center field stretched to an imposing 483 feet.

Baseball Field Dimensions (Approximate, 1923–1957)
Dimension	Distance
Left Field Line	279 ft (85 m)
Center Field	483 ft (147 m)
Right Field Line	258 ft (79 m)

Football Field

While primarily a baseball venue, the Polo Grounds also accommodated American football. The standard dimensions for a football field were utilized within its expansive layout.

The Polo Grounds hosted numerous professional and collegiate football games. The field itself would have conformed to standard American football dimensions (100 yards between goal lines, 160 feet wide), situated within the larger stadium structure.

Home to Legends

Baseball Tenants

The Polo Grounds served as the home stadium for several storied baseball franchises, most notably the New York Giants, New York Yankees, and the expansion New York Mets.

New York Metropolitans (1880–1885)
New York Gothams/Giants (NL) (1883–1957)
New York Yankees (AL) (1913–1922)
New York Mets (NL) (1962–1963)
New York Cubans (NNL) (1939–1950)
New York Black Yankees (NNL) (1931–1946)

Football Tenants

The venue was also a significant home for New York's professional football teams, including the NFL's New York Giants and the AFL's New York Titans/Jets.

New York Brickley Giants (NFL) (1921)
New York Giants (NFL) (1925–1955)
New York Yanks (NFL) (1949)
New York Titans/Jets (AFL) (1960–1963)
Columbia Lions football (NCAA) (1900–1922)
Fordham Rams football (NCAA) (1928–1950, 1953–1954)

Beyond Baseball and Football

Soccer Showcases

The Polo Grounds hosted numerous international and domestic soccer matches, drawing significant crowds and showcasing the sport's growing popularity in America.

Notable events included matches featuring European clubs like Hakoah Vienna and Birmingham City, as well as international fixtures involving the US national team and tours by Scottish and Israeli national teams. The International Soccer League finals were also held here.

Boxing Ring

The stadium served as a prestigious venue for major boxing championship bouts, including legendary heavyweight contests.

Iconic fights held at the Polo Grounds featured legends such as Jack Dempsey vs. Luis Ángel Firpo, Harry Greb vs. Mickey Walker, and Billy Conn vs. Joe Louis. Ingemar Johansson and Floyd Patterson also met there for a historic rematch.

Motorsports and Concerts

The venue also accommodated motorsports with various oval tracks and hosted significant cultural events, such as a large-scale performance of Verdi's Requiem.

From midget car racing to stock car events on temporary tracks, the Polo Grounds adapted for motorsports. In 1916, it hosted a monumental open-air performance of Verdi's Requiem, featuring a massive chorus and orchestra.

Enduring Remnants

John T. Brush Stairway

The John T. Brush Stairway, a preserved relic of the Polo Grounds, still stands today, offering a tangible connection to the stadium's past.

Named after Giants owner John T. Brush, this stairway descends Coogan's Bluff. It once led to a ticket booth and provided fans with a vantage point. Recently restored, it serves as a historical marker.

Polo Grounds Light Poles

Remarkably, the original light poles from the Polo Grounds were relocated and continue to illuminate a baseball field in Phoenix, Arizona.

Shipped from New York after the stadium's demolition, these historic light poles were installed at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. They stand as a unique testament to the Polo Grounds' enduring legacy, connecting two distinct sporting eras and locations.

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References

Events of Sunday, July 7, 1889

Kieran, Chris. "NL Latin All-Stars Pin 5â2 Loss On AL Aces". Sunday News. October 13, 1963. Retrieved January 12, 2020

This was the first NFL Championship game to be held at a neutral venue, and is also the only time in NFL history that a team has declined home field advantage and elected to play at a neutral site.

Further sources on Flickr about the event & photo (Library of Congress call number: LC-B2-3874-13).

A full list of references for this article are available at the Polo Grounds Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date. The information provided is not a substitute for professional historical research or consultation.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional architectural, historical, or sports analysis. Always consult official documentation and qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Polo Grounds

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

An Overview ℹ️

🏟️ A Legendary Venue

📍 Location and Origins

⚾🏈 Multi-Sport Heritage

A Rich History 📜

🏛️ Polo Grounds I (1876–1889)

🏗️ Polo Grounds II & III (1889–1911)

🔥➡️💎 Fire and Reconstruction (Polo Grounds IV)

⚠️ Notable Incidents

⏳ Final Years and Demise

Field Dimensions 📏

⚾ Baseball Dimensions

🏈 Football Field

Home to Legends ⭐

⚾ Baseball Tenants

🏈 Football Tenants

Beyond Baseball and Football ⚽🥊

⚽ Soccer Showcases

🥊 Boxing Ring

🏁 Motorsports and Concerts

Enduring Remnants 🌳

🚶 John T. Brush Stairway

💡 Polo Grounds Light Poles

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

An Overview

A Legendary Venue

Location and Origins

Multi-Sport Heritage

A Rich History

Polo Grounds I (1876–1889)

Polo Grounds II & III (1889–1911)

Fire and Reconstruction (Polo Grounds IV)

Notable Incidents

Final Years and Demise

Field Dimensions

Baseball Dimensions

Football Field

Home to Legends

Baseball Tenants

Football Tenants

Beyond Baseball and Football

Soccer Showcases

Boxing Ring

Motorsports and Concerts

Enduring Remnants

John T. Brush Stairway

Polo Grounds Light Poles

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice