Reds trivia

[JohnU]

As was pointed out in this book, the cookie cutters did accomplish a few positive things -- mainly upgrading the quality of the experience for the casual suburban fan, since the ballparks were taken out of the dingy cities and into development projects. To that end, it allowed cities like Cincy and Pittsburgh to establish a more competitive product.

The Astroturf is the really only bad part of those stadiums, if you didn't mind the setbacks in the upper deck. At least, no posts.

But the trend back to the retro look is better. The best part is that the stadium no longer has to share with a football team, meaning the E-W configuration of the baseball field doesn't have to turn to N-S for football.

There were some pretty cool old stadiums. I sometimes wish I could go back in time, take a trolley or streetcar to the ballpark, buy a ticket in the generals, light up a stogie, get a brew or two, watch the game and amble across the street afterward to the local pub and rehash it all, get home by suppertime ...

 

[JohnU]

March 15, 1869 ... the Red Stockings officially become professional.
Who did they beat in that inaugural contest?

 

[Hit-n-Run]

The Great Western Ball Club, played at Union Grounds which is approximately where Union Terminal stands today.

Prior to moving to Riverfront all the ball parks hosting professional baseball in Cincinnati were in close proximity to a four mile stretch of what is now Spring Grove Avenue from the old Kahn's plant to Union terminal.

 

[JohnU]

Makes sense. You built things in those days relative to where the roads went.
Wait, they still do that ... it's called "interstate access."
But in the bygone days, businesses were not as likely to move over to accommodate a ballpark. Now, the businesses gladly move and set up shop next to the stadium -- after they sell their souls to the ballclub.
What killed the inner-city ballpark was lack of parking after most of America decided to stop taking the streetcar.

I doubt the original Red Stockings much cared about traffic.