Ka Boom! Destruction on Ebbets Field Begins

This Day In Baseball History: February 23rd

MERLIS/oldNYCphotos.com

On this day in 1960, the destruction of the legendary Ebbets Field began. Ebbets Field was a baseball stadium located in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. The stadium was the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who played in the National League. Ebbets Field was a beloved landmark in the community, but after the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles, it lacked a purpose in the community.

The demolition of Ebbets Field was a sad day for the Brooklyn community. The stadium had been the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers since 1913, and it was a source of pride for the people of Brooklyn. Many fans had grown up watching games at Ebbets Field and had fond memories of the stadium. It was the community hub, with many fans hanging in the streets outside during games. In the present day, with the exception of a few parks such as Fenway, that community feel is gone. Stadiums are massive and commonly located outside the city rather than downtown.

The story behing the departure of the Dodgers is a complex policital drama that tore the hears of fans out. We will save that for another day.

The decision to demolish Ebbets Field was not an easy one. The stadium had fallen into disrepair, and the Dodgers had moved to Los Angeles in 1957. The owner’s, Dodgers, had tried to sell the stadium, but they could not find a buyer willing to keep the stadium intact. Ultimately, the stadium was sold to a real estate developer who planned to build apartment buildings on the site. Those apartments opened in 1962.

The demolition of Ebbets Field was a slow and painful process. The stadium was dismantled piece by piece, and many fans watched in tears as the stadium was destroyed. The team also took advantage of selling as much memorabilia as they could. Seats, lockers, bricks, etc. Anything they could sell they did.

Despite the destruction of Ebbets Field, the memory of the stadium lives on in the hearts of many Brooklynites. The stadium was the site of many historic moments in baseball history, including Jackie Robinson's debut in 1947. The stadium was also known for its unique design, including a small outfield and a short right-field porch that gave the Dodgers an advantage in home games, something that was copied by other teams.

Today, the site of Ebbets Field is occupied by apartment buildings and a park, but the memory of the stadium lives on. The legacy of Ebbets Field is a reminder of the importance of sports in the community and the impact that a beloved landmark can have on a neighborhood. The destruction of Ebbets Field was a sad day in Brooklyn's history. Still, it is also a reminder of the enduring legacy of a great stadium and the importance of preserving historical landmarks.