Customer Reviews

Philadelphia's Old Ballparks (Baseball In America)

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Rich Westcott's Philadelphia's Old Ballparks is an excellent book about major league baseball parks in Philadelphia that no longer exist. The book focuses on Shibe Park (aka Connie Mack Stadium) and Baker Bowl (aka Philadelphia Park). Combined, these two parks housed major league baseball for a combined 113 seasons, with Shibe Park being the home of the Philadelphia A's from 1909 to 1954 and home to the Phillies from mid-1938 to 1970, and Baker Bowl being home to the Phillies from 1887 to mid-1938. The book also discusses in less detail Columbia Park, first home of the A's, Recreation Park, first home of the Phillies, other "major" league parks from the late 1800's, and some Negro League parks.

The book is loaded with interesting stories about each of the ballparks included. Many first-hand anecdotes from fans and former players about Shibe Park, Baker Bowl, and even Columbia Park are included. With Baker Bowl and Shibe Park, a listing of events in each park, changes over time in each park, and features included in each park are remembered and discussed.

Mr. Westcott's book also discusses the historical significance of each ballpark, particularly Baker Bowl and Shibe Park. Baker Bowl was the first ballpark in baseball to built with steel and brick, and was the first stadium in the U.S. to use a cantilever design. It was also the last pre-steel-and-concrete-era park to be abandoned. Shibe Park was the first all steel-and-concrete park in major league baseball to be built (in 1909) and its materials and design were copied in essentially all ballparks that were built soon thereafter, including Ebbets Field, Fenway Park, and Wrigley Field.

Overall, the book is a loving tribute to the rich history of Philadelphia Major League Baseball. Fans too young to remember the parks in the book (like me) will quickly become experts on these lost ballparks, while fans who went to games at these ballparks will be reminded of their experiences. The book has inspired me to buy other books dealing with old ballparks, and about the only negative about the book is that it will point out the lack of similar books for other major league cities. This book deserves that kind of praise.

THIS BOOK IS GREAT!MY FAVORITE BALLPARK IS RECREATION PARK-THE PHILLIES FIRST FROM 1883-1886.THIS LONG FORGOTTON PARK HAS A VERY NICE CHAPTER IN THE BOOK.PICTURES OF THIS PARK ARE RARE BUT THERE IS A PARTIAL VIEW FROM THE 1884 SEASON.I HAVE BEEN A PHILLIES FAN FOR 44 YEARS AND I REALLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!

This book about Philadelphia's old ball parks was informative and eye catching.
Too often, old ballpark books glaze your eyes over with trivia or overwhelm you with minutia.
I was delighted to get a feeling about these ball parks, the city and the people involved with them.
The photos are great and really give you a sese of "being there".
I wish there was a book about Ebbet's Field or The Polo Grounds that was this good.
This book leads the way in how a ballpark book should be done.

Bravo Mr Westcott.

The author does an excellent job in describing Philadelphia's former baseball parks. As someone who grew up in Philadelphia in the 1950s and 1960s, it brought back fond memories of Shibe Park/Connie Mack Stadium. You feel you were actually there as a fan in these parks, especially Baker Bowl and Shibe Park.

The author was obviously very thorogh in his research. One of the things I especially liked is that he apparently conducted numerous interviews of former players, writers, team officials and their relatives, and fans, and didn't rely solely on published materials, as some authors do. His writing style is clear, informative and very readable. I recommend the book highly. I plan to see what other books the author has written.