BALLPARKS
BALLPARKS
Jacob’s field opened in 1994 to replace Cleveland Stadium (more commonly known as Municipal Stadium or Riverfront Stadium), which was built in 1931 as one of the early multipurpose stadiums. I never saw the original stadium, but I heard it was falling apart near the end. It served as the Indians and the Brown’s home and had the largest seating capacity of any baseball stadium at around 70,000 people.
This was one of the first retro ballparks, coming on the heels of the 2-year old Camden Yards in Baltimore. More specifically, though it is considered “Retro-modern” by most standards. And I felt like this is a better description.
We got seats on the 3rd base side. After a few innings we noticed a man with a large drum in the outfield. I felt like I saw him in the movie “Major League.” So after the Indians were in control of the game, we headed to the outfield.
Turns out that the drummer was the Cleveland-famous John Adams who had been drumming in the outfield for the Indians since 1973. He told me he loved it, but since the new stadium opened, he had to buy a 2nd ticket for his drum, since it was larger that what was allowed and took up too much room. (Sometime in the following years, I read that the Indians eventually appreciated his dedication and contribution to the atmosphere, and now pay for his -- and his drum’s -- ticket). Anyway, he was very cool, and I actually didn’t fully appreciate how great it was to be able to talk with him for so long. He is a true baseball fan.
Final score: Indians beat the Tigers, 8-3
Update: Jacob’s Field is now known as Progressive Field (since 2008)
Cleveland Indians - Jacob’s Field
Thursday, August 28, 2003