Wrigley Field Officially Awesome. It’s a Signed Document.

Written By Editor on November 23, 2020

You don’t have to be a Cubs fan to consider Wrigley Field a national treasure.  It’s been anointed so by the Department of the Interior. The north side ballpark was named a National Historic Landmark a few days ago, complete with an 8½ by 11″ certificate, suitable for framing.

The proclamation signed by Scribbly McPenmanship lists the following reasons why the stadium is more than just a place where disappointment flows like $10 beers:

• Wrigley Field is the oldest standing National League ballpark and the second-oldest major league ballpark.
• Wrigley Field has been the home of the Cubs since 1916.
• Wrigley Field was once the home of a winning spots team: The Chicago Bears.
• Wrigley Field is “nationally significant in American history and culture.”
• Wrigley Field has “exceptional national significance in the history of American sports.”
• And most importantly: “Wrigley Field retains a high degree of material integrity due to its continuous use as a sports venue and as a result of recent historically appropriate rehabilitation.”

The document is actually dated “17th day of September, the two hundred and forty-fifth year of independence of the United States of America.”  But don’t try writing that on your checks.

In a press release, brazillionaire Cubs owner Tom Ricketts said, “From our first day as owners, we committed to preserving Wrigley, which will now take its well-earned place in the lineup of American history and culture as a national treasure.”  But don’t expect a break on those $10 beers.  Kelly green paint doesn’t come cheap.

The press release has more information than the actual document, with such tidbits as:

• Wrigley Field was the first ballpark to put the concessions behind the stands.
• Wrigley Field was the first ballpark equipped with an organ to entertain the fans when the team didn’t.
• The Cubs were among the first teams to have its games broadcast on radio (1925).
• The Cubs were among the first teams to have its games broadcast on television (1946).
• Wrigley Field was where baseball’s only double no-hitter was played.
• Wrigley Field was the home of the first National Football League championship game.  Thirty-four years before the first Super Bowl.  Suck it, Green Bay.