Was there a Wrigley Field in Los Angeles?
The iconic Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs, has long been celebrated as one of the most historic and beloved baseball stadiums in the United States. However, many baseball fans and historians have often pondered the question: was there a Wrigley Field in Los Angeles? While the answer is no, the story of Wrigley Field’s connection to Los Angeles is an intriguing one that spans across decades and intertwines with the history of the sport itself.
In the early 1900s, the Wrigley family, owners of the Chicago Cubs, were also heavily involved in the citrus industry and owned the famous chewing gum company, Wrigley’s. With a growing interest in baseball, the Wrigley family sought to expand their influence on the sport and establish a new ballpark in Los Angeles. The idea was to create a West Coast version of Wrigley Field, complete with ivy-covered brick walls and a similar layout.
The proposed Wrigley Field in Los Angeles was to be built in the 1930s, but it never came to fruition. Several factors contributed to the project’s failure, including the Great Depression, which severely impacted the Wrigley family’s finances, and the already established baseball landscape in Los Angeles. At the time, the Dodgers and the Angels were already playing in their respective ballparks, and there was little demand for a new team.
Despite the failure to build a Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, the idea of a West Coast version of the iconic stadium remained a dream for many baseball fans. The desire for a unique and historic ballpark eventually led to the construction of Dodger Stadium in 1962, which was designed to capture the essence of Wrigley Field while also incorporating modern amenities.
While the dream of a Wrigley Field in Los Angeles never came true, the story of the proposed stadium serves as a testament to the enduring love for the sport and the desire to create something truly special. It also highlights the intricate relationship between the Wrigley family and the baseball world, as well as the impact that one family can have on the history of the sport. So, while there was no Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, the legacy of the Wrigley family and their love for baseball continues to live on in the hearts of fans across the country.
