Unwrapping the Mystery- How Wrigley Field Got Its Iconic Gum-Named Identity

Is Wrigley Field Named After the Gum?

Wrigley Field, the iconic home of the Chicago Cubs, has long been a source of fascination for baseball fans and historians alike. One of the most frequently asked questions about this legendary ballpark is whether it is named after the gum that was once a staple in the lives of Americans. Let’s delve into the origins of Wrigley Field to find out if this popular tale is true.

The story of Wrigley Field’s name begins with its developer, Charles Weeghman. In the early 20th century, Weeghman was a prominent candy manufacturer and owner of the Chicago Whales baseball team. He was also the founder of the Wrigley Company, which produced the popular chewing gum, Wrigley’s Spearmint. As a baseball enthusiast and a businessman, Weeghman had a vision to create a ballpark that would be a hub for both sports and entertainment.

Weeghman purchased the land where Wrigley Field now stands in 1913 and began construction on the ballpark in 1914. During this time, the name “Wrigley” was already well-known due to the success of Wrigley’s Spearmint. However, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Weeghman named the ballpark after the gum itself.

In fact, the name “Wrigley Field” is believed to have originated from the street on which the ballpark is located, Wrigley Avenue. Wrigley Avenue was named after a prominent Chicago real estate developer, Joseph Wrigley. It is thought that Weeghman, who was a friend of Joseph Wrigley, decided to name the ballpark after the street rather than the gum.

While the name “Wrigley Field” may not have been directly inspired by the gum, the connection between the ballpark and Wrigley’s Spearmint is undeniable. The Wrigley Company has been a long-time sponsor of the Chicago Cubs, and the iconic marquee outside the ballpark is adorned with the Wrigley’s logo. This partnership has helped to keep the legacy of the gum alive and ensure that the name Wrigley remains synonymous with both baseball and chewing gum.

In conclusion, while it is a popular myth that Wrigley Field is named after the gum, the truth is that the ballpark is named after the street on which it is located. However, the connection between the Wrigley Company and the Chicago Cubs has helped to perpetuate the story and ensure that the legacy of Wrigley’s Spearmint continues to be celebrated alongside the rich history of Wrigley Field.