Great American League Ballparks of the Past

I had an opportunity when I was in my late 20s to visit several American and National League stadiums while on four summer vacations. During the 1970s, there were 24 different stadiums, 12 in each league and it took me four summers to see them all. What a joyride that was! Not only did I get to visit all the stadiums, but I got to see plenty of this great country we live in along the way.

This particular article will focus on the American League ballparks of the 1950's covering eight teams and ten stadiums. Since it would be too extensive to cover all the historical ballparks in one article, I have chosen to compose a similar article following this one to cover the National League ballparks. So let's start the tour, and hopefully you'll all enjoy the ride.

Sportsman's Park (1902-53) and Memorial Stadium (1954-91) - Baltimore Orioles

Ground was originally broken for Sportsman's Park in 1880 and the park opened in May of 1881. From 1920-53 it was home to both the St. Louis Browns (now the Baltimore Orioles) and the Cardinals with the Cardinals actually being the Browns' tenants. In 1944, the Browns faced the Cardinals in the World Series in what was called the "Showdown in St. Louis". It is the only time in MLB history that the entire series would be played on the same field.

In 1954, the Browns relocated to Baltimore and became the Orioles and called Memorial Stadium their home for the next 38 seasons (1954-91). Since moving there, the Orioles have been in the World Series six times (1966, 1969-71, 1979, 1983) winning three of the six (1966, 1970, 1983). Sportsman's Park hosted the All Star Game three times (1940, 1948, 1957) with the AL losing the first time and then winning the next two. The only time that Memorial Stadium ever hosted the All-Star Game was in 1958 when the AL won 4-3.

Fenway Park (1912 - the present) - Boston Red Sox