Ebbets Field was the long-time home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, but the story of where the franchise played its games begins long before that iconic stadium was built. The Dodgers, named for the trolley dodgers of Brooklyn's bustling streets, originally played at Washington Park, a wooden ballpark situated near the intersection of Third Street and Fourth Avenue. This early venue served the team, then known by various names including the Bridegrooms and Grooms, throughout the late 1890s and into the early 20th century, setting the stage for the franchise's deep roots in the borough.
Washington Park: The Original Home
The first true home of the Dodgers was Washington Park, which opened in 1898 in the Park Slope neighborhood. This wooden structure was the site of the team's first National League championship in 1899 and their second in 1900. While it provided the foundation for the franchise, the limitations of the aging park became apparent, leading owner Charles Ebbets to pursue a new, more modern venue that would solidify the team's identity and provide a better experience for fans.
Ebbets Field: The Golden Era
The Construction and Location
Construction on Ebbets Field began in 1912, but delays pushed the opening to 1913. Charles Ebbets famously purchased a large block of slum housing, known as the "Pigtown" or "Dutch Hill," to secure the land for the new stadium. Located at 55 Sullivan Place, between East 6th and East 7th Streets in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, the stadium was designed to be intimate and fan-friendly, with a cozy atmosphere that became legendary.
The Legacy of the Ballpark
Ebbets Field is forever etched in baseball lore as the place where Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947. It was the site of numerous pennants and the 1955 World Series championship, the only title the franchise won during its time in Brooklyn. The stadium's distinctive architecture, featuring a unique asymmetrical shape and intimate seating, made it a beloved landmark for generations of Dodgers fans.
Post-War Challenges and Relocation
Following World War II, Ebbets Field began to show its age. The surrounding neighborhood changed, and the stadium struggled to compete with newer, larger venues being built in other cities. Owner Walter O'Malley, seeking a modern facility with ample parking and revenue potential, pursued plans for a new stadium in Brooklyn. When these plans were met with resistance, O'Malley made the controversial decision to move the franchise, first to Los Angeles for the 1958 season, a decision that fundamentally altered the landscape of Major League Baseball.
Life After the Dodgers
After the Dodgers left, Ebbets Field had a second life, hosting football teams, concerts, and other events for over a decade. However, by the late 1950s, the stadium was largely abandoned. It was eventually demolished in 1960, and a housing project was built on the site. Today, the location is marked by a simple plaque and the address at 55 Sullivan Place, serving as a quiet reminder of the stadium that once was the heart of Brooklyn baseball.
Summary of Locations
The Dodgers played their games in several distinct locations during their time in Brooklyn. The evolution of their home fields reflects the growth and changing landscape of the city.
