Before Wrigley Field, Cubs Had West Side Grounds-- Part 2

From the June 3 post.

Before I stopped for posts on the 75th anniversary of D-Day, I was writing about the place where the Chicago Cubs played before moving to what is now called Wrigley Field, the West Side Grounds.

Indeed, few people, or even Cub fans have ever heard of the West Side Grounds.  Even UIC students and faculty know nothing of it, although part of their campus is on the site.

Mike Reischl is a big West Side Grounds fan and  has led an effort to get the state and city to recognize the site.  He has joined a like-minded fellow in the person of Brian Bernardoni and together they have formed  the Way Out In Left Field Society to drum up interest.  They eventually raised $1000 and got the support of the university for a marker.

In September 2008, the Illinois State Historical Society unveiled a plaque at 912 S. Wood St. designating the site.  It sits near where the centerfield clubhouse and flagpole of the old park were located.

When the Cubbies WERE REALLY GOOD!!  --CootCub