David Kaiser, Florence, KY -- Apr 21, 2007 17:08 PM
10 visit(s). My rating: 7
The first impression of Crosley Field was the beautifully lush green grass. The park was so small and intimate that you felt as though you were almost a participant rather than a mere spectator. The players locker room was located outside the left field stands and players from both teams had to walk a gauntlet past the fans seated behind third base to get to their respective dugouts. This could be a problem when the Reds 'blew one' the previous day. Sandy Koufax was asked why he liked to pitch at Crosley, and he said 'the short distances forced the outfielders to play in closer, catching a lot of bloopers that fall in at bigger parks'. Crosly Field was a great experience for watching a ballgame.

Randy M, Louisville, KY -- Aug 14, 2008 14:27 PM
2 visit(s). My rating: 9
First major league games I saw was here in 1963, two games with the Dodgers. Saw both Drysdale and Koufax, as well as Frank Robinson as a Red and I think Pete Rose's rookie season. The very first impressions, after walking about a mile to the field from where we parked, was the smell of cigarettes and stale beer. I had smelled the tobacco before at my own little league games but had never smelled beer before. My uncle pointed out the terrace where Babe Ruth fell down. There was a huge Hudephol beer sign in the outfield that had the tag "Vas you ever in Cincinatti?" The park seemed very small; we were in box seats and were right on top of the field. As much as I like Wrigley, this is the park I miss the most and wish I could go back to. I went to many games at Riverfront afterwards and never had the same feeling.