Baseball is a sport rich in history, and that history includes iconic stadiums where legendary moments unfolded. While some ballparks have stood the test of time, others have been replaced, renovated, or demolished to make way for modern arenas.
Here, we take a look at five MLB stadiums that no longer exist, each with its own unique place in the lore of America’s pastime.
1. Ebbets Field (1913–1957)
Perhaps no other stadium’s demise is as lamented as Ebbets Field, the former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Opened in 1913, Ebbets Field was located in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn and quickly became a cultural touchstone for the borough’s working-class community. The stadium had a cozy feel, seating only around 32,000 fans at its peak, which made for an intimate, electric atmosphere during Dodgers games.
Ebbets Field was also the site of one of baseball’s most historic moments: Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947 as a member of the Dodgers. Despite the cherished memories and a loyal fan base, the Dodgers’ ownership sought a larger, more modern venue and, in a controversial move, relocated the team to Los Angeles in 1958. Ebbets Field was torn down shortly after, in 1960, and its absence is still felt by Brooklyn baseball fans to this day.
2. Polo Grounds (1890–1963)
Located in Upper Manhattan, the Polo Grounds served as the home to several baseball teams over its long history, most notably the New York Giants. The stadium is known for its quirky design, with extremely short distances down the foul lines (just 257 feet to right field and 279 feet to left field) but an enormous center field that stretched 483 feet. This led to some unusual moments, like Willie Mays’ famous over-the-shoulder catch in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series.
The Polo Grounds also hosted the New York Yankees and the Mets during their early years, as well as multiple football teams, including the New York Giants (NFL). After the Giants moved to San Francisco in 1958, the stadium gradually fell into disrepair. It was demolished in 1964, and apartment buildings now occupy the space where baseball history was once made.
3. Tiger Stadium (1912–1999)
Tiger Stadium, originally known as Navin Field, was the longtime home of the Detroit Tigers. Opened in 1912, the same year as Fenway Park, Tiger Stadium was known for its towering overhang in right field, which provided a unique quirk for left-handed hitters. Legends like Ty Cobb, Al Kaline, and Hank Greenberg called Tiger Stadium home during their careers, and it hosted multiple World Series championships over the decades.
However, by the 1990s, the stadium was showing its age, and the Tigers moved into the more modern Comerica Park in 2000. While efforts were made to preserve Tiger Stadium, it was ultimately demolished in 2009. The site is now home to a public sports field, but for many fans, the memories of the old ballpark live on.
4. Shibe Park/Connie Mack Stadium (1909–1970)
Shibe Park, later renamed Connie Mack Stadium in honor of the Philadelphia Athletics’ legendary manager, was one of the earliest modern ballparks, built in 1909. It was home to the Philadelphia Athletics and later the Philadelphia Phillies after the A’s moved to Kansas City. Shibe Park was the first baseball stadium constructed entirely of steel and concrete, which set the standard for future ballparks.
The stadium witnessed several historic moments, including the Athletics’ five World Series titles during their time in Philadelphia. However, by the 1960s, Shibe Park was outdated, and the neighborhood around it had deteriorated. The Phillies moved to Veterans Stadium in 1971, and Shibe Park was demolished later that year. While it no longer stands, the influence of Shibe Park’s architectural design can still be seen in many modern ballparks.
5. Old Yankee Stadium (1923–2008)
The original Yankee Stadium, known as “The House That Ruth Built,” was arguably the most famous sports venue in American history. Opened in 1923, Yankee Stadium was home to the New York Yankees for over 80 years, hosting some of the most iconic players in baseball history, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, and Derek Jeter.
Yankee Stadium was the site of 26 Yankees World Series championships, more than any other venue in Major League Baseball. It was also the setting for some of the game’s most famous moments, like Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series and Roger Maris’ 61st home run in 1961.
However, by the 2000s, the stadium had become outdated, and plans were made for a new, modern facility. The Yankees moved to the new Yankee Stadium in 2009, and the original was demolished that same year. A public park now occupies the space where the original stadium once stood, but its legacy remains a towering part of baseball’s history.
