Crosley Field commemorated

As a classic ballpark lover, this news is much to my liking.

Crosley Field, former home of the Cincinnati Reds before they moved into Riverfront Stadium, will be commemorated with a mural at the former ballpark site. Currently the City Gospel Mission is located there.

The mural is mainly funded by the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. The 17 foot by 50 foot artwork that shows Crosley Field in its mid-50s state, will be open to the public after it is completed by arts group Keep Cincinnati Beautiful.

On Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., the media and public can take a guided tour of the site led by Reds historian Greg Rhodes. After the tour at noon, lunch will be served at the Mission.
“The purpose of the project is to acknowledge and preserve the history of the field that means so much to the Reds, fans and city, offering a chance for visitors to experience that history in a significant way,” City Gospel Mission president Roger Howell said.

The site is free to visit. In addition to the mural, features include:

• A self-guided tour for visitors (brochures are available in our lobby)
• Replica left-field foul pole and right-field foul pole (located in the parking of Nehemiah Manufacturing, which also has memorabilia in its lobby)
• Replica light tower
• Historical photos provided by the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
• A plaza with replica seats and commemorative bricks
• Base markers
• Memorabilia for purchase

The public can be a part of history by purchasing a personalized brick to be part of a special plaza. Packages start at $175 and include a keepsake brick in addition to the installed brick. Bricks can be ordered at www.redsmuseum.org/bricks.

Crosley Field was home to the Cincinnati Reds from 1912 until June 24, 1970.