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Exposition Park
Pittsburgh, PA
Originally home to an
American Association franchise, Exposition Park later became home to
the Pittsburgh Pirates. When the Pittsburgh Alleghenies joined the
American Association in 1882, they decided to build a new ballpark
along the Allegheny River, across from what became downtown
Pittsburgh, and eventually the site of
Three Rivers Stadium and
PNC Park. After a couple of years of playing baseball at
Exposition Park, the Alleghenies began playing at Recreation Park.
The Pittsburgh Alleghenies became the Pittsburgh Pirates of the
National League on April 30, 1887. The Pirates played their first
game at Exposition Park on April 22, 1891. A covered single tier
grandstand extended from the first base side to home plate, and down
the third base side. Uncovered bleachers extended down both the
first and third base lines. Their was also standing room in right
field, and additional seating was on top of the covered grandstand.
Because Exposition Park was near the Allegheny River it flooded many
times. It also had its roof ripped off two times. After Barney
Dreyfuss bought the Pirates, he decided that the club needed a new
ballpark. The Pirates last game at Exposition Park was on June 29,
1909. The next day the Pirates moved into
Forbes Field. Exposition Park was later demolished is now part
of the site of the Pirates current home PNC Park.
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