At it’s beginning in 1887, this ballpark was considered a state-of-the-art venue, costing $80,000 to build and it seated 12,500. At it’s end it had become an eyesore and due to the lack of proper maintenance it deteriorated to a sad state of affairs.
The Phillies called Baker Bowl home for 51-plus years, and during that time saw little success, winning just one pennant in 1915 and finishing in last place 12 times. Throw in the fact that their rivals a few blocks down, the Athletics, would win eight pennants and five World Series up to 1938, it obviously was not easy being a Phillies fan during this period.
But it was an endearing ballpark nonetheless. Especially the right-field wall that at the end reached 60 feet high and stood only 280 feet from home plate. It was also made out of tin that would throw an echo through out the park any time a batted ball would hit off it. It also displayed for a time a Lifebouy ad, seen in the photo, that would became a running joke with Philles fans at it went “The Phillies use Lifebouy! And they still stink!”
Finally during the 1938 season, the Phillies would move out of the crumbling Baker Bowl and move into Shibe Park, sharing it with the Athletics. The ballpark would stick around for a few more years hosting sporting events from midget auto racing to even ice skating until she was razed in 1950, leaving only memories behind.
