Griffith Stadium, a significant sports venue in Washington, D.C., underwent numerous transformations throughout its existence. Originally known as Boundary Field, the stadium evolved in both structure and name, reflecting the changing landscape of American sports and the city itself. This article delves into the historical development of Griffith Stadium, highlighting key changes and expansions that marked its journey from a wooden baseball park to a steel
and concrete structure known as Clark Griffith Stadium.
Early Beginnings and Reconstruction
Griffith Stadium's origins trace back to Boundary Field, a wooden baseball park built in 1891. This venue was home to the Washington Senators/Nationals until a devastating fire in 1911 led to its destruction. Faced with the challenge of rebuilding, Thomas C. Noyes, president of the Senators, spearheaded the construction of a new ballpark on the same site. The urgency of the situation was palpable, as spring training had already begun, and opening day was fast approaching.
The reconstruction efforts were remarkable, with laborers working day and night to erect a steel grandstand. By opening day in 1911, the grandstand was stable enough to host President William Howard Taft and 16,000 fans for a game against the Boston Red Sox. Although construction continued while the team was on the road, the new Griffith Stadium was completed by July 24, 1911, marking a significant milestone in its history.
Expansion and Renaming
In the early 1920s, Griffith Stadium experienced a surge in popularity, driven by baseball's rising stars like Babe Ruth. Clark Griffith, owner of the Washington Senators, capitalized on this trend by implementing small improvements to the stadium. These included relocating the main entrance and constructing an office beneath the grandstand. However, the most significant change came in 1923 when the stadium was renamed Clark Griffith Stadium, following the trend of naming ballparks after team owners.
The renaming coincided with a major expansion and refurbishment plan, announced by Griffith in August 1923. The expansion aimed to increase seating capacity to approximately 35,000, although the final number was slightly lower at 32,000. The left-field grandstand was completely rebuilt into a double-decked tier, and wooden bleachers were replaced by a concrete deck. These changes not only enhanced the stadium's capacity but also its architectural presence.
Final Years and Demolition
Griffith Stadium continued to serve as a prominent sports venue, hosting events like the All-Star Game and World Series. However, by the 1960s, the stadium's fate was sealed. The original Senators team moved to Minnesota, and a new expansion team took their place in Washington. Despite these changes, Griffith Stadium's final baseball game was played on September 21, 1961, before a sparse crowd.
The stadium sat empty for years, deteriorating until it was leased to Howard University for student parking. In 1964, Congress authorized its purchase, and the ballpark was demolished in 1965. Today, Howard University Hospital occupies the site, with a marker indicating the location of Griffith Stadium's home plate, preserving the memory of this historic venue.
