Road Trip to Pittsburgh: Forbes Field
A somewhat unsuspecting marker, the Forbes Field wall is situated on Roberto Clemente Drive just near the University of Pittsburgh’s campus. A local favorite for home-grown nostalgia and any history buff’s dream, what is left of the famous field that once housed Pirates and Steelers serves as a unique, humble homage to the city’s sports legacy.
Forbes Field was a baseball park that was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball team and the first home to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city’s National Football League from 1909 to 1970.
During those years, much history was made including Pirates’ Bill Mazeroski walk-off home run that ended the 1960 World Series, the last triple-header in MLB history, and Babe Ruth’s last three home runs of his career as his Boston Braves lost to the Pirates, 11-7.
After demolition of most of the park, only the home plate and outfield wall are what remains of this historic landmark. To keep the spirit alive, a ceremony is held each October at the wall in Oakland which includes the original broadcast of the final game of the 1960 World Series. Here, fans young and old are able to experience the magic of baseball.
Known as the Steel City to many, Pittsburgh’s moniker isn’t the only thing that’s strong. Filled with local and tourist favorites alike, the city’s quirky charm has an unwavering presence in every neighborhood. Road Trip to Pittsburgh is a blog series that features delicious restaurants, historical landmarks, and unique events closest to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. For more information on visiting Pittsburgh, check out artandnaturalhistory.org.
