+Nancy Faust This was where I saw my first game, and I'm pretty sure my dad introduced us there. Just know that you're always part of my favorite baseball memories. Especially when you play that old high school fight song.
I'm 34 years old and I am so happy that I got to go to Comiskey several times before it came down. I was just a little kid, but I remember it very vividly. I even remember Andy the Clown!
Thank you so much for this video. It hurts knowing i was born in 95 and wasn't ever able to enjoy this beautiful park. My grandpa has pictures of good ole Comiskey everywhere in the house & seeing the memories through the pictures always brings a tear to my eye knowing that Wrigley is still there & is a historical landmark while our's is a parking lot . I've never stepped foot into old Comiskey but through videos like this & pictures show me that this ballpark wasn't just underrated, but the most beautiful ball park i've ever seen. I'm also happy to say the new park was the one I grew up going to and fell in love with the kid zone & seeing Jose Valentine hit for the cycle, so i'll be able to start new memories for the future with a whole new generation of Sox fans to show that even though it's a new park, its our park just like the team that plays in it.
I remember my first game cold, raw ,May 1974 sox lost 5-4 Baltimore O's .I was in awe whole game , when they lost a Collective OHHHHHHH!.... everyone stood and departed we hit the rush Dad had to be up early, week nite , Everyone calmly talking , chuckling , loud , spilt beer smell, cigars, felt as if I floated down the walk ramps , hit the cool nite air, an 8 yr old kid in love with Baseball and his Sox, still am today , GO-GO SOX !! The south side bad-boys of Baseball...
Wow! Thanks so much for posting this. VERY impressive video for that era. I felt all the memories come back. I felt like I was in the Park once again, 26 years later. We just LOVE Old Comiskey! By the way, the 1990 team was really underrated and the start of a great young squad......Thomas, Ventura, Fernandez, etc. Jeff Torberg was awesome too. One of my favorite Sox teams ever!
Nice footage. You almost captured the left side of the scoreboard showing the Sox defense. Catch a quick glipse of Sosa in Right field. The amazing games this park saw. Thanks for the post.
I used to go here and think wow, Babe Ruth stood there and Lou Gehrig was right there and all the other greats. I also looked at 2nd base and thought, The Beatles played there also. Now it is gone.
His Overlord Upon High heres the problem. it was dated. its great to keep these parks around but we live in a society that is about generating revnue. also building the new comiskey park next to it didnt help it one bit. all the greats stood where is now the overflow parking lot for the new stadium
That's amazing because all I can think about while watching this is Birmingham, Alabama. I was playing baseball at Samford University and made it up for the final game a couple weeks later. Wow what a sad day that was!
I remember the years when Old Comiskey had a light green carpet in the infield - I guess it was astroturf but it wasn't like modern artificial playing surfaces - it was more like a light green carpet and looked completely different from the outfield grass.
Wow, seeing these videos brings back memories.. I was the Chicago White Sox batting practice pitcher during the 1987-90 years. Thanks for posting these videos and capturing the ambiance of the park. Great memories.
Love these videos you posted. Brings back great memories of my childhood! Even hearing Nancy Faust before they started restricting her, was great to hear. Got some great stuff from her in this video. Your wife had me laughing a few times. You're at the Baseball Palace Of The World for the last time, and she says "I still haven't had any popcorn or beer yet." lol Hope she is more enthusiastic now about going to Sox games! Again, thank you so much for posting these videos. Best Old Comiskey stuff I have found, and I have searched plenty over the years.
sadly the realisation to baseball's heirarchy that these great old ballparks were pure gold came too late for most of them. fenway and now wrigley field's revamp shone the light on what could and should have been.
I feel that Wrigley's revamp ruined it. It used to be on the cramped side, but the adding of more seats made it way over crowded. Now it's virtually impossible to walk through the concourse.
I was born in 83 and I didn't really get into sports until later on in life, but to see this old gem of a park is remarkable and the video work isn't too bad, so thank you to whomever uploaded it and shared it with all of us, I was wondering what the old park looked like and I'll tell you this, It looks much better than the new ballpark, As a mets fan I just wanted to say thanks
an Indians Fan, but love the old ballparks like this. My mom was raised on Wabash and 51st on the South Side. Grandma loved Nellie Fox, Louis Apparicio and Minnie Minoso. Got to see old Comiskey in '82 for the All Star Game and All Star Practice. Glad I got to see it.
I was Gary Peters' number 1 fan. I idolized the guy as a teenager and followed his career. Rookie of the year in 1963 and 20 game winner in 1964. Not bad on a team that wasn't known for knocking the cover off the ball.
Quality posting. Great job identifying and filming interesting people, moments, and areas from the hallowed place. For me, part of a game at Comiskey was Nancy Faust, premier stadium organist. The fan could relax to her wonderful playing, but, she also played to the moment. Her "bumper" music for both Sox and visiting players coming to bat were often hilarious in her spontaneity. Anyone listening had to pay attention. For instance, at 5:40, listen for the intro of Red Sox batter on the PA, "Number Three, Jody Reed". Nancy plays a quiet little refrain from the tv show, "Three's Company". As a side, at the same moment, nice to see HOF'er Pudge Fisk behind the plate.
Man, this really brought me back when you came out to the field. I was only 9 back then. Thanks for posting the views of the best baseball park in the world. True die hard SOX fan!!
Thanks for posting. My dad told me he took me to the old Comiskey l when I was three, but I don't remember. This video gives me a real-life perspective; better understanding of what the old park was like.
I must say that even though I am a Cubs fan and that I never saw a game at Old Comiskey. But,from the looks of it, It probably was a kick ass place to watch baseball. I'm going to Wrigley this weekend and watching this makes me appreciate having a great classic ballpark to watch baseball in. Comiskey had a ton of history and I wish I had a chance to watch a game there.
Going to the game over the weekend? I predict the Cubs will win the World Series 6 years after in 2016, while the Sox will have another mediocre season, Bears same.
that place was huge. I used to love to sit in the left field picnic tables area that were field level. I remember being able to see a major league ballplayer up close. sometimes the ball would be hit to the wall and we'd scream our asses off at the opposing left fielder. that's how I became a Sox fan.
I'm only 22 and from Philadelphia. I wish I got to go to an old time park like this. I was stuck with the Vet... Awesome video, nice piece of baseball history.
Wendell Davis of the Bears blew out BOTH knees on one tragic play, cutting short a promising career at receiver thanks to the Frankenstein "field" at the Vet, years back..
went to many white sox games at the old comisky park in 1969-1971 - it was a beautiful old park with so much character. I miss comisky park. It's great the this video (and parts 2+3) exist!
I remember doing the walk-a-thon with my friends that went to St. Rita from 63thrd and Claremont to old Comiskey Park. Free ticks baby!! but that was the early 80's.
Thanks for posting this. I was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC when you shot this. I knew about Old Comiskey going down after the 1990 season, but I was away in the Army, so I couldn't be around to drink in all the festivities from a local perspective. I'd only been to a game at Old Comiskey once...back in 1984 vs. Minnesota. My local little league sponsored a trip to that game, and me and my teammates sat behind the left field foul pole. The Sox lost 1-0, and I remember then-Sox 3rd base coach Jimmy Leyland sending Carlton Fisk home to try and tie the game late after someone got a hit. Sadly, Fisk was tagged out, and the shutout stood. On the sports highlights that night on the news, Leyland admitted he made a mistake in sending Fisk home...he was pretty hard on himself. Again...thanks for posting this. I like U.S. Cellular Field...especially after all the renovations and improvements...but Old Comiskey Park will always have a place in this White Sox fan's heart.
Went there one final time on September 6, 1990 when the Sox played the Royals, I believe Jack McDowell was the starter that day, they won and that was the last time I saw Old Comiskey
I've enjoyed this series of Old Comiskey park videos dozens of times but, just today, realized that I was AT THIS VERY GAME. I still have my ($5) General Admission ticket stub from September 13, 1990. I was doing the same thing: Walking around the park taking photos and video from every angle of my last game at Comiskey. My girlfriend was also patiently and dutifully in tow, putting up with me. Great video, especially of Andy. Thank you for posting.
CTD, thanks for the feedback. There's a board on FB called Forgotten Chicago, and a few of us were reminiscing about the barber chair and shower they had set up in the center field bleachers, and how Harry Caray would broadcast the Wednesday day games from there - bare chested, 12 pack of Stroh's in one hand, fishing net in the other......God I miss that place and those times!
Coulda sworn it was Falstaff, as he would use a net to not only catch foul balls, but lean out of the booth with a hearty "Pass me up another Falstaff!!" Might have something to do with spokesman/sponsorship going back to his St. Louis days. Good times!! 🍻
Wish I could've seen this ballpark... My mom told me a story about how her dad drove her and her siblings up to a game and they nearly froze in the chilly breeze of the upper deck. I did get to go to a game at Wrigley Field though, that was cool.
Wow! Great video! I've always wanted a thorough document of all aspects of Comiskey including the picnic area and was glad to see you captured everything before its passing. Thanks for sharing!
my first game at comiskey was july 1963 vs boston ,call me crazy but i liked old comiskey better than wrigly field and lived about 3 blks. west of wrigly ,im a lifelong sox fan ,the sox gave out pin s as a tribute to the old park i was there that day ,US CELL upperdeck almost gave me a heart attack ,its not realy that bad of a park ,but you can have the upperdeck ,i hope some day they build a new park across the street with home plate facing northeast the way it should be ,im 69 yrs old i probaly wont see it .
Man the hurt was a beast! I am only 21 and the one thing I will never get over is not being able to see a game at Comiskey. And yes, I wish Nancy played all the time but she only works part time now.
I got to see one game in "Old Comiskey" on May 19, 1989 vs. the Blue Jays. What a neat experience. It rained most of that day but they got the game in. I don't recall who won. I remember Fred Mcgriff hitting a homerun into the lower deck in right field seats. Late in the game another player hit a homerun fairly deep into the left-center field seats, but don't recall who it was. Also got to visit with pitcher Jerry Reuss for a minute before the game. All in all, had a great time.
I've only seen one game at Old Comiskey. My late uncle took me when I was no more than 7 years old and I only have a few vague memories. Thanks for posting and making those memories a little more familiar
Thank you so much for posting these videos of Old Comiskey Park...I never got to go there because i was only 5 when it was demolished and i also lived in Arkansas which made it virtually impossible lol...i miss it and have a replica sitting on my desk at work thanks for posting this!
I was at this game. I wanted to go to Comiskey Park one last time before I headed to college. It was a week before I started classes. Thank you for sharing. Go Sox!
Of course, I remember old Comiskey Park every time I use the train towards downtown. Memorable parts were the 8 light standards, and of course, the pyrotechnics-spewing center field scoreboard. Yes, the exploding scoreboard. The same "scoreboard and fireworks" concept realized by Bill Veeck had been transferred to U.S. Cellular field..but without the chessy hoots and hollers of yesteryear. And the spire patterns that marked the white part of the park's exterior was memorable, too.
Amazing footage. Having been to old and new Yankee Stadiums, Shea Stadium, Citi Field, Citizens Bank Park, Camden Yards, Nationals Park, Olympic Stadium, Skydome and Fenway Park, Old Comiskey Park and Wrigley Field are the two stadiums I wanted to check out. Now its Wrigley and the Cell, I'll have to visit now.
Great Video!! It brings back a lot of memories. Like you I have many specil moments in that park. My last game in that park was against Oakland. I really dig your wife's big 1990 glasses. Makes me think I am watching Angela Bauer on "Whos The Boss".
I wouldn't hate New Comiskey as much if they would have put it in the same spot as Old Comiskey with the orientation the same facing northeast. New Comiskey blows the way they have it.
I never had a chance to see a game at Old Comiskey ... I didn't discover baseball or the White Sox until about five years too late, but I love seeing the old video. I wish I'd had a chance. I have to say, though, I love the Cell. It's not a fancy, gimmick park. It has no train or waterfall or shooting fountain or fancy brick walls. It's clean and simple with comfortable seats and good views. It's a great place to watch a game. Plus, Nancy's still there, at least for day games.
Great video! I never got to take in a game at the old park, but grew up watching the games on TV with my dad in the summer. I really wish I could have went to one game there, but it would've probably spoiled my experiences at the cell. Thanks for saving this video all these years and posting it. This a unique look at the old park.
I absolutely LOVE this place, but remember if it wasn't for the Cell, the 2005 World Series Champs would've been the St Petersburg Sox. I remember my last game here like it was yesterday. September 4 1990 against the KC Royals a 6 - 3 victory. I believe Jack McDowell was the pitcher that day. I love the Sox, I always thought they were the more blue collar team in town, unlike the corporate Cubs. I always had more fun at Comiskey and the Cell than Wrigley (which I didn't visit till 2001).
+southsider 35 I doubt the Sox would have ever moved to St. Pete. That was more of a threat than anything (if I remember right that is). I have been a life long Cubs fan but was so excited to see a game against the Blue Jays and Sox but it was cancelled because of the strike of 94.
I got to attend a couple games here in its final season. I think I still have a VHS tape of the final regular season game played here too. I feel privileged to have seen a couple games at both old Comiskey and the old Chicago Stadium before they were torn down.
I remember the Horlen, no hitter. Freshman year in college. Sunday afternoon against Detroit. Kept us in the pennant race. Had the pleasure recently of talking 1967 recently with Ken Berry............quite a year for the Sox.
I was born in 2002, 12 years too late to see one of the most important pieces of baseball history. Luckily this footage exists for future generations such as myself to experience what once was. I’ll continue to be a White Sox fan till the day I die!
That was a pretty descent lineup that night for the Sox: two future 500-HR club members in Sosa and Thomas, Carlton Fisk towards the end of his HOF career, Ivan Calderon and Lance Johnson when they were budding superstars and of course Robin Ventura. Interesting clip, made me feel as if I was at old Comiskey Park, something I was never able to do. Thanks!
i remember seeing some games in the early 60's as a young kid, my dad was a huge sox fan. saw mickey mantle back when they played two. sox won both. saw dick allen, wilbur wood, tommy john. had a seat behind a pole. there always seemed to be a drunk nearby to provide the entertainment. built in 1910 it was state of the art, can you imagine seeing babe ruth, the black sox, etc? i felt bad to see it go. 200 million of public money to a private owner? nothing less than extortion.
What great foresight to film all around the park. And what a gift to fans like me. My grandpa was a farmer and Cubs fan, and my Dad was too, but I sensed he quietly felt more of a pull toward the Sox. He loved Bill Veeck, Harry Carey, Frank Thomas, and "Black Jack" McDowell. Unfortunately, we lived 3+ hours away and I was considered too young to be taken there. In 1991 I would be taken to Kaufman, Old Busch, and New Comiskey. Later my Mom would take me to grand old Tiger Stadium, and (my favorite old park I visited) County Stadium in Milwaukee, while Dad finally got me to Wrigley. But I am a Sox fan. The pull of Carlton Fisk, Bo Jackson, McDowell was too much even though I didn't like the brand new park. Much better now, but this is the one place I wish I could have been to. Incredible sight lines, close to the action, the tunnels, the beams. I can almost smell the place. Just special. Reminds me of some of those great old parks, but even better. Wish I could hop in a time machine but this will have to do. Thank you!
3:57 Nancy playing the Cheers theme song? Wouldn't that have been more appropriate to play when Boston was in town? We were at the game May 16th, the day Jim Henson died. I remember Nancy used to play the Muppet Show theme quite often and we were hoping she wouldn't play it out of respect for Henson's passing. I don't think she did, and I don't know if she even knew Jim Henson had passed away that day.
Got, thanks for your input. It's amazing how these childhood memories stick. I still remember my first night game....all the cigarette/cigar smoke haze, the beer smell, etc....I only wish McCuddy's had still been around so I could have shot some video there.... Cheers!
I REALLY miss the good old days at the ballpark. I grew up at Milwaukee County Stadium. Today the game experience frustrates me to no end. It's way too loud, and the "music" they play is total crap.
Went to County in '75 for Pink Floyd - cool stadium with the giant keg and mug(s?) in the outfield. Friendly neighbors in the parking lot turned us on to some strawberry mescaline, good times!
What was it like being inside the park? I only been in the new one across the street and I of course been in Wrigley Field who hasn't if you live in Chicago practically all your life but I never been in the original park wish I had it seemed like it was a beautiful ballpark.
The old parks provided a unique experience in every city. To generalize, A fan could feel Detroit when at Tiger Stadium, old Yankee Stadium was a Cathedral, and Wrigley, still here of course, is unlike any other. Now the homogenization of architecture makes most MLB ball parks feel like a trip to a mall. Comiskey was a wonderful melding of the character of working class Chicago and MLB baseball. A real ballpark to her end. I miss the intimacy and moments to soak up the game without flashing ads and booming sound systems. Going to Comiskey felt like an escape from the real world. A fan felt more engaged in the game and players. Today's stadiums seem only to offer aircraft approach seating heights and designer tacos to eat, while watching between inning t-shirt tosses.
@stevensinger Thanks for your kind words. It means a lot to me that these videos have a way of striking chords with so many people. I too remember the times spent at Comiskey with my Dad.....
5:14 Pudge behind the plate! Man was he a sight to see. Catchers today couldn't get away with half the stuff Pudge was able to do. He was known as "The Human Rain Delay" during his time in Boston for his constant fidgeting and taking his time settling down behind the plate, stuff that would make the umpires of today go nuts!
It was no Golden Age park... But I MISS SHEA ALREADY! I grew up (and still am) a Mets fan living in CA, and I always dreamed of going to a Shea game someday to see my team... And now I never can... and the place where the Loveable Losers played, the Miracle Mets, the '86 team and Buckner's imfamous first bae line, where Piazza hit the 9/11 HR... the Beatles' stadium for their concert... All gone. :(
Pretty cool. I'm a Chicagoan, born, raised, 55 years......20 of which I have been a season ticket holder. Never been to a Sox game though. Yep, that's right, I'm a Northsider....Love my Cubbies. Used to drive past this place every so often. Great looking old stadium.......Not in a very good neighbor[hood]....to put it nicely
Thank you for posting and capturing the sights of sounds of the cherished old park.
+Nancy Faust
Thanks for the feedback, and for all the great music and memories you helped provide! Merry Xmas!
+Nancy Faust This was where I saw my first game, and I'm pretty sure my dad introduced us there. Just know that you're always part of my favorite baseball memories. Especially when you play that old high school fight song.
Nancy---I'm a Tigers fan from Michigan, but I have thoroughly enjoyed your work.
Nancy Faust thanks again and again for all the great tunes! Live well go sox forever
Great to hear Nancy Faust playing the organ at Old Comiskey Park! Go Nancy!!!!
I'm 34 years old and I am so happy that I got to go to Comiskey several times before it came down. I was just a little kid, but I remember it very vividly. I even remember Andy the Clown!
I miss that place. Great place to watch a game. The scoreboard, fireworks, nana nana hey hey goodbye. Thanks for this video
Sure wish they kept old Comiskey, and touched it up like they just did to Wrigley Field.
Thank you so much for this video. It hurts knowing i was born in 95 and wasn't ever able to enjoy this beautiful park. My grandpa has pictures of good ole Comiskey everywhere in the house & seeing the memories through the pictures always brings a tear to my eye knowing that Wrigley is still there & is a historical landmark while our's is a parking lot . I've never stepped foot into old Comiskey but through videos like this & pictures show me that this ballpark wasn't just underrated, but the most beautiful ball park i've ever seen. I'm also happy to say the new park was the one I grew up going to and fell in love with the kid zone & seeing Jose Valentine hit for the cycle, so i'll be able to start new memories for the future with a whole new generation of Sox fans to show that even though it's a new park, its our park just like the team that plays in it.
This place and Tiger Stadium, two places they should have never torn down.
I remember my first game cold, raw ,May 1974 sox lost 5-4 Baltimore O's .I was in awe whole game , when they lost a Collective OHHHHHHH!.... everyone stood and departed we hit the rush Dad had to be up early, week nite , Everyone calmly talking , chuckling , loud , spilt beer smell, cigars, felt as if I floated down the walk ramps , hit the cool nite air, an 8 yr old kid in love with Baseball and his Sox, still am today , GO-GO SOX !! The south side bad-boys of Baseball...
Im a Cubs fan. But I loved this park. Should have never taken it down!
Yes but then we won the world series so I'm thankful. And I'm 46 I've been to that Park. Beautiful but sometimes you need change.
If they hadn’t taken it down it would have fell down.
@@boataxe4605: If Fenway and Wrigley can be maintained there's no reason Comiskey couldn't.
What a beautiful park it was. the archways seemed to give it the ultimate character from inside the park.
Wow! Thanks so much for posting this. VERY impressive video for that era. I felt all the memories come back. I felt like I was in the Park once again, 26 years later. We just LOVE Old Comiskey! By the way, the 1990 team was really underrated and the start of a great young squad......Thomas, Ventura, Fernandez, etc. Jeff Torberg was awesome too. One of my favorite Sox teams ever!
Nice footage. You almost captured the left side of the scoreboard showing the Sox defense. Catch a quick glipse of Sosa in Right field. The amazing games this park saw. Thanks for the post.
This game was September 13, 1990 final score Chicago 9 Boston 6
I used to go here and think wow, Babe Ruth stood there and Lou Gehrig was right there and all the other greats. I also looked at 2nd base and thought, The Beatles played there also. Now it is gone.
His Overlord Upon High heres the problem. it was dated. its great to keep these parks around but we live in a society that is about generating revnue. also building the new comiskey park next to it didnt help it one bit. all the greats stood where is now the overflow parking lot for the new stadium
What a classic ballpark Old Comiskey was. I think its a crime and disrespectful that they torn down all the old stadiums over the years
I was at that game...drove 650+ miles from Birmingham, just to see the ball park before they tore it down. The drive was worth it.
That's amazing because all I can think about while watching this is Birmingham, Alabama. I was playing baseball at Samford University and made it up for the final game a couple weeks later. Wow what a sad day that was!
Thanks for the memories, used to go to 15 - 20 games a year, all through the Harry & Jimmy era, great park...lets all have a Falstaff...lol
I remember the years when Old Comiskey had a light green carpet in the infield - I guess it was astroturf but it wasn't like modern artificial playing surfaces - it was more like a light green carpet and looked completely different from the outfield grass.
Wow, seeing these videos brings back memories.. I was the Chicago White Sox batting practice pitcher during the 1987-90 years. Thanks for posting these videos and capturing the ambiance of the park. Great memories.
Love these videos you posted. Brings back great memories of my childhood! Even hearing Nancy Faust before they started restricting her, was great to hear. Got some great stuff from her in this video. Your wife had me laughing a few times. You're at the Baseball Palace Of The World for the last time, and she says "I still haven't had any popcorn or beer yet." lol Hope she is more enthusiastic now about going to Sox games! Again, thank you so much for posting these videos. Best Old Comiskey stuff I have found, and I have searched plenty over the years.
Thanks for the feedback...Wife still hates baseball!
sadly the realisation to baseball's heirarchy that these great old ballparks were pure gold came too late for most of them. fenway and now wrigley field's revamp shone the light on what could and should have been.
I feel that Wrigley's revamp ruined it. It used to be on the cramped side, but the adding of more seats made it way over crowded. Now it's virtually impossible to walk through the concourse.
I was born in 83 and I didn't really get into sports until later on in life, but to see this old gem of a park is remarkable and the video work isn't too bad, so thank you to whomever uploaded it and shared it with all of us, I was wondering what the old park looked like and I'll tell you this, It looks much better than the new ballpark, As a mets fan I just wanted to say thanks
an Indians Fan, but love the old ballparks like this. My mom was raised on Wabash and 51st on the South Side. Grandma loved Nellie Fox, Louis Apparicio and Minnie Minoso. Got to see old Comiskey in '82 for the All Star Game and All Star Practice. Glad I got to see it.
Nancy Faust the organist at white sox games brings back memories
3:51, Ozzie bringing out the lineup card! A foreshadowing of things to come 15 years down the road?
Brian John (BJ) Retro Jeff Torborg had a lot of influence on Ozzie going into management so yes for sure, great catch! 👍
Yes. They made him team captain this year even though he was only 25
I was Gary Peters' number 1 fan. I idolized the guy as a teenager and followed his career. Rookie of the year in 1963 and 20 game winner in 1964. Not bad on a team that wasn't known for knocking the cover off the ball.
And a good hitter. In 1964, he pinch hit in extra innings against KC and hit a 2 run homer for a walk-off victory.
Quality posting. Great job identifying and filming interesting people, moments, and areas from the hallowed place. For me, part of a game at Comiskey was Nancy Faust, premier stadium organist. The fan could relax to her wonderful playing, but, she also played to the moment. Her "bumper" music for both Sox and visiting players coming to bat were often hilarious in her spontaneity. Anyone listening had to pay attention. For instance, at 5:40, listen for the intro of Red Sox batter on the PA, "Number Three, Jody Reed". Nancy plays a quiet little refrain from the tv show, "Three's Company". As a side, at the same moment, nice to see HOF'er Pudge Fisk behind the plate.
Stuart Crane thanks for that! Glad you enjoyed!
Man, this really brought me back when you came out to the field. I was only 9 back then. Thanks for posting the views of the best baseball park in the world. True die hard SOX fan!!
Thanks Jon! Cheers!
Love the rollicking organ pounding out tunes in the background.
Thanks for posting. My dad told me he took me to the old Comiskey l when I was three, but I don't remember. This video gives me a real-life perspective; better understanding of what the old park was like.
I must say that even though I am a Cubs fan and that I never saw a game at Old Comiskey. But,from the looks of it, It probably was a kick ass place to watch baseball. I'm going to Wrigley this weekend and watching this makes me appreciate having a great classic ballpark to watch baseball in. Comiskey had a ton of history and I wish I had a chance to watch a game there.
Going to the game over the weekend? I predict the Cubs will win the World Series 6 years after in 2016, while the Sox will have another mediocre season, Bears same.
that place was huge. I used to love to sit in the left field picnic tables area that were field level. I remember being able to see a major league ballplayer up close. sometimes the ball would be hit to the wall and we'd scream our asses off at the opposing left fielder. that's how I became a Sox fan.
No better theme song than the White Sox, NA NA Hey Hey Goodbye. The place was rockin in the 70's after a victory
I'm only 22 and from Philadelphia. I wish I got to go to an old time park like this. I was stuck with the Vet...
Awesome video, nice piece of baseball history.
Wendell Davis of the Bears blew out BOTH knees on one tragic play, cutting short a promising career at receiver thanks to the Frankenstein "field" at the Vet, years back..
went to many white sox games at the old comisky park in 1969-1971 - it was a beautiful old park with so much character. I miss comisky park. It's great the this video (and parts 2+3) exist!
I remember doing the walk-a-thon with my friends that went to St. Rita from 63thrd and Claremont to old Comiskey Park. Free ticks baby!! but that was the early 80's.
Thanks for posting this. I was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC when you shot this. I knew about Old Comiskey going down after the 1990 season, but I was away in the Army, so I couldn't be around to drink in all the festivities from a local perspective.
I'd only been to a game at Old Comiskey once...back in 1984 vs. Minnesota. My local little league sponsored a trip to that game, and me and my teammates sat behind the left field foul pole. The Sox lost 1-0, and I remember then-Sox 3rd base coach Jimmy Leyland sending Carlton Fisk home to try and tie the game late after someone got a hit. Sadly, Fisk was tagged out, and the shutout stood. On the sports highlights that night on the news, Leyland admitted he made a mistake in sending Fisk home...he was pretty hard on himself.
Again...thanks for posting this. I like U.S. Cellular Field...especially after all the renovations and improvements...but Old Comiskey Park will always have a place in this White Sox fan's heart.
Went there one final time on September 6, 1990 when the Sox played the Royals, I believe Jack McDowell was the starter that day, they won and that was the last time I saw Old Comiskey
I've enjoyed this series of Old Comiskey park videos dozens of times but, just today, realized that I was AT THIS VERY GAME. I still have my ($5) General Admission ticket stub from September 13, 1990. I was doing the same thing: Walking around the park taking photos and video from every angle of my last game at Comiskey. My girlfriend was also patiently and dutifully in tow, putting up with me. Great video, especially of Andy. Thank you for posting.
I saw many a game there... Even the DISCO DEMOLITION!
CTD, thanks for the feedback. There's a board on FB called Forgotten Chicago, and a few of us were reminiscing about the barber chair and shower they had set up in the center field bleachers, and how Harry Caray would broadcast the Wednesday day games from there - bare chested, 12 pack of Stroh's in one hand, fishing net in the other......God I miss that place and those times!
Coulda sworn it was Falstaff, as he would use a net to not only catch foul balls, but lean out of the booth with a hearty "Pass me up another Falstaff!!" Might have something to do with spokesman/sponsorship going back to his St. Louis days. Good times!! 🍻
Thank you so much for this. I've been having dreams of this ball park as of late. I remember so much as a kid. This right here is GOLD!
thank you!!!!!
@ 8:23.. Rookie Frank Thomas sighting! Great vid, thanks for uploading. Sox pride
Wish I could've seen this ballpark... My mom told me a story about how her dad drove her and her siblings up to a game and they nearly froze in the chilly breeze of the upper deck.
I did get to go to a game at Wrigley Field though, that was cool.
Wow! Great video! I've always wanted a thorough document of all aspects of Comiskey including the picnic area and was glad to see you captured everything before its passing. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing these memories!! Gorgeous lady... You are lucky to have her.... I so much miss my East Coast ladies and their cool attitude :)
I remember the first game I went to. It was a Sunday afternoon game. The Sox won and Harold Baines hit a home run. This is amazing.
my first game at comiskey was july 1963 vs boston ,call me crazy but i liked old comiskey better than wrigly field and lived about 3 blks. west of wrigly ,im a lifelong sox fan ,the sox gave out pin s as a tribute to the old park i was there that day ,US CELL upperdeck almost gave me a heart attack ,its not realy that bad of a park ,but you can have the upperdeck ,i hope some day they build a new park across the street with home plate facing northeast the way it should be ,im 69 yrs old i probaly wont see it .
Haha, even got Andy the Clown in the video. That’s cool.
Good times for sure - and not a cell phone in site either, thank God! Thanks for posting, quite cool, and a missed ballpark for sure.....
Man the hurt was a beast! I am only 21 and the one thing I will never get over is not being able to see a game at Comiskey. And yes, I wish Nancy played all the time but she only works part time now.
I got to see one game in "Old Comiskey" on May 19, 1989 vs. the Blue Jays. What a neat
experience. It rained most of that day but they got the game in. I don't recall who won. I remember Fred Mcgriff hitting a homerun into the lower deck in right field seats. Late in the game another player hit a homerun fairly deep into the left-center field seats, but don't recall who it was. Also got to visit with pitcher Jerry Reuss for a minute before the game. All in all, had a great time.
I've only seen one game at Old Comiskey. My late uncle took me when I was no more than 7 years old and I only have a few vague memories. Thanks for posting and making those memories a little more familiar
Thank you for posting this...a lot of good memories there!
Thank you so much for posting these videos of Old Comiskey Park...I never got to go there because i was only 5 when it was demolished and i also lived in Arkansas which made it virtually impossible lol...i miss it and have a replica sitting on my desk at work thanks for posting this!
I was at this game. I wanted to go to Comiskey Park one last time before I headed to college. It was a week before I started classes. Thank you for sharing. Go Sox!
Such great memories. Thanks for posting this.
Of course, I remember old Comiskey Park every time I use the train towards downtown. Memorable parts were the 8 light standards, and of course, the pyrotechnics-spewing center field scoreboard. Yes, the exploding scoreboard. The same "scoreboard and fireworks" concept realized by Bill Veeck had been transferred to U.S. Cellular field..but without the chessy hoots and hollers of yesteryear. And the spire patterns that marked the white part of the park's exterior was memorable, too.
This is so incredible. Thank you so much for filming this.
Thanks for the feedback, Ski....I also love that panorama shot with Nancy's organ playing and the hot dog vendor soundtrack - very old school!
Amazing footage. Having been to old and new Yankee Stadiums, Shea Stadium, Citi Field, Citizens Bank Park, Camden Yards, Nationals Park, Olympic Stadium, Skydome and Fenway Park, Old Comiskey Park and Wrigley Field are the two stadiums I wanted to check out. Now its Wrigley and the Cell, I'll have to visit now.
Thanks for the props!
CHICAGO.....HOME OF THEE ALMIGHTY CHICAGO WHITE SOX.thanks for these videos......
Great Video!! It brings back a lot of memories. Like you I have many specil moments in that park. My last game in that park was against Oakland. I really dig your wife's big 1990 glasses. Makes me think I am watching Angela Bauer on "Whos The Boss".
I wouldn't hate New Comiskey as much if they would have put it in the same spot as Old Comiskey with the orientation the same facing northeast. New Comiskey blows the way they have it.
I never had a chance to see a game at Old Comiskey ... I didn't discover baseball or the White Sox until about five years too late, but I love seeing the old video. I wish I'd had a chance.
I have to say, though, I love the Cell. It's not a fancy, gimmick park. It has no train or waterfall or shooting fountain or fancy brick walls. It's clean and simple with comfortable seats and good views. It's a great place to watch a game.
Plus, Nancy's still there, at least for day games.
Brings back memories, My last game at old Comiskey Park was in 1979 White Sox played a twin bill against my future home team the California Angels,
Great video! I never got to take in a game at the old park, but grew up watching the games on TV with my dad in the summer. I really wish I could have went to one game there, but it would've probably spoiled my experiences at the cell. Thanks for saving this video all these years and posting it. This a unique look at the old park.
lawnboyfreak Thanks for the feedback! Never thought I would be sharing my home video with the world via computers and phones! LOL!
I absolutely LOVE this place, but remember if it wasn't for the Cell, the 2005 World Series Champs would've been the St Petersburg Sox. I remember my last game here like it was yesterday. September 4 1990 against the KC Royals a 6 - 3 victory. I believe Jack McDowell was the pitcher that day. I love the Sox, I always thought they were the more blue collar team in town, unlike the corporate Cubs. I always had more fun at Comiskey and the Cell than Wrigley (which I didn't visit till 2001).
+southsider 35 I doubt the Sox would have ever moved to St. Pete. That was more of a threat than anything (if I remember right that is). I have been a life long Cubs fan but was so excited to see a game against the Blue Jays and Sox but it was cancelled because of the strike of 94.
I got to attend a couple games here in its final season. I think I still have a VHS tape of the final regular season game played here too. I feel privileged to have seen a couple games at both old Comiskey and the old Chicago Stadium before they were torn down.
This is priceless footage.
I remember the Horlen, no hitter. Freshman year in college. Sunday afternoon against Detroit. Kept us in the pennant race. Had the pleasure recently of talking 1967 recently with Ken Berry............quite a year for the Sox.
I was born in 2002, 12 years too late to see one of the most important pieces of baseball history. Luckily this footage exists for future generations such as myself to experience what once was. I’ll continue to be a White Sox fan till the day I die!
That was a pretty descent lineup that night for the Sox: two future 500-HR club members in Sosa and Thomas, Carlton Fisk towards the end of his HOF career, Ivan Calderon and Lance Johnson when they were budding superstars and of course Robin Ventura. Interesting clip, made me feel as if I was at old Comiskey Park, something I was never able to do. Thanks!
awesome, thanks for posting. i spent most of my childhood there.
i remember seeing some games in the early 60's as a young kid, my dad was a huge sox fan. saw mickey mantle back when they played two. sox won both. saw dick allen, wilbur wood, tommy john. had a seat behind a pole. there always seemed to be a drunk nearby to provide the entertainment. built in 1910 it was state of the art, can you imagine seeing babe ruth, the black sox, etc? i felt bad to see it go.
200 million of public money to a private owner? nothing less than extortion.
Love me some Wilbur! Wasn't he a knuckleballer?
God bless Bill Veeck...
I was there in 1987 for 2 games against the Yankees ! It was AWESSSSOME - you could FEEL the history that had taken place there !!
I'm a die-hard Cub fan, but this is good stuff. Thanks for posting
Alex Patt Thanks! Cubs looking better - years and years of high draft picks will do that! ;)
Chicago baseball is finally taking a turn for the best I think. I'm glad all those suck years can turn into potential positive results
Man this brings back some memories. So sad this place is gone.
What great foresight to film all around the park. And what a gift to fans like me. My grandpa was a farmer and Cubs fan, and my Dad was too, but I sensed he quietly felt more of a pull toward the Sox. He loved Bill Veeck, Harry Carey, Frank Thomas, and "Black Jack" McDowell. Unfortunately, we lived 3+ hours away and I was considered too young to be taken there. In 1991 I would be taken to Kaufman, Old Busch, and New Comiskey. Later my Mom would take me to grand old Tiger Stadium, and (my favorite old park I visited) County Stadium in Milwaukee, while Dad finally got me to Wrigley. But I am a Sox fan. The pull of Carlton Fisk, Bo Jackson, McDowell was too much even though I didn't like the brand new park. Much better now, but this is the one place I wish I could have been to. Incredible sight lines, close to the action, the tunnels, the beams. I can almost smell the place. Just special. Reminds me of some of those great old parks, but even better. Wish I could hop in a time machine but this will have to do. Thank you!
3:57 Nancy playing the Cheers theme song? Wouldn't that have been more appropriate to play when Boston was in town?
We were at the game May 16th, the day Jim Henson died. I remember Nancy used to play the Muppet Show theme quite often and we were hoping she wouldn't play it out of respect for Henson's passing. I don't think she did, and I don't know if she even knew Jim Henson had passed away that day.
OMG, they ARE playing Boston in this game! I guess the Cheers theme was appropriate then.
Man, this is a GREAT video....thank you.
You have to give them credit though, they've really responded to what the fans wanted as far as changing the ballpark.
Got, thanks for your input. It's amazing how these childhood memories stick. I still remember my first night game....all the cigarette/cigar smoke haze, the beer smell, etc....I only wish McCuddy's had still been around so I could have shot some video there....
Cheers!
I REALLY miss the good old days at the ballpark. I grew up at Milwaukee County Stadium. Today the game experience frustrates me to no end. It's way too loud, and the "music" they play is total crap.
Went to County in '75 for Pink Floyd - cool stadium with the giant keg and mug(s?) in the outfield. Friendly neighbors in the parking lot turned us on to some strawberry mescaline, good times!
What was it like being inside the park? I only been in the new one across the street and I of course been in Wrigley Field who hasn't if you live in Chicago practically all your life but I never been in the original park wish I had it seemed like it was a beautiful ballpark.
Rowdy blue collar fans who loved their Sox and hated the corporate yuppie team from the Northside
The old parks provided a unique experience in every city. To generalize, A fan could feel Detroit when at Tiger Stadium, old Yankee Stadium was a Cathedral, and Wrigley, still here of course, is unlike any other. Now the homogenization of architecture makes most MLB ball parks feel like a trip to a mall. Comiskey was a wonderful melding of the character of working class Chicago and MLB baseball. A real ballpark to her end. I miss the intimacy and moments to soak up the game without flashing ads and booming sound systems. Going to Comiskey felt like an escape from the real world. A fan felt more engaged in the game and players. Today's stadiums seem only to offer aircraft approach seating heights and designer tacos to eat, while watching between inning t-shirt tosses.
@@SCRANE1115 Nicely done, Stu. ☑
@chgotvfan Thanks for the feedback. I heard Don Mincher passed away. I was there when he put one on the right field roof when he was with the Twins...
I miss this ballpark
@stevensinger Thanks for your kind words. It means a lot to me that these videos have a way of striking chords with so many people. I too remember the times spent at Comiskey with my Dad.....
Man, it must be difficult to be a sox fan in St. Louis but I would imagine that span of '05 - '06 must of been a crazy.
Best video ever! Great upload!
5:14 Pudge behind the plate! Man was he a sight to see. Catchers today couldn't get away with half the stuff Pudge was able to do. He was known as "The Human Rain Delay" during his time in Boston for his constant fidgeting and taking his time settling down behind the plate, stuff that would make the umpires of today go nuts!
Thanks for the feedback, great memories!
Wow!! :) :) :) Thank you for posting this!
Thanks for stopping by! Cheers!
As a kid in the late 70s I got to run the bases, I'll never forget that.
Disco Demolition? 😂
Lol, I was 8 yrs old,🤣🤣
This should be in the baseball hall of fame...lol
It was no Golden Age park...
But I MISS SHEA ALREADY!
I grew up (and still am) a Mets fan living in CA, and I always dreamed of going to a Shea game someday to see my team...
And now I never can... and the place where the Loveable Losers played, the Miracle Mets, the '86 team and Buckner's imfamous first bae line, where Piazza hit the 9/11 HR... the Beatles' stadium for their concert...
All gone. :(
Very cool! Have you uploaded your video? Would love to see it!
@67bobbyg Thanks for your feedback! What started out as a personal keepsake has really touched a nerve with old time Sox fans like us....
Great footage!!
Thanks!
so awesome. love to see the old place. wish they would have kept it :(
Pretty cool. I'm a Chicagoan, born, raised, 55 years......20 of which I have been a season ticket holder. Never been to a Sox game though. Yep, that's right, I'm a Northsider....Love my Cubbies. Used to drive past this place every so often. Great looking old stadium.......Not in a very good neighbor[hood]....to put it nicely