Baseball has always been known as America’s pastime, with games typically played during the daytime in the warm sunshine. However, on May 24, 1935, history was made when the first night game in Major League Baseball was played at Cincinnati’s Crosley Field between the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies.
The idea of playing baseball under the lights had been discussed for years, but it wasn’t until Reds owner Powel Crosley Jr. installed lights at Crosley Field that the dream became a reality. The game was a huge success, with over 20,000 fans in attendance and baseball legends like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb watching from the stands.
The game itself was a thrilling one, with the Reds winning 2-1 in nine innings. The players and fans marveled at being able to play and watch baseball after the sun had gone down, with the lights illuminating the field and creating an electrifying atmosphere.
The success of the first night game paved the way for more teams to install lights at their stadiums, eventually leading to night games becoming a regular occurrence in Major League Baseball. Night games allowed fans who worked during the day to attend games, and brought a new level of excitement to the sport.
Since that historic night in 1935, night baseball has become a beloved tradition in the sport, with games played under the lights considered some of the most exciting and memorable. The first night game at Crosley Field will always be remembered as a groundbreaking moment in baseball history, forever changing the way the game was played and enjoyed by fans around the world.