Forbes Field
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The first all steel and concrete ballpark in the nation, Forbes Field was home to the Pirates, site of four World Series in 1909, 1925, 1927, & 1960 and two All-Star games. Hosted the Homestead Grays, Steelers, and Pitt Panthers, as well as political rallies and boxing matches. Site of Bill Mazeroski's game seven, ninth inning, World Series winning home run on October 13, 1960 and Babe Ruth's last 3 home runs. Damaged by fire; razed 1972.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
When Forbes Field opened in 1909, it was the first ballpark in the nation built entirely of steel and concrete, a durable temple that would host the Pittsburgh Pirates for six decades. Its outfield saw four World Series, the Negro League's Homestead Grays, the Steelers, Pitt football, and boxing bouts—and on October 13, 1960, Bill Mazeroski's ninth-inning home run in Game 7 gave the Pirates the championship in one of baseball's most famous walk-off moments. Babe Ruth hit the last three home runs of his career here before the park was razed in 1972.
Why it matters
Forbes Field pioneered the modern permanent ballpark and served as a shared stage for the major leagues, Negro League baseball, and Pittsburgh's civic life across the first half of the 20th century.
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Related people
- · Bill Mazeroski
- · Babe Ruth
Related events
- · 1960 World Series
- · Homestead Grays baseball
Themes & tags
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