PA Historic Places

Exploring the Remnants of Historic Forbes Field in Pittsburgh

The collage presents a multifaceted view of Forbes Field's storied past through five images. An aerial black and white photo reveals the expansive stadium once surrounded by a dense neighborhood, capturing its glory days. Standing testament to time is the remnants of the outfield wall, with the distance "436 FT" boldly marked, juxtaposed against the current backdrop of the neighborhood. An informative historical marker offers a brief history of Forbes Field, commemorating its innovation in stadium design and the legendary sports moments it hosted, including its ultimate destruction by fire in 1972. In homage to the field's legacy, the original home plate is preserved and displayed underfoot, protected beneath a transparent cover for posterity. A statue of a baseball player, caught in a dynamic throw, serves as a vibrant tribute to the athletes who played there, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Pittsburgh Pirates and their historic games. Together, these elements weave a visual story of celebration and remembrance, bridging the gap between Forbes Field's celebrated past and its physical traces that linger today.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the remnants of historic Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, you’re in the right place!

An early 20th-century black and white photograph of Forbes Field in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The image showcases the ballpark bustling with spectators, highlighted by the grandstands packed with fans. In the foreground, an expansive, tree-lined boulevard leads to the stadium, bustling with pedestrians and vintage automobiles, some drawn by horses. The scene captures a moment in time, reflecting the early days of the automobile era, with the attire of the individuals and the design of the vehicles anchoring the image in history. The stadium, surrounded by residential houses, is the focal point of community and baseball history as the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. — The early days of Forbes Field (public domain image).

Forbes Field, constructed in 1909, was the one-time home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Steelers, Homestead Grays, and Pitt Panthers.

A historical marker stands in the foreground, detailing the significance of Forbes Field in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood. Titled "FORBES FIELD," the marker commemorates the ballpark as the first all-steel and concrete structure of its kind in the nation, serving as the Pirates' home and hosting four World Series (1909, 1925, 1927, & 1960) and two All-Star games. It mentions the Homestead Grays, the Pitt Panthers, and various other events, including political rallies and boxing matches. Notably, it highlights Bill Mazeroski's game-winning home run in the 1960 World Series and Babe Ruth's last three home runs before the field was razed in 1972 due to fire damage. Set against a backdrop of bare trees and a brick-lined walkway leading to a modern building, the scene merges past sports glory with the present-day campus environment. — Forbes Field historical marker along Roberto Clemente Drive in PIttsburgh’s Oakland section.

Distinguished as one of the first steel and concrete stadiums, this architectural choice promised longevity, distancing Forbes Field from the wooden ballparks common at the time.

An aerial black and white photograph captures Forbes Field, the historic baseball park in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The stadium, with its distinctive double-decked grandstand and vast outfield, is set against a densely populated residential area. Cars from the era can be seen parked along the street, and the architecture of the surrounding buildings reflects the early to mid-20th century style. The ballpark is empty, creating a sense of stillness and anticipation, and the meticulous care of the diamond and field is evident even from this high vantage point. This image encapsulates the bygone days when Forbes Field was the heart of Pittsburgh's baseball history as the home of the Pirates. — Looking down on Forbes Field in 1963 from Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning (photo credit: Marc Rochkind/Wikipedia).

The project was launched by Pittsburgh Pirates’ owner Barney Dreyfuss, and the stadium was built in just 122 days.

A historical marker commemorating Barney Dreyfuss (1865-1932), the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1900 to 1932, is mounted on a metal post and situated in front of a chain-link fence with a building in the background. The marker, with raised golden lettering on a navy blue background, credits Dreyfuss as a legendary baseball leader who was influential in initiating the first modern World Series. It notes that he led the Pirates to 6 National League titles and 2 World Series titles, emphasizing his importance in the construction of Forbes Field in 1909. The marker is designated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, dated 2005. — Pirates owner at the time Barney Dreyfuss spearheaded the effort to build Forbes Field.

It witnessed numerous historic moments, including Bill Mazeroski’s Game 7 World Series-winning homer in 1960.

A vibrant and expressive painting depicts a historic baseball scene, representing a key moment from Forbes Field. It shows a player in motion, wearing a white uniform with the number 9, completing a swing after hitting a baseball. The crowd in the stands is a colorful mosaic of blues, yellows, and reds, illustrating a packed stadium full of spectators. The scene is captured with dynamic brush strokes and vivid colors, evoking the excitement and movement of the game. This artistic representation captures the spirit of the Pittsburgh Pirates and their home games at Forbes Field. — A mural by Johno Prascak at PNC Park depicting Bill Mazeroski’s Game 7 World Series-winning homer in 1960.

Although Forbes Field was demolished in 1972, parts of its structure linger, providing a tangible link to its storied past.

A portion of the preserved brick outfield wall from the historic Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, with the distance marker "436 FT" painted in white. Tall trees rise behind the wall, indicating the change from a bustling baseball stadium to a more serene setting. The wall stands as a monument to the bygone days of the Pittsburgh Pirates at their original home, capturing the essence of the baseball legacy in the Oakland neighborhood. — A remnant of the original Forbes Field Wall still standing on what is now part of the University of Pittsburgh campus in Oakland.

Remnants of Forbes Field in Oakland

Much of what was once the infield and bleachers section of Forbes Field in now covered by the University of Pittsburgh’s Mervis Hall and Posvar Hall.

In the foreground stands a sign for the "University of Pittsburgh Wesley W. Posvar Hall," with the university's seal at the top. Behind the sign is a section of the building itself, a large structure with beige exterior walls and deep-set windows. This building stands on the grounds where Forbes Field once was, the historic baseball park and one-time home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Leafless trees and mulched flower beds suggest it might be late fall or early spring. The photograph captures the legacy of Forbes Field as it is remembered and commemorated at the University of Pittsburgh. — Posvar Hall is located on what would have been the infield, dugouts, and bleachers at Forbes Field.

However, the brick wall in left-center and center field still stands in its original location, accompanied by the stadium’s flagpole.

The photo offers a view from an elevated perspective, showcasing a section of the remaining outfield wall from the historic Forbes Field, with the distance marker "436 FT" visible on the brick surface. In the foreground, parked cars line the side of a street that borders a well-maintained grassy area with budding trees and a walkway, indicating the arrival of spring. An American flag flies proudly atop a tall flagpole, centered in the image. The setting is tranquil and residential, a stark contrast to the vibrant sports atmosphere that would have once filled the area when Forbes Field was the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. — A view of the Forbes Field Wall from Posvar Hall.

And if you walk into Posvar Hall on the ground floor, you’ll find the home plate used in the stadium’s final game, preserved in lucite.

Encased in a protective glass cover set into a tiled floor is the original home plate from Forbes Field. Above it, a small plaque commemorates the final game played at the historic ballpark, listing the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Chicago Cubs on June 28, 1970. The home plate, a weathered pentagon of white rubber, is preserved as a poignant relic, symbolizing the countless games and sports history that unfolded in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh where Forbes Field once stood as a temple of baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates. — Forbes Field home plate on the ground floor inside Posvar Hall.

For the record, the Pirates won the last game played at the 62-year-old stadium with a 4–1 victory over the Chicago Cubs, the same team they lost to in the first game ever played at Forbes Field to back in 1909.

A commemorative plaque embedded in the floor marks the original location of home plate from Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. The brass plaque reads "HOME PLATE — FORBES FIELD FINAL GAME PITTSBURGH PIRATES vs CHICAGO CUBS JUNE 28, 1970," honoring the last baseball game played at the historic park. The plaque serves as a memorial to the rich history of the Pirates and their former stadium, set against the concrete ground, a reminder of the sports heritage that once graced the Oakland neighborhood. — Plaque mounted on the home plate display.

Hanging on the wall above the home plate display you’ll find the famous photo taken from the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning, showing fans watching the 1960 World Series at Forbes Field from high above.

A framed photograph displayed on a brick wall, captured by George Silk for LIFE magazine, depicts a moment from the 1960 World Series at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. The image shows a view of the stadium from a high vantage point, likely from the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning, giving a glimpse into the excitement of the historic game. The photograph is part of an exhibit or collection, accompanied by descriptive text on the side, allowing viewers to connect with a significant event in the history of the Pittsburgh Pirates and their former home field. — George Silk took this famous photo for LIFE magazine which hangs above the Forbes Field home plate display.

If you walk over to the Cathedral of Learning and take the elevator up to the 36th floor, you can recreate this view and look down on the remnants of Forbes Field outfield wall.

An aerial photograph points out the former site of Forbes Field in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, with an arrow labeled "SITE OF FORBES FIELD" indicating the location. The area is now part of a modern urban landscape, with roads, vehicles, and buildings surrounding what used to be the historic ballpark. A circular plaza with a fountain sits at the forefront, and the surrounding streets bustle with city traffic. In the distance, the rolling hills and the serpentine flow of a river are visible, showing the proximity of the urban environment to the natural landscapes around Pittsburgh. This image captures the evolution of the cityscape from the days when Forbes Field was the epicenter of baseball in Pittsburgh. — Looking down on the remnants of Forbes Field from the 36th floor of the Cathedral of Learning.

In case you’re unsure which building the Cathedral of Learning is (or “Cathy”, as it’s referred to by Pitt students), it’s this towering structure.

The Cathedral of Learning stands tall in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, captured against an overcast sky. This iconic, Gothic Revival skyscraper, part of the University of Pittsburgh campus, towers over the surrounding landscape with its impressive height and intricate architectural details. Its presence dominates the scene, representing the academic heritage of the area. This historic landmark serves as a visual marker of the intellectual legacy and the cultural environment that once neighbored Forbes Field, the original home of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. — The 42-story Cathedral of Learning; the public is allowed to go up as high as the 36th floor.

While you’re up there, check out the views in all the directions to see some other famous Pittsburgh landmarks.

The image captures a bird's-eye view of the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh at sunset, with the warm glow of the setting sun illuminating the skyline. The urban landscape is filled with a mix of modern and traditional buildings, roads bustling with traffic, and open spaces that include a prominent plaza. This area, once the home of Forbes Field and the Pittsburgh Pirates, is now a blend of residential, educational, and commercial structures. The golden sky in the background contrasts with the city lights beginning to twinkle, highlighting the transformation of the neighborhood from its historic baseball past to its contemporary urban character. — View to the southwest from the Cathedral of Learning, looking out over Forbes Avenue and Oakland.

To the northwest you have the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, dedicated in 1910, one year after Forbes Field opened.

An aerial view of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh, a grand building with a prominent domed roof and stately columns, symbolizing the city's dedication to its military history. The surrounding area features well-maintained lawns, pathways, and urban development indicative of the Oakland neighborhood. This historic structure stands in close proximity to the former site of Forbes Field, linking the city's sports heritage with its commemorative landmarks. The photo captures the intersection of civic pride and remembrance in a district renowned for its contributions to both the cultural and athletic narratives of Pittsburgh. — The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum.

To the southeast you have the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, with Carnegie Mellon University just beyond that.

An aerial view of the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The grand, stone edifices of the museum complex are seen amidst the urban landscape, with expansive glass skylights and classic architectural details. Nearby, the intricate layout of university buildings and green spaces suggests the proximity to a campus environment. Traffic is visible on the surrounding streets, and a park area with bare trees indicates the photo was taken during the cooler months. The overall scene captures the cultural and academic heartbeat of the area once associated with Forbes Field and its historical significance to Pittsburgh. — Looking down on the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History from the Cathedral of Learning.

Remnants of Forbes Field at PNC Park

If you head downtown to the Pirates current home at PNC Park, you’ll find perhaps the most famous remnant of Forbes Field, that being the original section of the wall cleared by Bill Mazeroski’s Game 7 World Series-winning homer in 1960.

A bronze statue of baseball player Bill Mazeroski in mid-stride, celebrating a moment of triumph with his right arm extended upwards holding a baseball cap, is positioned prominently in the foreground. Behind the statue is a red brick wall with the distance marker "406 FT" signifying the depth to center field, reminiscent of the measurements at Forbes Field. The picturesque backdrop features the Allegheny River and one of Pittsburgh's iconic yellow bridges, with the cityscape and hills in the distance. The scene is bathed in the warm glow of afternoon sunlight, evoking the historic connection to Forbes Field, the former home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Described by ESPN as “the greatest home run of all time”, it is still the only time a World Series Game 7 has ended with a walk-off home run.

Silhouetted against a striking sunrise sky with scattered clouds, a bronze statue captures the dynamic motion of baseball player Bill Mazeroski in mid-run, right arm trailing and left leg lifted high. The player is depicted wearing a period uniform and cap, suggesting a connection to the historic era of Forbes Field. In the background, the Pittsburgh skyline rises, blending modern buildings with the timeless spirit of the game. The statue is poised in front of a red brick wall that bears the distance marker "406 FT," echoing the outfield wall distance at Forbes Field.

In the bottom of the 9th, with the game tied at 9-9 Mazeroski (wearing number 9) hit a 1-0 fastball over the 406 FT marker in left-center field, clinching the World Series for the Pirates over the heavily-favored New York Yankees.

You’ll find this tribute to Bill Mazeroski and Forbes Field on the Riverwalk outside the stadium.

A view of PNC Park from across the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The home of the Pittsburgh Pirates is recognizable by its large scoreboard and light towers. The stadium's open design allows a glimpse inside to the seating areas. It's a clear day with fluffy clouds in the blue sky, and the river in the foreground reflects the park and has a few small boats and kayakers enjoying the water.

A statue of Honus Wagner (another Pirates legend) which once stood adjacent to Forbes Field has also been relocated to PNC Park, and stands at the home plate entrance.

Honus Wagner is considered the best shortstop to ever play the game, and was one of the first 5 member inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Baseball fans will also appreciate this historical marker along the Riverwalk near PNC Park, commemorating the first modern World Series which took place between Boston and Pittsburgh in 1903.

The image displays a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission marker titled "FIRST WORLD SERIES," detailing the event of the first World Series played in October 1903. The text on the marker explains that the National League champion Pittsburgh Pirates played against the American League champion Boston in the first modern World Series, where Boston won 5 games to 3. It mentions prominent players such as Pittsburgh's Honus Wagner and Boston's Cy Young. The marker also notes that games 4 through 7 were played near this site at Exposition Park, Pittsburgh's home from 1891 to 1909. The historical marker is set against a clear blue sky, with a part of a bridge or overpass visible in the background, signifying its placement in an urban setting. This connects to the rich baseball history of Pittsburgh, leading up to the era of Forbes Field. — Games 4-7 of the first modern World Series took place in Pittsburgh.

Final Thoughts

While there isn’t a great deal left of the original Forbes Field, baseball enthusiasts and history buffs alike will enjoy a pilgrimage to this spot where so many magical sports moments took place.

A present-day photograph of the remaining portion of the outfield wall from historic Forbes Field in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood. The red brick wall stands tall, with the distances marked in white paint showing "457 FT" to the left and "436 FT" to the right, indicating the original dimensions of the ballpark. In front of the wall is a paved walkway with benches and a street lamp, offering a place for visitors to sit and reflect. A plaque for the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business is also visible, indicating the site's proximity to the current University of Pittsburgh campus. This preserved piece of the wall serves as a tangible connection to the storied past of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the games once played within the now-vanished stadium. — The site of the original Forbes Field is a spot worth visiting for die-hard baseball fans.

Reference the map below to find and enjoy the spots mentioned in this article.

Nearby Attractions

26 Must-See Attractions in Allegheny County is your guide to dozens of the best things to do in and around Pittsburgh!

A collage of four images showcasing attractions in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: Top left shows a dinosaur skeleton exhibit at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History; top right displays a creative arrangement of Heinz ketchup bottles in the shape of a larger bottle at the Heinz History Center; bottom left features three elephants near a watering hole at the Pittsburgh Zoo; and bottom right is an aerial view of PNC Park during a baseball game with the city skyline in the background. — Scenes from Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

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