Phillies Stadiums of Old

Who's up for a change of pace from obituaries? I know I am.

Here are 2 of my 3 Danbury Mint models that I unearthed recently. Years ago my uncle gave me one of Yankee Stadium, then I later bought these two.


Connie Mack Stadium (? - 1970): 

I went to my first Phillies game in May 1967, sitting in the upper deck bleachers in deep center field (just to the left of the flag in the 2nd photo). They were playing the Reds that day.

This model sizes the center field scoreboard incorrectly. I recall that it was taller than the outfield wall.

Veterans Stadium (1971-2003): 

My brother and I went to the first-ever game at Veterans Stadium in April 1971, sitting high in the 700-level in right field.

This model shows the Vet in later years, with the original levels of brown, tan, orange, and yellow seats (which you can see in this 1973 Ron Stone card) replaced by all blue seats.  Also new are the external towers with elevators to the retrofitted luxury boxes, and the 2 jumbo screens in center field.

Vintage Phillies tickets

More from the junk drawer...


Here we have a World Series ticket from 1964 (sorta). This ticket is huge - measuring in at 7 1/2" x 2 1/4". I got this on eBay a few years ago.




Ok, not the 1960s, but here's my ticket to the first-ever game at Veterans Stadium. My brother and I rode a charter bus from the 69th Street SEPTA terminal in Upper Darby to the game. We took our seats (high in the 700-level in right field) and marveled at the size of the place. Soon, a helicopter would drop the first ball to the Phillies' catcher.

The picture on the ticket was the standard "artist's rendering" of the stadium used at that time. The actual stadium didn't have quite the overhang shown in the picture, nor was there the elevated walkways across the local streets. Over time, the yellow raincheck stub became detached. On the other end of the ticket, another similar yellow stub was torn off by the ticket-taker upon entry to the stadium.




Here's another ticket from late in the 1980 season. Only $4.50 to see the Phillies on their march toward their 1st championship ever!