Connie Mack Stadium abandoned

Photographer Bob Bartosz stands on the old playing field amidst the weeds, debris and ruins of Philadelphia’s abandoned Connie Mack Stadium in June of 1974. The ballpark, formerly known as Shibe Park, opened on April 12, 1909 and closed on October 1st, 1970. The rapid deterioration of the derelict structure was accelerated by a fire on August 20, 1971 that destroyed much of the upper deck. Image shows the collapsed central section of the stands.

Published as part of a series of stadium views by Bartosz entitled "Demise of the Grand Old Lady of 21st and Lehigh" in the Courier-Post (Camden, NJ) on June 22, 1974 over the caption: "View from dead centerfield is not very pretty when compared to the immaculately manicured green of yesteryear (below)."