The Pirates aren’t playing until Friday night because it’s Major League Baseball‘s all-star break — but there is still a way to get your fill of a ballpark atmosphere.
Photo Antiquities Museum of Photographic History on the North Side has a gallery exhibit titled “Pittsburgh’s Historic Ballparks.”
It’s inspired by the Arcadia Publishing book of the same name, written by North Side resident and Mt. Pleasant native Mark T. Fatla. He also curated the exhibit.
It tells the story of the nine ballparks that have hosted major league baseball in Pittsburgh, including the Negro Leagues, through vintage photographs and historic memorabilia.
“You can get your baseball fix by visiting this exhibit,” Fatla said as he talked about the images and various baseball items inside Photo Antiquities. “Pittsburgh has such a rich history of design and development of ballparks.”
The book contains more than 200 historic photographs, some of which are displayed in the exhibit. Several are from his personal collection and others are on loan. There are original images as well as prints.
Items on display in the gallery include vintage photographs of Forbes Field’s construction in 1909; a one-of-a-kind 1960s planning model of Three Rivers Stadium and the North Shore, which Fatla said is “an important historical artifact;” and pieces marking the 1960 World Series. The gallery is a short walk from PNC Park.
“This is the Reader’s Digest version of the book,” Fatla said.
Two stadium seats, which are “typical of what people might see at a ballpark” sit inside the exhibit. Fatla said he can’t confirm which ballpark they are from.
The exhibit is a unique partnership with Photo Antiquities, a non-profit that aims to preserve and present the history of photography, Fatla said.
“This provides an opportunity for baseball fans to gain a deeper understanding of Pittsburgh’s baseball history,” Bruce Klein, president of the museum board, said in a statement.
Before guests leave the exhibit, Fatla has a parting gift.
“I give everyone a box of Cracker Jack,” he said. “It reminds people of baseball. It reminds them of sitting in the stands, enjoying caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts while watching a game.”
The exhibit is located in the museum’s street-level gallery at 531 East Ohio Street in the Deutschtown business district. The exhibit will be open noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Sept. 30, or by appointment by calling 412-520-4888. Admission is $10. Children 10 and under are free.
