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Crosley Field / Cincinnati Reds / 2

A look back at Crosley Field, the former home of the Cincinnati Reds. Page 2: The Terrace and Harry Thobe.
The park that was once rented out for dance and film (in 1920 the Cincinnati Enquirer called it “immoral dancing” with “vulgar conduct between boys and girls in unlit parts of the grandstand” had some of the most unique features and landmarks in the game.

The Terrace in left field, similar to Duffy’s Cliff at old Fenway and Tal’s Hill in present-day Houston, was the scourge of National League outfielders. Due to an underground stream, about twenty feet out from the left field fence, the ground sloped upward, gradually inclining until it reached the four feet grade at the wall. Thus, the left field fence measured 14’ high but was 18’ above home plate. In 1935, near the end of his career, Babe Ruth playing with the Boston Braves went back on a fly ball and tripped on the incline, falling flat on his face. Ruth got up and solemnly walked off the field in disgust. He would not return to the game and retired a few days later.