News Release

UNO Researchers Revisit Forbes Field

OMAHA (March 2000) - Nostalgia for baseball parks gone by continues to capture the hearts and imagination of fans across America. Current ballparks such as Camden Yards in Baltimore and Jacobs Field in Cleveland were built with "turn-back-the-clock" architecture and spectator-friendly features.

Now under construction in Pittsburgh, the new PNC Park has local baseball fans and those across the country remembering its predecessor: Forbes Field. Two researchers at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) have launched a book-length project on Forbes Field, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1909 to 1970.

David Cicotello and Angelo Louisa, natives of Western Pennsylvania and lifelong Pirate followers, plan to publish a collection of reminiscences by fans, former players, and sportswriters.

"Our approach is to be inclusive as possible," said Cicotello and Louisa.

Encouraged by the excitement of a new park designed in the spirit of its original, the authors hope to preserve Forbes Field's glorious past. "Forbes Field, though demolished, is an icon in local memory and holds a special place in baseball history."

Cicotello and Louisa expect the contents to range from recollections of one's first game in the "House of Thrills" to memories of Mazeroski's winning home run in the 1960 World Series. "We hope that contributors will share fond memories of their experiences at Forbes Field," said Cicotello and Louisa.

Contributors will be notified if their submission is accepted for publication in the book.

Edited from original Forbes Field Forever NEWS RELEASE prepared by Becky Brown, Public Relations Technician, at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Phone: 1-800-525-5016.