I previously sent Phil Lowry some of this information. In 1888, the
Indianapolis team of the NL moved to Seventh Street Park (III). The
dimensions stated in Green Cathedrals are 286 feet to left and 261 to
right. Phil notes there that a 10-foot screen was added in June
1889. My feeling is that something was done early in 1888.

In 1888, Indianapolis played 12 of its first 16 games at home. Those
12 games saw 33 home runs, capped by 8 in the game of May 9 against
the Giants. The remaining 9 games of their home stand featured 7
more homers. When they returned from a month long road trip, they
played 45 more games at home over the remainder of the season. Those
games had only 27 homers. Thus, it seems to me they probably did
something to cut back on the long ball, possibly right after the May
9 game. Anyone have information on this?


Cliff Blau
http://mysite.verizon.net/brak2.0