Tacoma Twins general manager Stan Naccarato (center) poses with Rene Levitre, vice-president of Pacific Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and an unidentified man at Cheney Stadium on February 19, 1976. They are standing in front of the closed refreshment center. Photograph ordered by Pacific Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Naccarato, Stan; Le Beitre, Rene; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Food vendors--Tacoma;

Ben Cheney. Lumberman and philanthropist Ben Cheney, in overcoat, surveys what will eventually be named Cheney Stadium. He is standing on the first six tiers of grandstand pre-stressed concrete seating along with an unidentified man in early February, 1960. The grandstand was expected to be completed in 30 days. The site on South Tyler was cleared by Fort Lewis soldiers with flamethrowers. Construction was a "100 day wonder" as it was completed in three months, fourteen days.

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Concrete--Tacoma; Grandstands--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Line-up of Tacoma Giants baseball team on opening day, April 16, 1960, in the brand new Cheney Stadium. The Giants, managed by John "Red" Davis, were being introduced to the thousands attending the first game held in the new facility. The Tacoma team would be playing the Portland Beavers in day-night matches. Lights installed on six giant towers would provide clear viewing for night games with each tower having a bank of 62 - 1,500 watt bulbs.

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Managed by Tommy Heath, the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League are being introduced to the thousands of spectators at Cheney Stadium on April 16, 1960, opening day of baseball. They would be the hometown Tacoma Giants' first opponent in the new stadium which was completed in three months, 14 days. The stadium was finished in time for the Giants' first game; however, the fickle spring weather did not cooperate and a massive windstorm forced postponement until Saturday, April 16th, of the doubleheader between the two Pacific Coast League clubs. They would split the games, with Portland on top in the first game, 7-2 and Tacoma coming back strong in the nightcap, 11-0.

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

View of partially completed Cheney Stadium from adjoining hillside taken on March 23, 1960. Cheney Stadium was constructed in a remarkable three months, fourteen days in time for the reappearance of Pacific Coast League baseball to Tacoma. It had to be completed before the first game scheduled on April 14, 1960, and the deadline was met, probably due to the fact that the stadium was built of pre-stressed, pre-fabricated concrete rather than the more time-consuming pouring method. Unfortunately, a harsh spring storm forced postponement of the Tacoma Giants - Portland Beavers doubleheader until Saturday, April 16th. The Tacoma Giants were affiliated with the San Francisco Giants who sent many of their future stars to Tacoma for seasoning. Fans would be lucky to see future Hall-of-Famer Juan Marichal, future batting champ Matty Alou, and future Giant & Pirate SS Jose Pagan in action.

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

On June 7, 1960, by vote of the Tacoma City Council, Tacoma's new Pacific Coast League baseball stadium was officially designated "Cheney Stadium" in honor of Tacoma lumberman and sportsman Ben B. Cheney. Two nights later, on June 9th, over 5,000 baseball fans were on hand for the dedication of the new home of the PCL's Tacoma Giants. Construction of the 8,100 seat stadium (later expanded to 8,500) was completed in 3 months, 14 days - "the 100 Day Wonder." No home run has ever been hit over the stadium's 32 foot high center field wall, called "the Great Wall of Cheney," during a game. Jose Canseco accomplished the feat during batting practice in 1985. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber. (TNT 6-8-60, C-15, 6-10-60, A-1, p. 24) TPL-9726

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Light fixtures;

View of packed grandstands of Cheney Stadium on opening day for the Pacific Coast League baseball season, April 16, 1960. Tacoma held its breath and was rewarded with sunny skies on Saturday for the inaugural games featuring the Tacoma Giants and visiting Portland Beavers. Opening day had been scheduled for April 14th but harsh spring storms and cold weather postponed the debut until the 16th. 6,612 would be in attendance for the day game and 5,671 braved the chiller night weather for the second half of the doubleheader. Prices in 1960 were listed as $2 for box seats, $1.50 for reserved seating, $1.25 for grandstand, 90 cents for pavilion and 50 cents for kids and students. Tacoma, despite losing the first game 7-2, would rebound with a 11-0 shellacking of the Beavers in the nightcap. Future stars Juan Marichal and Matty Alou played prominent roles in the victory. (TNT 4-12-60, C-2, 4-17-60, A-1)

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Sports spectators--Tacoma; Grandstands--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970;

On Friday, September 27, 1963, President John F. Kennedy strode into Cheney Stadium flanked by Pacific Lutheran University president Dr. Robert Mortvedt (l) and University of Puget Sound president Dr. R. Franklin Thompson (r). Senator Henry Jackson followed Dr. Thompson. Special Marine helicopters had just transported the President and other dignitaries from Sea-Tac Airport to Cheney Stadium's cordoned-off parking lot. The President had started a cross-country tour, "a journey to save America's natural heritage," on September 24th, at Milford, PA. It would be a 10,000 mile presidential trip through twelve states. The Tacoma stop was sponsored jointly by UPS and PLU. The President was accompanied to Tacoma by Senators Warren Magnuson and Henry Jackson and Governor Albert Rosilleni. While in Tacoma he met Tacoma Mayor Harold Tollefson and the mayor's brother, Congressman Thor Tollefson, Tokyo-bound for fishing treating negotiatons. (TNT 9-24-63, p. 1-article; TNT 9-26-63, C-12-article; TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles)

Kennedy, John F., 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mortvedt, Robert; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Jackson, Henry M., 1912-1983;

Mayor Harold Tollefson (center) shakes hands with President John F. Kennedy on September 27, 1963, after the President's appearance at Cheney Stadium. The President delivered the short principal address concerning preservation of natural resources and the importance of education. Flanking the President are the presidents of Pacific Lutheran University and University of Puget Sound, Dr. Robert Mortvedt and Dr. R. Franklin Thompson; their schools were instrumental in securing the President's attendance in Tacoma. It was President Kennedy's first visit to Tacoma since becoming President. He had made two prior trips in the 1950s as a U.S. Senator.

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Mortvedt, Robert; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

A "tanned and healthy" President John F. Kennedy looks over the overflowing crowd crammed into Cheney Stadium on September 27, 1963, as University of Puget Sound president Dr. R. Franklin Thompson examines his notes prior to beginning the invocation. Good weather and the chance to see the President in person caused the predicted 12,000 crowd to swell to 25,000+. Admission was free with 2,200 seats reserved in the infield for special guests. The President's exit from the stadium was delayed twelve minutes by throngs of Tacomans eager to converse and/or touch the President. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles; TNT 9-26-63, A-1-article)

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Public speaking--Tacoma--1960-1970;

ca. 1959. Proposed grandstand for the Tacoma-Pierce County baseball park, later known as Cheney Stadium, as submitted by Ben Cheney. The stadium began operation in April of 1960. The City Council voted 8-1 to award the construction contract for its baseball park to Ben Cheney based on this design, with Mrs. Clara Goering as the lone desenter. Associated with Cheney in his bid were Earley Construction and Concrete Technology. The $647,088 contract called for a prestressed concrete structure. The proposed stadium had convinced the San Francisco Giants to transfer their Phoenix Franchise to Tacoma, marking Tacoma's entrance into the Pacific Coast Baseball League. The opening saga had been the drawn out selection of a site for the baseball park. Ben Cheney proposed a plan under the lease-purchase act where the city would acquire the property he owned at Cheney Field at 1/2 its appraised evaluation. He would then build a $620, 000 stadium which the city would lease over a number of years with the property eventually reverting to the city. The county and city finally agreed jointly on a undeveloped site owned by Metropolitan Parks at Snake Lake, south of Heidelberg Park, that would be gifted to the city. A baseball park that seats 7,000 would be constructed at a cost of $590,000. The city and county would each pay $21,700 a year for 20 years; anticipated revenue from the park was a minimum of $14,000 a year. Ben Cheney made a counter proposal and Snake Lake was still selected as the site. After further discussions and concessions, including offering the majority of the property for free, the stadium site was moved to Cheney Field in order to meet the April completion deadline and possibly to avoid offending Cheney, one of the main contributors to sports in Tacoma. Then it was moved back to the Snake Lake Recreational area, at So. 23rd & Cheyenne, by a 6-2 vote with only Mayor Ben Hanson and Mrs. Clara Goering voting for the Cheney Field site. Objections included the 426 foot strip along So. 38th retained by Cheney and potential traffic problems. The stadium was finally built at the Snake Lake site and named for Cheney, sports greatest friend and benefactor in Tacoma. (TNT 8/15/1959, pg. 1; 8/18/1959, pg 1; 9/11/1959, pg. 1; 9/15/1959, pg.1; 12/22/1959, pg. 1)

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Being met at home plate is young Tacoma Giants player Matty Alou in this April 16, 1960, Pacific Coast League opener between the Giants and the visiting Portland Beavers. One of three Alou brothers from the Dominican Republic who went on to play major league baseball, Matty Alou was the best hitter for average and probably the fastest. His 15-year major league career included lengthy stints with the San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals. He led the league in batting, .342, in 1966 as a Pittsburgh Pirate and would help Oakland to its first World Series championship in 1972. Centerfielder Alou was sent down just days before the season opened by the big league San Francisco Giants so that he could play regularly. Groomed as the successor to Willie Mays, this would help to keep his baseball skills sharp. (baseballlibrary.com) (Additional identification by a reader)

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Alou, Matty; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

All eyes are focused on the swinging batter during Tacoma's opening day of Pacific League baseball in brand new Cheney Stadium. The packed grandstands are filled with young and old, all eager to see the Tacoma Giants battle the visiting Portland Beavers in a doubleheader on April 16, 1960. Some spectators prefer to roam the non-bleacher area on the right, perhaps to get a better view, or to enjoy the bright skies on game day. Scheduled for April 14th, opening day had to be postponed due to a major spring storm which included 59 mph winds, lows of 37 degrees, and traces of snow. The Army was called in to set a napalm fire in the infield dirt and also used portable "Herman Nelson" heaters to help dry the turf. The Tacoma Giants lost the opening game 7-2 but won the nightcap 11-0 behind an 8-hit shutout by future Hall-of-Famer Juan Marichal. 6,612 fans watched the day game while the night crowd totaled 5,671. (TNT 4-16-60, p.1-article; TNT 4-17-60, A-1-article) TPL-9657

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sports spectators--Tacoma; Grandstands--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Night game at Cheney Stadium. Bases appear loaded with the hometown Giants leading 5-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Giants would go on to defeat the Vancouver Mounties 6-0 before 5000+ fans. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber.

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Cheney Stadium. The last finishing touches are being put into place in the new Cheney Stadium in preparation for baseball's seasonal opener on April 14, 1960. Pacific Coast League baseball would be coming to Tacoma for the first time since 1905 as the local Tacoma Giants face off with the Portland Beavers. View of nearly empty stadium with three workers near dugout; covered grandstand would be able to accommodate 5740 fans with an additional 2500 in the bleachers. Photograph ordered by the Cheney Lumber Co. (TNT 3-25-60, p. 1)

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Grandstands--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Ben Cheney and guest at Tacoma Giants game. Dressed in suit and tie, Tacoma lumberman and baseball fan Ben Cheney, along with a guest believed to be his cousin Francis Cheney, enjoy the June 9, 1960, Giants game at Cheney Stadium. The stadium was dedicated that evening during pre-game ceremonies when Ben Cheney thanked all those who made the new park possible. Mr. Cheney was instrumental in bringing Pacific Coast League baseball back to Tacoma and was named to the Giants Board of Directors. Beside local baseball and government officials, San Francisco Giants president Horace Stoneham and San Francisco Giants farm system director Carl Hubbell were in attendance. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber. (TNT 6-5-60, B-11, 6-10-60, A-1, p. 24)

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Mark Wojahn of 3592 East "K" Street was photographed in uniform at the Tacoma Giants' opening day game in Cheney Stadium on April 16, 1960. He won the batboy contest sponsored by ShopRite Food Centers and became the Giants' first batboy for 1960. He is wearing a cap with the large letter "T" embroidered above the bill; his hands and a towel are partially covering his baseball jersey. As batboy Mark watched every play in the new stadium from the edge of the field. (TNT 4-12-60, D-1 Ad)

Wojahn, Mark; Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hats--1960-1970;

Baseball clinic. Cheney Stadium was packed with youngsters on Saturday, May 20, 1972, as the budding baseball stars participated in a two-hour clinic jointly sponsored by the Tacoma Twins and Carling Brewery. The News Tribune reported that 1291 kids were in attendance. Personalized instruction in fielding, batting, and other skills was provided by 16 Twins players with pitcher Hal Haydel as chief instructor. Free tickets were handed out to the young athletes to that night's Twins game with Salt Lake City; provided, of course, that they were accompanied by adults. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Twins. (TNT 5-17-72, C-16- article; TNT 5-21-72, D-1)

Baseball--Tacoma--1970-1980; Baseball players--Tacoma--1970-1980; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

President John F. Kennedy is pictured upon his arrival via special Marine helicopter at Cheney Stadium's parking lot on September 27, 1963. He is shaking hands with Tacoma Mayor Harold Tollefson who is standing next to his brother, Congressman Thor Tollefson. Following President Kennedy in the informal reception line are Senators Henry M. Jackson and Warren G. Magnuson and Governor Albert D. Rosellini. Man in bow tie at far left is believed to be Pierce County Commissioner Harry Sprinker. The President had arrived at Sea-Tac Airport at 11:30 am from Salt Lake City and had traveled to Tacoma to deliver a speech at Cheney Stadium. It was the President's first appearance in Pierce County since becoming the Chief Executive. His last visit to Tacoma was in 1959 when he spoke about a labor bill.

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shaking hands--Tacoma; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Legislators--Washington; Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini at podium. The governor, along with federal, county, city and university officials, was on hand to welcome President John F. Kennedy to Tacoma on September 27, 1963. The President had applauded vigorously upon Governor Rosellini's introduction by Dr. Robert Mortvedt (in mortarboard) of Pacific Lutheran University. Governor Rosellini indicated that he was proud to issue a heartful welcome from the people of Washington State and he looked forward to working with the President on conservation issues and the development of outdoor recreation facilities in this state. Visible behind Governor Rosellini are: (left to right) Congressman Thor Tollefson, US Senator Warren G. Magnuson, Dr. R. Franklin Thompson, President Kennedy, Dr. Robert Mortvedt, US Senator Henry M. Jackson, unidentified man, and Mayor Harold Tollefson. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles)

Rosellini, Albert D.; Governors; Public speaking--Tacoma--1960-1970; Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Jackson, Henry M., 1912-1983; Mortvedt, Robert;

In February of 1960 Ben Cheney and job foreman Hank Vallee studied the blue prints for the future Cheney Stadium while standing in the grandstand seating section of the construction site. Mr. Vallee had been an outfielder for the Tacoma Tigers in 1946 and 1947 and remained in the area before retiring to Cle Elum. Designed by E.L. Mills & Associates and under the supervision of Robert Mast, project engineer, Cheney Stadium was built in an amazing three months, fourteen days and was called "the 100-Day Wonder." The contractors from Earley Construction Company used structural concrete from Concrete Technology Corporation. The new home of the Tacoma Giants was dedicated on June 7, 1960 and officially designated "Cheney Stadium" in honor of Tacoma lumberman and sportsman Ben B. Cheney. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Vallee, Hank; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Concrete--Tacoma;