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;

Seven Portland Beavers look none-too-pleased as they watch the action outside the dugout between their club and the host Tacoma Giants on opening day, April 16, 1960. Opening day was postponed until Saturday, April 16th, due to a 59 mph spring storm which brought traces of snow and lows of 37 degrees. The day/night doubleheader was being played at the newly constructed Cheney Stadium on (then) Bantz Blvd. Over 12,000 baseball fans flocked to see the first Pacific Coast League contests played in Tacoma since 1905. Tacoma would lose its first game 7-2 but blank the Beavers in the nightcap, 11-0, with the strong pitching of future major league star, righthander Juan Marichal.

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

The grandstand was full on June 9, 1960 in Tacoma's new Cheney Stadium for a game pitting the Tacoma Giants against the Vancouver Mounties. Although open since April 16th, the stadium was officially dedicated in pre-game ceremonies on June 9th. Fans attending the game received a free souvenir program which included a color picture of the team and stadium. They also enjoyed special home run hitting, fungo, and throwing contests between the Giants and the Mounties. The 5,012 paying customers went home happy as Tacoma whipped the Mounties 6-0, earning starter Eddie Fisher his third shutout and sixth victory of the season. (Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber.) (TNT 6-5-60, B-11, 6-10-60, A-1, p. 24)

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

The concession stands, nestled under the pre-stressed concrete grandstands of Tacoma's new ballpark, were almost empty when the Tacoma Giant faced off against the Vancouver Mounties on June 9th, 1960 . Before the game the ballpark was formally christened "Cheney Stadium" during a special dedication ceremony. The concession stands offered traditional hotdogs, soda, popcorn and candy. Discriminating fans could also purchased cigars. The area was well lit as one of the stadium's six giant light towers helps to illuminate the night. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber. (TNT 6-9-60, p. 1-article on dedication ceremonies)

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

Workmen are dwarfed beneath the towering pre-stressed, pre-fabricated concrete grandstands of Cheney Stadium. There were 1500 concrete pieces in the stadium all with steel cables running through them. 26 bays, each weighing 42 tons, were located in the stadium. It would be open in just nine days, on April 14, 1960, as the Tacoma Giants would face the Portland Beavers in a day-night match. The last grandstand was put into place on March 25, 1960, and the infield and outfield turf was already installed. The $840,000 stadium would accommodate 8,240 fans, 5740 under the covered grandstand and 2500 in the bleachers. Photograph ordered by the Cheney Lumber Co. (TNT 3-25-60, p. 1, 4-12-60, C-12)

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

The newly completed Ben Cheney Stadium stood empty on May 18, 1960 when this aerial photograph was taken. The Tacoma Giants, playing in the Pacific Coast League, were out of town playing the San Diego Padres. The $840,000 Cheney Stadium was completed in just three months, fourteen days. As shown above, the parking lots were not yet paved due to slight sinking but a temporary surface made of sand was being applied. Also planned were bleachers to seat another 650 fans on the left field side of the grandstand. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber. (TNT 5-27-60 p. 23) TPL-9727

Aerial photographs; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Past and possible future baseball stars stare into the August, 1961, night. The little boy, lying down on the grass, is believed to be Bucky O'Brien, the ballboy for the Cheney Studs, a team sponsored by local lumberman and philanthropist, Ben Cheney. Both he and his older counterpart, believed to be his father Eddie O'Brien, former major leaguer, Seattle University basketball star, and current Studs coach, are wearing striped uniforms decorated with the Studs logo. The Seattle Studs, defending regional and national champs, would attempt to win the Pacific Coast Regional AABC Amateur Baseball tournament held at Cheney Stadium in early September, 1961. They would, however, not be able to defend their title as the team lost to Portland, 2-0; Portland advanced to the national finals at Battle Creek, Michigan. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co. (TNT 9-1-61, D-3)

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Uniforms;

Cheney Stadium. Tacoma Twins general manager Stan Naccarato and two guests look over Cheney Stadium's playing field in mid-February of 1976. With baseball season just around the corner, the stadium and seats would not be empty for long. A portion of Henry Foss High School is visible behind the balllpark's advertisement-filled plywood walls. Photograph ordered by Pacific Coca-Cola Bottling Co. TPL-10542

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Baseball--Tacoma--1970-1980; Naccarato, Stan; Henry Foss High School (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Tides soccer team posed for a group portrait early in May of 1976, prior to the pro team's successful home debut at Cheney Stadium. Tacoma had been awarded a pro soccer franchise from the American Soccer League for the 1976 season. The new team, dubbed the "Tides" and led by coach Dan Wood (extreme left, back row) and goalie Jamil Canal (third from right, standing), had opened a 24-game league schedule on April 24th with a 1-0 victory in Sacramento against the Sacramento Spirits. 12 games would be played at Cheney Stadium, the first on May 5th, with the season concluding in August. Despite taking 2nd place in the Western Division, the team folded at the end of the 1976 season. The ASL team's name had been chosen in a public contest with the winning entry submitted by pro handballer, Gordy Pfeifer. (TNT 2-23-76, A-1, A-11; TNT 3-3-76, B-1-articles on soccer; TNT 4-24-76, B-1-article; TNT 4-25-76, F-1-article)

Soccer--Tacoma--1970-1980; Soccer players--Tacoma--1970-1980; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Wood, Dan; Canal, Jamil;

Baseball clinic. This is believed to be Tacoma Twins catcher Glenn Borgmann who certainly has the attention of his "class," as he demonstrates proper catching techniques. One youngster to the left has his hand out apparently imitating the pro player. This was just a small section of more than 1200 young athletes who visited Cheney Stadium for a two-hour baseball clinic on May 20, 1972, sponsored by the Tacoma Twins and Carling Brewery. The club urged that those attending bring gloves, spikes, and even wear their Little League uniforms if they chose to do so. This was the Tacoma Twins' first year in Tacoma. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Twins. (TNT 5-17-72, C-16 -article; TNT 5-212-72, D-1) TPL-10073

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

Mayor Harold Tollefson (arm extended) exchanged pleasantries with President John F. Kennedy when the President made a brief visit to Tacoma in September of 1963. Also smiling are Congressman Thor Tollefson (extreme right) and Pacific Lutheran University president Dr. Robert Mortvedt. The President addressed an overflowing Cheney Stadium crowd estimated at 25,000 on the need to preserve natural resources and the importance of education. His visit was jointly sponsored by the University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University, and was part of a 10,000 mile presidential trip through twelve states. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1, 2-articles)

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Legislators--Washington; Mortvedt, Robert;

President John F. Kennedy delivered a short, empassioned address to the 25,000+ people crammed into Cheney Stadium on September 27, 1963. He shared a platform decorated from Western State Hospital's nursery with presidents from local universities, Congressmen and Senators, and municipal officials. From l. to r. are Congressman Thor Tollefson, US Senator Warren G. Magnuson, Dr. R. Franklin Thompson, Dr. Robert Mortvedt, US Senator Henry M. Jackson, Governor Albert D. Rosellini, unidentifed, Mayor Harold Tollefson. The president had received a standing ovation from the crowd upon his introduction by Senator Warren G. Magnuson. He spoke to the cheering audience about preserving natural resources - both in land and resources as in developing men and women who would preserve free government in a difficult and changing world. This was President Kennedy's first appearance in Tacoma since becoming President in 1960. It was to be his last as he was assassinated in Dallas two months later. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles) TPL-10565

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Public speaking--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Magnuson, Warren G., 1905-1989; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Mortvedt, Robert;

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;

Members of the Tacoma Athletic Commission demonstrate the fine art of baseball in May of 1964, as they prepare for the second annual city high school Diamond-Go-Round to be held on May 22nd at Cheney Stadium. Wilson, Mount Tahoma, Stadium, Lincoln, and Bellarmine of the City League along with Curtis of the Seamount League will participate at the Go-Round sponsored by the Athletic Commission. All proceeds from the game were to go to the athletic funds of the high schools and Tacoma junior highs. The T.A.C. directors are: Hal Brotman at bat, Bill Larson with ball, and John McCutcheon as catcher with Bill Post, athletic director for Tacoma city schools, as umpire. The outsized Stan Musial glove, made by Rawlings, would seem to guarantee that the likelihood of passed balls would be slight. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. (TNT 5-20-64, A-12)

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sporting goods; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Brotman, Hal; Larson, William C.; McCutcheon, John; Post, Bill; Baseball umpires--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Giants played a double-header against the Portland Beavers on April 16, 1960 for opening day in Tacoma's new Cheney Stadium. In this photo from the first game of the day a ballplayer believed to be left fielder Dusty Rhodes makes contact with the ball to the delight of the large hometown crowd in the stands. The Portland squad won the first game 7 - 2 but fell to the home team in the nightcap, losing 11 - 0 due to the 8-hit shutout by future Hall-of-Famer Juan Marichal. Opening day had to be postponed until Saturday, April 16th, due to a 59 mph spring storm, massive rains, and low temperatures. Rhodes had a successful debut with the Tacoma Giants, going 2 - 4 in both games. He had played a major role in the New York Giants World Series victory in 1954 and played for seven years in the major leagues. TPL-9762

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rhodes, Dusty; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Opening day ceremonies at Cheney Stadium preceding Pacific Coast League matchup between the Tacoma Giants and Portland Beavers on April 16, 1960. Tacoma Mayor Ben Hanson at the microphone. Ben Cheney, Giants Board of Directors, second from right; next to him is W.D. "Rosy" Ryan, Giants vice president/general manager. "Rosy" Ryan had pitched in three World Series with the old N.Y. Giants. He saw service with Brooklyn, Boston and the Yankees, where he was a roommate of Babe Ruth. He played under skippers Miller Huggins, John McGraw and Casey Stengel. (TNT 4-12-60, D-2)

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Public speaking--Tacoma; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Ryan, W.D.; Hanson, Ben;