The First Night Game in MLB History: How Baseball Changed Under the Lights

The very first night game in Major League Baseball history was played on May 24, 1935, at Crosley Field in Cincinnati. This event marked a turning point for baseball, introducing nighttime play under electric lights and making the game more accessible to fans who couldn’t attend during the day.

Crosley Field became the stage for the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies, who made history beneath the floodlights. The change brought new excitement to the sport and shaped the modern baseball experience, drawing larger crowds and expanding the game’s reach.

Many wondered if baseball would feel the same played under artificial light, but the success of the night game proved that fans were ready for change. The introduction of night baseball set a standard that quickly spread throughout the league.

The First Night Game in MLB History

The first Major League Baseball game played at night marked a turning point for both teams and fans. New technology and changing social patterns led to this important event.

Background and Significance

Major League Baseball games were traditionally played during the day because stadiums lacked the lighting needed for night play. By the early 1930s, technological advancements in electric lighting made it possible to illuminate large fields consistently.

Night games became necessary due to declining attendance during the Great Depression, as workers found it difficult to attend afternoon games. Teams sought ways to attract more fans, especially those with jobs that prevented them from attending during the day.

The introduction of night baseball signaled a willingness to innovate to keep the sport growing. This shift expanded accessibility for fans and later influenced the scheduling of games throughout the league.

Teams and Stadium

The teams featured in the first official MLB night game were the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies. The game took place at Cincinnati’s Crosley Field, which was equipped with newly installed lights specifically for this purpose.

Crosley Field, previously known as Redland Field, was chosen by the Reds' management as the site for this historic moment. The installation of the lighting system was a significant investment, costing around $50,000 at the time.

Key details:

Stadium Team Lighting Installed

Crosley Field Cincinnati Reds 1935

This move demonstrated the willingness of ownership to adopt new technology to benefit the franchise and its supporters.

Date and Key Moments

The first official MLB night game was held on May 24, 1935. The Cincinnati Reds faced the Philadelphia Phillies in front of nearly 20,000 fans, a larger crowd than usual for the era.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signaled the start of the game by pressing a button from the White House, illuminating the field. The Reds won the game 2-1, with pitcher Paul Derringer throwing a complete game and outfielder Adam Comorosky scoring the winning run.

Some notable moments included the novelty of floodlights, the visibility for players and spectators, and the enthusiastic response from the crowd. Many newspapers praised the smooth execution of the game under artificial lighting.

Impact on Major League Baseball

The success of the event encouraged other teams to add lights to their stadiums over the following years. By the end of the 1940s, night games had become common across Major League Baseball.

Night games helped increase gate attendance and provided working fans with more opportunities to watch their favorite teams. Teams found that night schedules opened the sport to broader audiences, leading to higher revenues and new broadcasting possibilities.

Several franchises quickly followed the Reds’ example, and the popularity of night baseball contributed to the lasting growth and reach of the league. Night games are now a standard feature of modern professional baseball seasons.