Take me out to the ball game.. The song is synonymous with America's pastime and rings out every season in every city including Phoenix, AZ. Chase Field is the current home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, but baseball has been present in the city for over 100 years.

Baseball first came to Arizona and Phoenix during the 1890s when non-professional military teams played the game. The first barnstorming game occurred in Arizona in 1909, which started the barnstorming era in the state and led to the creation of the spring training league, also known as the Cactus League, following World War 2.

Baseball's history in Phoenix did not begin with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but the team's creation allowed Chase Field to become a reality in Phoenix, serving during its short history to help develop and revitalize downtown Phoenix.

Chase Field opened as Bank One Ballpark during the 1998 baseball season. Known locally as the "BOB," the venue was the first to feature a retractable roof, natural grass, air conditioning, and a swimming pool. The stadium followed a common theme among new stadiums, which catered toward fan comfort and experience. The multi-faceted venue cost $354 million, which $253 million came from taxpayers in the form of a sales tax increase. The stadium changed the name of the venue in 2005 from Bank One Ballpark to its current name, Chase Field.

Since its construction, Chase Field has been the site of many baseball games, including the 2001 World Series, but also many other events. Chase Field's versatility has allowed the venue to hold international soccer matches, the first outdoor college basketball game, a presidential campaign rally for George W. Bush, the World Baseball Classic, and in 2011 the MLB All-Star Game. In its short history, Chase Field has been host to a variety of popular events and has been a fixture on the Phoenix scene, while also helping to develop and revitalize the downtown Phoenix area.

Podcast Written and Narrated by Grant Czubinski, Public History Student at the University of West Florida.