Refurbished Home Plate Plaque Unveiled at Polo Grounds
A newly restored plaque memorializing Polo Grounds’ unique place in baseball history will soon return to its home.
Unveiled during a ceremony on September 6, the refurbished bronze plaque marks the approximate location of home plate on the old Major League Baseball field in Upper Manhattan. The plaque was originally installed at NYCHA’s Polo Grounds Towers, which sits on the site of the former stadium that hosted the New York Giants, Yankees, and Mets throughout its history. Among the notable events that took place at the field is Willie Mays’ legendary “The Catch” for the Giants in the 1954 World Series.
Following a restoration effort, led by Willie’s son Michael Mays – with support from NYCHA, the New York Giants Preservation Society, and the Office of the 91ӰDeputy Mayor for Public Safety – the memorial plaque will soon be returned to its rightful place at Polo Grounds Towers.
Mr. Mays displayed the finished piece while attending a local block party event with the NYPD and the Police Athletic League. He highlighted the plaque’s representation of New York baseball history, saying “we were happy” to complete the restoration.
“Keeping our city safe is about more than enforcement, it’s about honoring the history and building pride,” Assistant Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Mona Suazo said. “We worked with our partners to ensure that this plaque and the history it represents will continue to inspire generations to come.”