AN AFTERNOON AT THE BALLPARK | Hilltop Park in upper Manhattan features a game between the Philadelphia Athletics and the New York Highlanders during the 1908 season. One of the most exciting seasons in baseball history for both leagues, at least four AL teams were in contention through September. Typical of the Dead-Ball Era ballparks was the overflow crowd, which literally ringed the playing field. Opposing managers and the games' umpires would meet before play began and agree on the ground rules, which dealt with balls hit near or into the crowd. The National Game's growing popularity would usher in a new style of park. The steel and concrete stadium, with a much larger seating capacity, would replace the wooden fire trap accomodations and get the fans off the field and into seats.

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