Polo Grounds: The Historic John T. Brush Stairway is Rededicated

102 years after the John T. Brush Stairway, a treasure from the glorious Polo Grounds which honors former New York Giants team owner John T. Brush was originally dedicated on July 9, 1913, there was a re-dedication ceremony yesterday at the site coordinated by the New York City Parks and Recreation Department.

Department Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver hosted and emceed the event, which included a ribbon cutting ceremony and some fine speeches.

Words that resonated with me came from New York State Assembly member (he told me to call him Denny) Herman D. Farrell Jr., who waxed poetic about the lush green grass and the colorful uniforms he saw upon entering the Polo Grounds from his home at the top of Coogan’s Bluff on 157th Street.

Traveling 3,000 miles yet again, as a symbol and great example of the San Francisco Giants’ recognition of their New York roots, Staci Slaughter, the Executive Vice President of Communications and Senior Advisor to the CEO of the organization, Larry Baer, talked of “good coming to the patient people,” waiting for the renovation of the historic Brush Stairway.

All in all, a great ceremony and kudos to Parks and Recreation Chief of Staff Steve Simon and to New York Daily News editorial writer Michael Aronson for their great efforts toward the completion of the project.

The 5 New York or once New York teams, the Yankees, Mets, now S.F. (once NY Giants), football Giants and Jets (as the Titans), who played at the Polo Grounds donated funds that brought the project to fruition.

Somewhere, great baseball Giants of the past such as Carl Hubbell, Mel Ott and Bill Terry are applauding, as the historic Brush Stairway still stands in reality as well as in our hearts and minds.

1936 photo of the Brush Stairway (circled in red)