Cleveland Stadium was home to the Browns from 1946 to 1995. Built by Lake Erie It was called “The mistake by the lake.” But Cleveland Stadium had a charm to it that today’s parks don’t match.
It was not the greatest venue for a sporting event, but perfect for football. The field was grass and dirt. The games were played outdoors in the rain and snow. It was famous for the wind that affected the outcome of many games.
Who can forget the ‘Dawg Pound’ of rowdy fans behind the east end zone? Baseball great Henry Aaron used to watch games from there undercover. Players were subject to getting hit by dog biscuits from the pound.
There was a hill which led up to the Dawg Pound. Many players ran up that hill after they scored.
And there was Abraham Abraham. Who? He was the old man in the brown suit who used to catch the football on field goal attempts in the west end zone.
One thing that I remember about Cleveland Stadium was seeing blacks and whites sitting in the stands together long before integration. They put their differences aside for the Browns.
That alone makes it special.Can’t get enough? There’s more: Cleveland Calamity: 13 Worst Moments in an Era of Sports Heartache
Jul 19 2011