Gladstone Field, Hazelwood: 466 Hazelwood Avenue
Located on the outskirts of Hazelwood, Gladstone Field has two ball fields: one appears to be for “official” softball or baseball games, and the other might be for practice or T-ball, offering a smaller, more manageable space for those new to the game or working on fundamentals. As I walk around, admiring the exposed rock of the adjacent hillside and giant trees that hover over the field, a family of three appears. Dad takes the pitcher’s mound, Mom is the catcher, and what appears to be a 7 or 8-year-old child steps up to the plate with helmet and gloves, and batting practice begins.
I’m far enough away that I can’t hear their banter, but it sounds like everyone is having fun. Maybe the child is preparing for a school or city league team or practicing for an upcoming game. Or perhaps this is a family-time activity they do together on Saturday mornings when the weather is good. Regardless, there’s something about their presence that floods the field with decades of home run dreams. The tallest tree provides the play-by-play, and the resident squirrels add commentary. Everyone claps in support.
Love Pittsburgh’s City Steps? Get a Copy of the NEW Book!
City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide explores the history of the steps and the neighborhoods in which they were built. It also includes 13 guided walks and 20+ locations worth visiting—all with detailed descriptions, directions, and resources for creating your own urban hiking adventure. All areas of Pittsburgh are represented: north, south, east, and west. The book is available through all online shops (including our publisher) and local and independent bookstores.