Photos: Borchert Field's last opening day

W.R. McGovern Jr., and his children, Bill, 15 (next to his father at left), and (front, from left) Mary Sue, Anne and Tom, line up at the ticket window at Borchert Field on Feb. 23, 1952, to get tickets for the April 16 home opener - the last one scheduled at the Milwaukee stadium. Betty Voss (extreme left) handed the tickets to Tom McGovern. This photo was published in the Feb. 24, 1952, Milwaukee Journal.

The grounds crew labors to prepare Borchert Field on April 12, 1952, in time for the the final home opener at the Milwaukee ballpark at N. 8th and W. Chambers streets. This photo was published in The Milwaukee Journal on April 13, 1952, three days before the opener. Note the homes beyond the left field fence, across the street from the stadium.

Mayor Frank Zeidler throws out the first ball at the Milwaukee Brewers' home opener at Borchert Field on April 16, 1952. It was the final home opener at the Milwaukee stadium.

Milwaukee Mayor Frank Zeidler fires "high right-handed curveball" in the traditional first pitch at the home opener at Borchert Field on April 16, 1952. This photo was published in the April 17, 1952, Milwaukee Sentinel.

People lined up at the ticket booth on the last opening day at Borchert Field on April 16, 1952. Borchert Field, at 3000 N. 8th St., opened as Athletic Park in 1888.

Fans fill the bleachers at Borchert Field for the Milwaukee Brewers' home opener against the Minneapolis Millers on April 16, 1952. It was the last opening day at the Milwaukee stadium, which was torn down in 1953.

Fans are right up on the action during opening day at Borchert Field on April 16, 1952. Attendance was 11,190 for the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Minneapolis Millers, in what was the final home opener played at the Milwaukee ballpark.

Fans get into the action at Borchert Field during the 1952 season opener between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Minneapolis Millers on April 16, 1952. The game was the last opening day at the Milwaukee ballpark.

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Hank Ertman takes a throw from third baseman Buzz Clarkson, retiring the Minneapolis Millers' Hugh Oser in a close play during the Brewers' home opener at Borchert Field on April 16, 1952. An opening day crowd of 11,190 watched the game, the last home opener played at Borchert Field. This photo was published in the April 17, 1952, Milwaukee Journal