To Franklin Field from Connie Mack Stadium

[LeonardRachiele]

Older fans remember that the Eagles signed Buck Shaw as head coach for 1958.  This was what Hugh Brown from the Philadelphia Bulletin said on the move to Franklin Field which occurred the same year." Besides the coaching switch, the  Eagles should benefit from a switch in locale from the skinned surface of Connie Mack Stadium stadium to the springy turf of the University of Pennsylvania's Franklin Field. At least they should benefit financially if not artistically." From a spectator's viewpoint, Franklin Field is one of the best stadiums in the country.  Almost every one of the 70,000 seats affords a clear unobstructed view of the playing field. Even the seats behind the goal posts are superb. The Eagles were able to practice in the University's River Field, which adjoins the big stadium. Mack was a typical baseball layout with a maximum of poles to obstruct the view.  Turf had to be planted in the infield, and by mid-season, it looked as if a cattle stampede had hit it.

The Eagles took a step backward  in 1958.  Their record was 2-9-1 matched with  4-8 in 1957.  There were the two bright spots, both at home .  Philadelphia defeated the New York Giants 27 to 24 in week two.  This was the biggest upset of the season for the NFL.  Then came the rousing 49 to 21 victory over the Chicago Cardinals.  However, 1958 was the basis for the 7-5 record in 1959 and the NFL Title in 1960.