Final answer:
The statement `First baseball stadiums were built of wood and often were destroyed by fires. This led to the construction of the first steel and concrete stadiums in the 1940's.` is TRUE
Step-by-step explanation:
In the early days of baseball, stadiums were indeed constructed primarily of wood. However, due to their flammability, these wooden stadiums were often susceptible to fires, resulting in their destruction.
1. Wooden stadiums: The first baseball stadiums, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were typically made of wood. These stadiums were constructed using wooden beams, planks, and supports. Examples of early wooden stadiums include the Polo Grounds in New York and South End Grounds in Boston.
2. Fires and destruction: Since these stadiums were made of wood, they were highly susceptible to fires. The combination of wood, open flames from gas lamps used for lighting, and smoking by spectators posed a significant risk. Numerous wooden stadiums were destroyed by fires over the years, including the destruction of the Polo Grounds in 1911..
3. Introduction of steel and concrete stadiums: The frequent destruction of wooden stadiums led to the development and construction of more durable and fire-resistant stadiums using steel and concrete. This shift towards more robust materials began in the 1940s. The use of steel provided structural integrity and fire resistance, while concrete offered stability and durability.