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Who hasn't dreamed of taking a road trip through the United States stopping at various baseball fields and stadiums along the way. What were once small intimate parks, have been transformed into modern day cathedrals where fans come to worship their favorite players, catch foul balls, and appear on a HD jumbo-tron where some conglomerate's logo sits on top and on the front of the building.
What really makes baseball special are the different parks each team play in. From the waterfalls at Kuaffman Stadium to the catwalks at Tropicana Field, each ballpark is alike because they're all different.
Coming up with MLB's top ten stadiums isn't an easy task. Based on history, unique-ness, and ballpark atmosphere, I have determined these as my Major League's Top Ten Ballparks.
(This is extremely subjective. Feel free to tweet me or leave your top 10 in the comments below.)
Opened in 1995 at a cost of $300 million dollars, Coors Field had a record number of baseball fan's through the turnstiles in the inaugural 1993 season.
Many Denver residents know behind the right field stands sits a small restaurant/brewery, where the (now mass produced) Belgian style wheat beer Blue Moon, was invented. The food at Coors Field is mediocre, but the Mile High ballpark's novelty staple is "Rocky Mountain Oysters". Not something most people would prefer over hotdogs & peanuts.
Looking for an economic alternative to expensive seats?
"The Rockpile" sits high in center field and offers a bargain of $4 single game seat in a bleacher style setting. For those looking for a cheap way into the ballpark, this is the experience for you.
For those in "The Rockpile" and other fans facing South, downtown Denver also provides a backdrop Picasso would envy.
Nothing can top a summer night in Denver (at the ballpark) in that crisp thin mountain air while enjoying a Blue Moon.
9. PNC Park
Located on the North Shore of Pittsburgh along the Allegheny river, PNC Park is praised by all fans and media for it's retro-modern look and it's panoramic views of downtown Pittsburgh highlighted by the bright yellow "Roberto Clemente Bridge".
The bridge is closed to vehicular traffic on game days to allow fans to walk across and take in the scenery.
The stunning backdrop of downtown Pittsburgh and the intimate feel the modern ballpark gives, is the only bright spot of this recently built cathedral.
But like many teams, the Pirates have made strives to improve the team and upgrade their "river palace".
After another loosing season, AJ Burnett was traded to Pittsburgh for 2 minor leaguers and cash. A questionable move at best, but shows the front office wants to make improvements to this team.
I'm sure some fans wish they'd put some of that money toward a farm system or a quality free agent that isn't scrutinized by the rest of the league.
The former stomping grounds of slugger Albert Pujols. One of the best baseball cities in America (because it's all they have there). The atmosphere at every game in Busch Stadium is electric and enjoyed with a beautiful view of downtown St. Louis.
The fan-friendly stadium features a build your own mascot store for those with a thick wallet. "Fredbird", the team's well known t-shirt throwing, dugout dancing mascot, entertains fans throughout the game and also makes year round appearences in the St. Louis area communities.
Another great feature, is the Cardinal's management allows outside food/drinks. You're even allowed to bring in a cooler, if you wish. Because of this, soda, water, and crackerjacks are sold at a discount to patrons, but that is made up by gouging them with beer prices.
The "Gateway Cathedral" has already seen multiple World Series, one of the best hitters of all-time, and an All-Star game. With the old stadium now a softball field across the street, the Cardinal's look forward to an era without Tony LaRussa, Dave Duncan, and some first baseman.
There aren't that many questions on that side of the Mississippi moving forward, but they still have a "decent" team down there on that side of the Mississippi.
Whatever. (Salty Cub's fan)
7. PETCO ParkAfter 4 years and a few court aided construction stoppages, PETCO Park finally opened April 8, 2004.
It's one of the most under-rated ballparks in the National League and is located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, within walking distance of some great restaurants/bars.
Located next to the San Diego Trolley, getting to (and from) the ballpark is easy. If you're one of those patrons that gets a little "tipsy" during a ballgame (and after) there are plenty of watering holes to keep the party going, and plenty of hotels to crash at. Prepare to pay some real coin though.
"The Park at the Park" serves as a free local park to citizens on non game days and only costs a small $5 to enter during home games. It grants a great view of the ballpark and has plenty of space to lay out and enjoy the sounds and smells of the game. It's still a great seat and the action isn't far away. It just feels secluded from the rest of the stadium.
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| View of Petco's "Park at the Park" |
6. Dodger Stadium
Not far from downtown Los Angeles and tucked away in Chavez Ravine is Dodger Stadium.
Inside these stadium walls there have been 10 no-hitters, 1 World Series, and multiple renovations over the years.
There was a lot of controversy around the construction of the stadium in the late 50's after contractor's were making low-ball offers too it's long time Mexican residents, to move them out of their homes.
After everyone was evicted the original ravine was filled with the dirt excavated to build the west coast ballpark.
Those who sit in both bleacher sections are treated to an elevated view of downtown Los Angeles which is a breath taking view at night.
Dodger Stadium became the largest seating stadium in both leagues (56,000+). The Dodger's set a record of 57.099 fans for the 2009 home opener (mostly due to a high amount of standing room tickets sold).
They must have done this count at some point in the third inning because Dodger fans are notorious for showing up late and leaving early.
And "Dodger Dog's" suck by the way.
Honorable Mention: Marlin's Park
If this park opened last year it would have made the top 5 of this list. Located in the heart of Miami on the former site of the Orange Bowl, this new park is (excuse the old man phrase) "a sight for sore eyes".
Built with a retractable roof made of a "white membrane" it takes 14 minutes to open, and another 8 minutes for the outfield panels to expose a beautiful view of downtown Miami.
Like Petco Park, this new modern stadium has an array of bright colors ranging from the blue seas of the ocean, to the green leaves of palm trees, and the bright orange and yellow colors of the team that blend perfectly into the scenery.
The 600 & 450 gallon aquariums behind home plate give the ballpark its "niche", as does the new "Home Run Feature" installed in dead center field (see video to right).
I'm not to sure what the Marlin's were thinking when they installed Pachinko machine, but at least it stays consistent with the bright color theme.
I expect to hear great things about this ballpark over the next few years and hope I get a chance to visit it sometime in the near future.
5. Yankee Stadium
Almost built on the backs of hard working New York taxpayers, Yankee Stadium broke ground in 2006 and was open and ready for baseball for the 2009 season.
Aside from being ratted out by his fellow co-workers (and having to exhume the jersey), his efforts truly failed as the Yankees went on to win their 27th World Series title in the stadiums inaugural season.
The stadium's exterior is mirrored after the original Yankee Stadium with 11,000 pieces of Indiana Limestone granite and pre-cast concrete. The interior design of the new stadium has been replicated from the original to keep a modern look, with the old time feel.
Looking at the new Yankee Stadium, I can understand why ownership would want a new building. But is it worth it?
Are those seven story ceilings between gates 4 and 6 (where the "Great Hall" was constructed) worth it? Was moving monument park to center field under a sports bar limiting fan access worth it?
Tearing down the "house that Ruth built" might not feel like a mistake over the next 20 years, but as the Cub's and Red Sox come close to their 100 year anniversary at their respective homes, I wonder if John Q. Yankee Fan will feel a slight disdain toward the "house that George built".
4. Chase Field
What they came up with was a retractable roof structure with a massive HVAC system that keeps the whole field at a cool comfortable level.
Chase Field is equipped with a pool in right center field that holds 35 patrons for $3,500 per game (2011 season). How many people can say they enjoyed a nice swim on a hot summer night and was able to watch a live baseball game while doing it?
Another feature only found in one other ballpark (Comerica Park) is the dirt stripe that flows from the pitcher's mound to home plate. This was a feature that was found in most fields in the "dead ball era" and has been forgotten as many new fields and stadiums have been built in the last 20 years.
Chase Field sits on what used to be known as the warehouse district in downtown Phoenix. The architects decided to make the exterior of the building mirror a large warehouse to pay homage to that point in time in Phoenix's 100 year history.
The ballpark has a mall-like-esque feel to it, but until you're sitting there with the roof open on a 105 plus degree night (and you're not uncomfortable), looking at one the biggest jumbotrons in the United State's hottest city, it's not hard to understand why this is at #4.3. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Built near the "Inner Harbor" in downtown Baltimore from 1989-1992 Camden Yard's success as a fan friendly intimate "downtown" ballpark sparked a trend in construction throughout the majors.
The B&O Warehouse was built into the structure of the stadium instead of tearing it down or truncating it. With the field sunk into the ground the space between the warehouse and field creates a pedestrian walkway (open to ticket holders only on game day) for fans to watch the game, do a little shopping, or check out former Orioles star Boog Powel'l's BBQ stand.All the seats are green except for two orange seats that mark two historical events in the park's history. In right center field section 96, row 7, seat 23 commemorates the spot of Eddie Murray's 500th home run. The other spot located in left field section 86, row FF, seat 10 is the spot where Cal Ripken broke Ernie Banks home run record for short stops.
Everyone behind home plate is treated to the downtown Baltimore skyline. This is truly going to be one of the gems of the future for major league ballparks. The way they incorporate the B&O Warehouse (like Petco Park does with the Western Company Building) is what really makes Camden Yards unique.
Across the street from the stadium is the Baltimore Light Rail and the MARC commuter rail. So getting to the game for a local Baltimore tax payer isn't a hassle, and if you're an out of town fan, jumping on the MARC commuter rail will bring you right to Camden Yards.
After 14 consecutive loosing seasons the Oriole's have seen better days. Having recently hired manager Buck Schowalter and Dan Duquette as President of Baseball Operations/GM, the future looks bright for a team being out shined by their own home.
2. Wrigley Field
In 1914 on the former grounds of the Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary, this jewel box park has had it's share of historic events over the last 98 years.
"The Called Shot" (Read About It Here) in 1932, the 4 no-hitters, "Steve Bartman" in 2003, Wrigley Field getting lights for the first time in August of 1988, and many more that have become the folk lore of Wrigley Field.
One of my favorite historic "nuggets" that most Cub's fan aren't aware of is that the Cub's have never won a World Series at Wrigley Field.
The Friendly Confines has been a work of progress since the 1920's. The park was over-hauled in 1922, the double decker grandstands were added in 1927, the construction of the bleachers and Ivy in 1937, the scoreboard also being erected that same year, and finally the lights that were installed in 1988.
Since the Ricketts have purchased The Cub's and Wrigley Field in 2009, a series of renovations have been made to give the ballpark a modernized look. The bleacher's were expanded over the sidewalk, the back of the iconic scoreboard was repainted, some of the luxury boxes along the third base line were converted into a full service top-shelf bar with large flat screen TVs with indoor/outdoor seating called the PNC Club.Watching a game at Wrigley Field is a historical journey into baseball's past. The day games, the organ echoing, the hand turned scoreboard, the ivy, and just you the guy to your left, right, in front, behind you become best friends and weigh in on each other's baseball opinions.
This is what baseball was 70 plus years ago and it's the closest ballpark experience to that golden era some grew up with and some grew to love. No other ballpark can give you that environment and experience.It's a small window to what baseball used to be and that's really what the magic of Wrigley Field is all about.
They say time never stands still. That person never attended a sold out day game at Wrigley Field.
In 100 years of existence, only 1 of the 7 World Series Boston has won took place in the mecca of baseball facilities.
Just like Wrigley Field, Fenway Park has seen its share of renovations.
Constructed in 1912 in the dense Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, many of the alterations Fenway has seen were not originally envisioned resulting in the quirky features that have made Fenway Park one of the most treasured ballparks in today's society.
Walking inside Fenway Park is like nothing else. The lighting is complimented by that Boston red and green color scheme. Various food and souvenir vendors are cramped and scattered throughout, peddling their wares decked out in all Red Sox gear. The nation of Red Sox fans that swarm though the main arteries of this beast called Fenway Park converse in their Boston accents spending over $7 for a beer, and almost just as much for New England Clam "Chowda".
The bullpens (aka "Williamsburg") built in right center were constructed for the benefit of Ted Williams and other left handed batters on the home team. The bullpens jutted out an extra 23 feet closer to home plate adding to the quirkiness of the "Emerald Ballpark".
If you're a fan of baseball, a trip to Fenway Park should be on the top of your list. The atmosphere is always electric and if you're brave enough to go in another team's jersey the fans will let you hear about it. The evolvement of the park has slowly married the past Fenway and the future Fenway together. The green and red exterior colors will always make you feel like its Christmas season, even if it's in the middle of July.
