Major League Ballparks

Evaluating Major League Ballparks

            Every boy growing up playing little league baseball holds the dream of one day playing in a Major League Baseball stadium in front of thousands of people. This dream is dependent on the fact that thousands of people are interested in watching a Major League Baseball game. Sometimes it is difficult to comprehend why this many people are willing to spend countless amounts of money to simply watch highly paid athletes throw, catch, and hit a ball. What if I were to suggest that not all people attend ballparks to worship the players on the field? Sure, the team on the field is, and should be, considered the main event. However, through my evaluation of numerous ballparks over the years, I believe organizations have done a wonderful job creating an environment perfect for all to enjoy, no matter what their interests may be.

            The classic 1989 baseball film “Field of Dreams,” is famous for claiming that, “If you build it, they will come” (Field of Dreams). Over the years, Major League Baseball teams have proven this theory by finding ways to build the stadiums bigger and better, watching more and more people come to the games. Baseball stadiums have the ability to be built in an infinite number of ways. While visiting 14 Major League Baseball stadiums over my life, I have categorized the stadiums into two contrasting styles. Because of baseball’s storied history here in America, many baseball purists love what I consider to be the “Historical Ballparks.” Others prefer to visit a “Modern Ballpark” which is up to date on the latest technology, and puts on a show with its bright lights and loud music.

Historical Ballparks

            Historic ballparks are still standing for the sole purpose of allowing fans to experience baseball as it was from the beginning. When walking through the grandstands of these stadiums, fans should be able to see visions of the almost mystical legends of the past running around on the field. The smells of grilled hot dogs, and the sounds of vendors yelling, “Cracker Jacks, get your Cracker Jacks” should overwhelm your senses. Historical Ballparks really get back to the roots of America’s pastime, which so many young children grow to know and love. Normally I am a big proponent of historic ballparks, however there are examples of historical ballparks that I would not recommend, due to the fact that their past is just not worth remembering. These include Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and O.co Coliseum in Oakland. They simply do not have anything unique in the ballpark worth seeing, and come across as old and washed up. However, the ones that are worthy of maintaining are to be cherished by baseball fans everywhere.

            My favorite example of a historic ballpark is Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Built in 1912, this stadium has been played on by hall of famers such as Babe Ruth and Ted Williams. It is as if you can see visions of these players belting home runs over the ever-famous Green Monster in left field. The Green Monster is the name for the abnormally high left field fence in Fenway Park. Unique attributes such as the Green Monster are important qualities for a ballpark in order to stand the test of time. While visiting Fenway Park with my friend in the summer of 2011, we decided to make an effort to eat only traditional foods that would have been present back when the park was built. These foods included hot dogs, popcorn, and peanuts. I would encourage anyone that visits Fenway Park to take this challenge because it really brings you to the heart of the sport.

Modern Ballparks

            Organizations with recently built, modern ballparks, recognized that they would draw a larger fan base by creating a new stadium with the latest and greatest technologies. Many times these team’s old ballparks were historic but did not have any unique characteristics to lure people into the stadium unless they were big supporters of the team. These new modern ballparks often contain a wide variety of restaurants, large high-definition scoreboards, loud music, and many activities for people uninterested in sitting through an entire baseball game. New stadiums have been largely associated with the rebuilding of many downtown areas as well. City officials have enjoyed building stadiums because they attract many new businesses and restaurants. Keeping that in mind, it may be smart to visit the newer stadiums if you are looking for an area with great surrounding city life.

            In my opinion, the best place to visit in order to find all of these appealing attributes is AT&T Park in San Francisco. Whether you are looking for traditional ballpark food, classic San Francisco cuisine, or the newest famous restaurant, you fill find it at AT&T Park. It is also an amazing place to bring the children. Beyond the left field fence is a slide inside a giant Coca-Cola bottle, as well as a place for the kids to practice their hitting. While visiting AT&T Park, I would recommend sitting in the upper deck in order to take in the magnificent view of the San Francisco Bay, while enjoying a bowl of Clam Chowder in a bread bowl. It is sure to put you in a great mood to enjoy a ballgame.

           

             My goal as I played baseball growing up, much like many other young ballplayers, was always to play in the Major Leagues.  Early on into my high school life, however, I recognized that this dream would most likely not become a reality. Many people experience this realization that their ultimate dream will not come true, and decide to give up on that passion completely. The game of baseball, along with the unique ballparks I have previously described, make it easy to continue enjoying the game you love even while not still pursuing the ultimate goal of playing in the Major Leagues. I am very grateful for the opportunity to visit these ballparks of all different styles and experience baseball from an entirely new perspective than that of a player. Ballparks have been constructed to allow people from all backgrounds to take a break from the worries of everyday life and enjoy a pleasant afternoon. Take advantage of that opportunity, and explore the unique characteristics of each baseball venue. As long as we, the fans, keep coming, the teams will keep on building. One can only dream of the ballparks that may appear in the years to come!

Your Major League Baseball Ballpark Information Guide

(Based on the stadiums I have visited)

Angel Stadium (Los Angeles Angels, Anaheim, CA)

Classification: Modern

First Game: April 19, 1966

Reason for Classification: Although the stadium was built in the 1960’s, I still consider it to be a modern ballpark due to the many renovations that have been done. Over the years, they have added seats to the outfield, a new state of the art scoreboard in centerfield, and a new sound system.

Fan Environment: Located just beside Disneyland, Angel Stadium acts as a safe place to bring the family and enjoy a game. The fans are extremely supportive of their team during winning times.
More on Angel Stadium

AT&T Park (San Francisco Giants, San Francisco, CA)

Classification: Modern

First Game: April 11, 2000

Reason for Classification: This is the classic example of a Modern Ballpark. It is located perfectly in the heart of downtown San Francisco, with access to all the restaurants, businesses, and city life. The stadium itself has a huge scoreboard for fans to admire. Another trait of the modern ballpark is the fact that it creates seats with magnificent views. This park enables you to look out over the great San Francisco bay and the Bay Bridge.

Fan Environment: As comes with the city of San Francisco, AT&T Park draws a wide variety of people. This creates for a very fun environment for all. Each game seems like a party with the crowd’s anticipation, the public address announcer’s enthusiasm, and the fun activities in the outfield for the children. These activities include a slide inside of a giant Coca-Cola bottle, as well as a miniature field for children to practice their hitting.

More on AT&T Park

Chase Field (Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix, AZ)

Classification: Modern

First Game: March 31, 1998

Reason for Classification: Chase field is an important stadium because it marks the first ballparks to have a retractable roof. This was key for a stadium in Arizona because of the heat coming from the desert.

Fan Environment: Arizona is a very pleasant environment to watch a ballgame. Because many people living in Arizona are retired, and originally are from another part of the country, there are not a ton of die-hard Diamondback fans. This also may result from the fact that the team has only been around since 1998. It is very safe for a fan of the visiting team to enjoy a game at Chase Field without receiving too much flack from the home crowd.
More on Chase Field

Citi Field (New York Mets, Flushing, NY)

Classification: Modern

First Game: April 13, 2009

Reason for Classification: The New York Mets had played in Shea Stadium since 1965, and recognized that in order to raise fan attendance, would need to build a new stadium. The result was Citi Field, which does a wonderful job of maintaining the history of the old Shea Stadium as well as the old Mets teams, while allowing fans to enjoy the new and improved traits of a modern ballpark.

Fan Environment: Since the stadium’s existence, the Mets have had a consistently disappointing team on the field. For the first few years, the new stadium itself brought fans out to the games, but the attendance has consistently declined since it’s opening. Overshadowed by their crosstown rivals, the Yankees, Mets fans seem much more quiet and reserved. May create a better family environment.
More on Citi Field

Comerica Park (Detroit Tigers, Detroit, MI)

Classification: Modern

First Game: April 11, 2000

Reason for Classification: It was very questionable for the Tigers to build a new stadium and leave the legendary Tiger Stadium. Many people felt as if it was a shame to take down the old stadium, filled with historical interest, and move into a new ballpark located in downtown Detroit. Nonetheless, it is indeed a beautiful stadium, holding many more people than the original Tiger Stadium. It also has attractions such as a giant tiger statue and a carousel for children to enjoy.

Fan Environment: Downtown Detroit is not the best of environments. Driving through downtown Detroit as a ten year old, looking at the barred windows of the houses by the ballpark was not a pleasant sight. However, inside the stadium is a very warm environment, and made for a wonderful baseball experience. The Tigers are one of baseball’s most storied franchises, and their fans are very appreciative of their endless history.

More on Comerica Park

Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles, CA)

Classification: Historic

First Game: April 10, 1962

Reason for Classification: This is only labeled a historic ballpark in my view because it is old. Personally, I do not see any reason for the Dodgers to continue playing in Dodger Stadium. I feel as if a historic ballpark should have some exciting element that draws fans in, but Dodger stadium is just a standard, boring to the eye stadium. (Evaluation could come with a bit of a bias, seeing as I live and die with my Giants).

Fan Environment: When the Dodgers are good, the fans do come out and watch. However, Dodger fans are known for showing up to games late due to Los Angeles traffic. Also, the stadium seats way too many people for the amount of fans that show up, so there are often empty seats.  
More on Dodger Stadium

Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox, Boston, MA)

Classification: Historic

First Game: April 20, 1912

Reason for Classification: Fenway is the best example of a historic ballpark. When you walk through the hallways, you can just feel the history of baseball running through your veins. The Green Monster (the tall fence in left field) is reason enough to come and watch a ballgame at Fenway Park.

Fan Environment: Boston Red Sox fans possibly create the best environment to watch a baseball game in all the Major Leagues. They have suffered through many difficult seasons throughout the years, but the Red Sox fanatics have remained faithful. The crowd is truly into every pitch and makes every game very fun to watch, no matter who the opponent is.   

More on Fenway Park

Great American Ballpark (Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati, OH)

Classification: Modern

First Game: March 31, 2003

Reason for Classification: A nice quality of a modern ballpark is that there are many more seats in the stadium, but each seat seems as if it is closer to the field than the historic ballparks. The reds stadium has done a wonderful job of doing this. Also, it is attractive to the eye because it is placed right alongside the Ohio River. This makes it very appealing to sit even in the upper deck.

Fan Environment: Reds fans have gone through many bad years throughout their history. For the most part, they have stuck around. However, depending on the opponent, it may not be the liveliest fan experience. In my experience, the fans sitting around me were very pleasant to interact and chat with.

More on Great American Ballpark

O.co Coliseum (Oakland Athletics, Oakland, CA)

Classification: Historic

First Game: April 17, 1968

Reason for Classification: This is truly the worst stadium in the Major Leagues. The Athletics, with the lowest payroll in baseball, cannot afford to build a new stadium. A lot like Dodger stadium, the only reason I label this stadium as a historic ballpark is because it is old.  They continue to make efforts to build a new stadium in San Jose, CA, but the local San Francisco Giants will not allow them to build on their territory.

Fan Environment: The boring stadium, located in the shady city of Oakland, does not draw very many fans.  The entire upper deck is actually closed off because they know they will not be able to fill it up if they allow people to buy tickets for those sections. On a positive note, it is a great place to go watch a game in a great seat for a cheap price.
More on O.co Coliseum

Petco Park (San Diego Padres, San Diego, CA)

Classification: Modern

First Game: April 8, 2004

Reason for Classification: The Padres did a wonderful job constructing this modern ballpark to appeal to the people of San Diego. It is located in Downtown, close to the beach, and even has a beach area in the outfield for fans and children to relax in. There are many new restaurants surrounding the stadium because of the construction of the ballpark. It has really brought a new spirit to the city.

Fan Environment: The city of San Diego is populated in large part of Military families and families that have grown up in other parts of the country. For this reason, not as many people grow up as San Diego Padres fans. This can create very low attendance for games that do not mean much in terms of the standings. However, it is the perfect place to enjoy a game because of the wonderful weather and ability to cheer for the opposing team without getting persecuted by fans.
More on Petco Park

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (Texas Rangers, Arlington, TX)

Classification: Modern

First Game: April 11, 1994

Reason for Classification: Rangers ballpark is on the edge of being a historic ballpark, but I feel as if it does a good enough job of bringing fans the experience of a modern ballpark. There is incredible architecture in the outfield, which catches the eye of the audience.

Fan Environment: The Rangers fan base is definitely the most positive and inviting group of fans I have encountered in my tour of ballparks. I also was shocked to see that you have the option of sitting in an “Alcohol Free” section. This seems to create a wonderful family environment.

More on Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

Turner Field (Atlanta Braves, Atlanta, GA)

Classification: Modern

First Game: April 4, 1997

Reason for Classification: The only reason for giving this ballpark a modern classification is the fact that there are more seats and they are all in a great spot to watch the game. There is nothing too special about this stadium.

Fan Environment: The Braves fans are very enthusiastic about their team, and have been a very good support over the years. This stadium has actually been home to many great teams and many great baseball moments.
More on Turner Field

Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs, Chicago, IL)

Classification: Historic

First Game: April 23, 1914

Reason for Classification: It can be debated that Wrigley Field is a better example of a historic ballpark than even Fenway Park. The cubs have been an awful team for years, but still sell out every single game because of the old style ballpark. The Ivy growing from the outfield walls is truly a staple.

Fan Environment: The Cubs, being so bad for so long, have become known by fans as the “lovable losers.” The Chicago fans are truly some of the best. They have stuck by their cubs throughout the troubled years. Many people you encounter at this stadium will also be their just visiting the ballpark because of its historic value.

More on Wrigley Field

Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees, Bronx, NY)

Classification: Modern

First Game: April 16, 2009

Reason for Classification: There was much controversy in the construction of Yankee Stadium. The Yankees previously played in one of the most loved historic ballparks of all time, also known as Yankee Stadium. This version of the stadium, though, is an exact copy of the old stadium, while adding seats and the exciting new traits of a modern ballpark. They have a much more sophisticated scoreboard and sound system.

Fan Environment: Yankee fans are brutal. They are into every single pitch, which creates a fun environment to watch a ballgame. However, when the team does not do well, they can become angry. I went to Yankee Stadium for a Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry game, and saw how angry the fans can really get at each other. 
More on Yankee Stadium