The one you should have on the list is San Francisco (Insert Naming Rights Here) Park.
It’s the only MLB park where I prefer to higher up in the stands. The view of the San Francisco Bay is so beautiful and so distracting from the game on the field. The fans in McCovey Cove might are a joy to behold in person.
One of my favorite sports fields is Evansville, Indiana's Bosse Field. Built in 1915, it's the third-oldest ballpark still in regular use for professional baseball. It was featured in some scenes in the film "League Of Their Own" and when I was growing up, I used to almost live there watching games from the then AAA-level Evansville Triplets. That franchise was bought and moved to Nashville to become the Sounds.
Over the past century plus, it's been the home for a wide range of teams, including the short-lived NFL team The Evansville Crimson Giants. And a team with one of my all-time favorite names, the Evansville River Rats.
One fun thing about Wrigley and lights, is that the team brought all the material for lights in 1941, but the day after Pearl Harbor donated the steel and other material to the new war effort
I’m guessing you didn’t include the Polo Grounds where the NY Giants played from 1911 to 1957 because it was a horrible stadium to both play in and watch in but it was definitely iconic. But it had one of the most iconic catches ever made — the Willie Mays catch against the Cleveland Indians in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series. Then Willie would later say it was not his greatest catch.
He actually said he did not include Polo Grounds, because it was build in 1890, and he was limiting himself to post 1900 stadiums, which since he specifically mentioned Polo Grounds make me think he would have put it in the list if he did not make that rule
True, although Wikipedia says it was renovated, in 1911, implying that some of it survived, but it doesn’t change the fact that Chris is treating Polo Grounds III, built in 1890, and the 1911 Polo Grounds IV as the same structure
Having watched games at both Fenway and Wrigley can confirm it's like walking into a time machine/capsule (especially when you think of the Braves switching between stadiums opened only 19 years apart)...Unfortunately, this idea of tearing down historical venues instead of retrofitting them for modern use has extended to European soccer recently as well (much to many fans dismay)
I was there with my dad at the final game played at Tiger Stadium, in fact it was me who got the tickets through my employer. That was magic, and everyone in attendance got a commemorative numbered baseball already cased in plastic for posterity, which my daughter will inherit.
If you look at the picture of Tiger Stadium, you'll see why they had to build Comerica Park. In the outfield, unless you sit in the orange seats, your view is obstructed by girders. Very large girders, and I know because they sold the seats directly behind them at reduced prices. You think pretty much any seat behind home plate is gonna be great, right? Wrong. In the lower deck, starting about halfway back, you lost the ability to see the sky. No chance to see anything hit in the air. If you looked up, you were looking at the underside of the upper deck.
Those behind home plate seats were the worst of the worst. I would rather pay to have a folding chair in the concourse and watch the TV broadcast at the concession stand.
Oh, and when I was 13 I also got to accept our team's trophy for winning the Mel Ott League that year in the Metro Detroit area. I accepted the trophy from Milt Wilcox (pitcher) at the mound, then my friend on the team threw out the first pitch to Lance Parrish. Great memories.
Oh, and the epic flagpole on the field in center? I swore an oath to the Constitution on the field at Tiger Stadium, lined up along the first base line, facing that flagpole. True story.
Crosley Field was unique in that it had the slope of 20 feet rising in Center field, and was in play. It was before my time, but always fascinated me. Dodger Stadium is a beautiful place to watch a game and have a Dodger Dog. My first game was 1964 Phillies (ouch) vs St Louis, sitting behind a pole at Connie Mack Stadium. I have been to 17 major league ballparks: Camden Yards and PNC are the best.
I went to Fenway Park for the first time in 2022 and was in awe, you can feel the history in the place and it was so cool seeing the Green Monster up close. The Braves winning both games certainly didn't hurt.
I was lucky that I am short and got an aisle seat, because otherwise, oof I can see why a lot of Red Sox fans want to move on.
I hate they got rid of Yankee Stadium. New Yankee Stadium just sucks, it's not the same. I miss the subway going by as you watched a game. The whole thing feels like one big cash grab.
I love Camden Yards. I'm going to a Tigers game next month, actually.
If you miss Ebbets Field, just go to Citi Field. It's the same thing.
As someone who is interested in American cities, Pittsburgh has always fascinated me both in terms of sports and culture. PNC park is just another reason for why it is my favourite because the view of the Clemente Bridge with the city skyline is *chefs kiss*.
The one you should have on the list is San Francisco (Insert Naming Rights Here) Park.
It’s the only MLB park where I prefer to higher up in the stands. The view of the San Francisco Bay is so beautiful and so distracting from the game on the field. The fans in McCovey Cove might are a joy to behold in person.
Don't disagree with your comment. However, you might want to warn rookie fans of the wind chill factor.
Not a bad point. My first time was a day game that went extras and by the time I left it was dark and I had bought a sweatshirt for an extra layer.
Great list but no Oracle Park?
The most famous home run in baseball history was The Shot Heard ‘round The World. Nothing even comes close. Come on.
One of my favorite sports fields is Evansville, Indiana's Bosse Field. Built in 1915, it's the third-oldest ballpark still in regular use for professional baseball. It was featured in some scenes in the film "League Of Their Own" and when I was growing up, I used to almost live there watching games from the then AAA-level Evansville Triplets. That franchise was bought and moved to Nashville to become the Sounds.
Over the past century plus, it's been the home for a wide range of teams, including the short-lived NFL team The Evansville Crimson Giants. And a team with one of my all-time favorite names, the Evansville River Rats.
Chris, you need to see some games at Dodger Stadium. Upgraded in recent years and just a wonderful place to see a game.
One fun thing about Wrigley and lights, is that the team brought all the material for lights in 1941, but the day after Pearl Harbor donated the steel and other material to the new war effort
I’m guessing you didn’t include the Polo Grounds where the NY Giants played from 1911 to 1957 because it was a horrible stadium to both play in and watch in but it was definitely iconic. But it had one of the most iconic catches ever made — the Willie Mays catch against the Cleveland Indians in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series. Then Willie would later say it was not his greatest catch.
He actually said he did not include Polo Grounds, because it was build in 1890, and he was limiting himself to post 1900 stadiums, which since he specifically mentioned Polo Grounds make me think he would have put it in the list if he did not make that rule
Actually the Polo Ground IV was built in 1911 after the previous one burned down.
True, although Wikipedia says it was renovated, in 1911, implying that some of it survived, but it doesn’t change the fact that Chris is treating Polo Grounds III, built in 1890, and the 1911 Polo Grounds IV as the same structure
Having watched games at both Fenway and Wrigley can confirm it's like walking into a time machine/capsule (especially when you think of the Braves switching between stadiums opened only 19 years apart)...Unfortunately, this idea of tearing down historical venues instead of retrofitting them for modern use has extended to European soccer recently as well (much to many fans dismay)
What, no Olympic Stadium (I kid! I kid!)?!?!?!
Boston born and raised so for me it's Fenway Park and the Celtics franchise! So there! Loving The Replay!
I was there with my dad at the final game played at Tiger Stadium, in fact it was me who got the tickets through my employer. That was magic, and everyone in attendance got a commemorative numbered baseball already cased in plastic for posterity, which my daughter will inherit.
If you look at the picture of Tiger Stadium, you'll see why they had to build Comerica Park. In the outfield, unless you sit in the orange seats, your view is obstructed by girders. Very large girders, and I know because they sold the seats directly behind them at reduced prices. You think pretty much any seat behind home plate is gonna be great, right? Wrong. In the lower deck, starting about halfway back, you lost the ability to see the sky. No chance to see anything hit in the air. If you looked up, you were looking at the underside of the upper deck.
Those behind home plate seats were the worst of the worst. I would rather pay to have a folding chair in the concourse and watch the TV broadcast at the concession stand.
Oh, and when I was 13 I also got to accept our team's trophy for winning the Mel Ott League that year in the Metro Detroit area. I accepted the trophy from Milt Wilcox (pitcher) at the mound, then my friend on the team threw out the first pitch to Lance Parrish. Great memories.
Oh, and the epic flagpole on the field in center? I swore an oath to the Constitution on the field at Tiger Stadium, lined up along the first base line, facing that flagpole. True story.
Crosley Field was unique in that it had the slope of 20 feet rising in Center field, and was in play. It was before my time, but always fascinated me. Dodger Stadium is a beautiful place to watch a game and have a Dodger Dog. My first game was 1964 Phillies (ouch) vs St Louis, sitting behind a pole at Connie Mack Stadium. I have been to 17 major league ballparks: Camden Yards and PNC are the best.
I would submit the site of “Field of Dreams”. Not sure if it qualifies but a trip with my grandpa, dad, and brother was one we’ll remember forever.
Love this list, Chris!
I went to Fenway Park for the first time in 2022 and was in awe, you can feel the history in the place and it was so cool seeing the Green Monster up close. The Braves winning both games certainly didn't hurt.
I was lucky that I am short and got an aisle seat, because otherwise, oof I can see why a lot of Red Sox fans want to move on.
I hate they got rid of Yankee Stadium. New Yankee Stadium just sucks, it's not the same. I miss the subway going by as you watched a game. The whole thing feels like one big cash grab.
I love Camden Yards. I'm going to a Tigers game next month, actually.
If you miss Ebbets Field, just go to Citi Field. It's the same thing.
As someone who is interested in American cities, Pittsburgh has always fascinated me both in terms of sports and culture. PNC park is just another reason for why it is my favourite because the view of the Clemente Bridge with the city skyline is *chefs kiss*.