BASEBALLPARKS.COM's Ten Must-See Parks

Feedback from our Visitors

Whether you agree or disagree with our Top Ten list, write us and tell us so.

And here's what our visitors have to say on the subject, with the most recent submissions at the top. Note that these were submitted over the course of years, and some parks listed have closed and others have been renamed.

Written by:  Jon

Seven must-see Major League stadiums:

1.    Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox).  It’s “must see” because:  it combines a unique layout with a very special place in baseball history.  The park has great character and physically the Green Monster, the layout of the right field stands and even the Citgo sign are unique.  This park is not only the most romanticized park in the major leagues (with Wrigley Field and Ebbets Field being close runners up), but it is the anti-Yankee Stadium ballpark as well.  Watching a game here is truly a great experience, and it’s even more fun when the Sox are winning.  I’ve seen eight Sox wins in eight games at Fenway.

2.      Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs).  It’s “must see” because:  it is a shrine to day baseball.  The park also has great ambience with ivy covered outfield walls, the scoreboard and flags, the seventh inning stretch, and its great connection with the surrounding neighborhood with a great atmosphere around the ballpark on game day.  Although Wrigley is not my favorite place to watch a ballgame, it is a fun place to watch a game.  I believe baseball was meant to be played in the day time, and this is a great place to watch a day game.

3.      Yankee Stadium III (New York Yankees).  It’s “must see” because:  it is a shrine/monument to baseball’s winningest (and biggest spending) team.  I am a dyed-in-the-wool true Yankees hater.  I think $1.5 billion is way too much to spend on a stadium, but the stadium is worth visiting just to see what $1.5 billion in 2008 dollars gets a team.  It’s also worth a visit just to see the “living museum” approach to designing a ballpark.  It is only one of two stadiums in use today I would label as “grandiose,” with Rogers Centre being the other.  To exclude this stadium from any list of must see stadiums would be similar to excluding Indianapolis Motor Speedway from a list of must see race tracks, excluding Churchill Downs from a list of must see horse racing grounds, and excluding Notre Dame from a list of must see college football stadiums/campuses.  I have not yet visited Yankee Stadium III, but I hope to within the next month. 

4.      Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles).  It’s “must see” because:  this is the park that set the pattern for many of the new ballparks in use today.  As the original it is worth a visit to understand why the “retro” approach became so successful.  It should be clear to anyone who has visited Camden Yards, Citizens Bank Park, Nationals Park, PNC Park, Great American Ball Park, or several other newer stadiums that stadium design has improved since Camden Yards opened.  Despite the improvements evident in newer ballparks, Camden Yards is still a great place to watch a game, with the good sight lines, the nooks and crannies, and the urban atmosphere.  The Eutaw Street Mall and the B&O Warehouse tie it all together and are a large part of what makes the park so successful. 

5.      PNC Park (Pittsburgh Pirates).  It’s “must see” because: it is simply the best stadium in the major leagues today.  The only bad thing about PNC is the team that plays there.  The most striking feature of PNC is the view of downtown Pittsburgh and the Sixth Street / Roberto Clemente Bridge.  Even if the Pirates are well out of contention, the view of the cityscape beyond the outfield fence makes the park worth the price of admission.  In addition, the park has nice wide concourses, good seating angles, and well above average concessions.  PNC Park is a great place for a baseball weekend road trip.

6.      AT&T Park (San Francisco Giants).   It’s “must see” because:  it has great views over San Francisco Bay, it has a great outfield layout and it sets a benchmark for integrating well with the surrounding city.  In some ways, AT&T Park is not up to today’s standards.  The concourses are not particularly wide and – as opposed to Camden Yards or Minute Maid Park – are detached from the surrounding neighborhood.  However, it is that precise design that makes the exterior walkway field level views from right field possible.  The basic infield seating bowl layout is remarkably simple, but the diversity and angularity of outfield seating make up for that very well.  I have only attended a day game at AT&T and I would guess that a day game experience is going to be more interesting than a night game experience. 

7.      Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers).  It’s “must see” because:  its design is timeless, resulting in a very pleasant baseball experience.  The park is the third oldest stadium in major league baseball and many parks constructed since Dodger Stadium have fallen to the wrecking ball.  Dodger Stadium lives on with a layout that has withstood and will withstand the test of time.  Add to that the views of the surrounding hills and a few Dodger Dogs and one has a winner.  I suspect some day there will be a push to build an Ebbets Field like clone in downtown Los Angeles, so this is the one of the seven “must see” major league ballparks that I would encourage fans to enjoy while they can.

The seven ballparks/stadiums above are the only major league stadiums I would label as “must see.”  There are a number of other very nice stadiums in use today – Great American and Minute Maid would be tops on my list that did not make the “must see” list, but I don’t view any of the other parks as being “must see” parks. 

For the next two stadiums on the list, I have turned to the minor leagues. 

8.       McCoy Stadium (Pawtucket Red Sox).  It’s “must see” because:  it is an excellent example of what minor league stadiums used to be before the great construction boom of the past two decades, yet it remains a fun, enjoyable place to watch a game, with some unique elements.  OK, I will admit I have never seen a game at McCoy.  But from everything I’ve read, it sounds like a fun place.  Maybe Red Sox Nation has just brainwashed me.  The one thing that is unique is that the dugouts are on field level with the stands above.  There are other surviving “classic” minor league stadiums such as Bowman Field in Williamsport PA and Alliant Energy Field in Clinton IA, and the occasional game in Rickwood Field in Birmingham AL, and they are good reminders of a largely bygone era.  I’ve attended a game only in Clinton; it’s simple, fun, and cheap, and a reminder of the way the minors used to be before the influence of big dollars came to be felt. 

9.      Whataburger Field (Corpus Christi Hooks).  It’s “must see” because:  it is one of the best, if not the best of the new wave of minor league stadium construction.  As a Double A park, it hits the sweet spot that many Double A ballparks hit – not too large so all seats are good (many AAA stadiums are just large enough that not all seats are “good” seats), yet large enough to have some character and ambience (many, but not all, Class A parks are too small to have much structural ambience).  Whataburger is built on the edge of central Corpus Christi, on the intra-coastal waterway and in the shadow of the Harbor Bridge.  As such, there is always something happening outside the ballpark that makes this place much more interesting than a ballpark situated in an open field surrounded by a parking lot, or across the street from a shopping mall.  Whataburger also has three additional elements that make it a winner.  First is the architectural design, which honors the cotton warehouses that once stood where the park is built.  Second is the angle of the seating bowl, which rises at a steeper angle than many of the newer parks, making for better sight lines.   Third is the concession offering, which is much above Class AA typical fare (the fact they offer Blue Bell Ice Cream for sale alone puts this park near the top of any ballpark listing).  And yes, for Texans of all shapes and sizes, there is a stand selling Whataburgers.  One of my favorite elements of any ballpark is a 360 degree concourse.  Whataburger offers this as well, although the walkway behind the outfield fence does take a few zigs and zags and climbs and dips.  The great design, the great food, the great location and a prevailing sea breeze make this a very pleasant place to spend a summer night. 

For my tenth choice, I debated between a spring training ballpark and one very special international location.  I finally settled on the latter.  I think every baseball fan should experience spring training.  I think the best way to do that is to base one’s self in an area with a number of spring training stadiums within a 1-2 hour drive.  Phoenix thus is the top choice meeting that criterion.  However, it would really be difficult to assert that any spring training stadium in either Arizona or Florida is a “must see.”  Thus, I ventured overseas to a park that I have read much about but not yet had the privilege of visiting for my tenth selection on my list of ten “must see” stadiums.

10.   Koshien Stadium (Hanshin Tigers; Osaka, Japan).  It’s “must see” because:  it is the Fenway Park / Wrigley Field of Japanese baseball.  The park is the home to the Hanshin Tigers, who are said to be the Boston Red Sox of Japanese baseball to the Tokyo Dome tenant Yomiuri Giants who are the New York Yankees of Japanese baseball.  This alone perhaps makes the park worth a visit.  But there is much more to the story.  The stadium is home to two nationally televised high school baseball tournaments that have been the stage that has propelled many a familiar Japanese baseball name on to a successful, famous career.  The park is one of the few major league parks in Japan with a grass field, and adds to that rarity with a famous all dirt infield.  The park pays homage to Wrigley Field with ivy, but differs from Wrigley in that the ivy is on the exterior of the stadium.  Adding to the comparison to Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, it is my understanding that tickets to games at Koshien are very scarce. 

Written by:  JDPinstripes

Here are my Must See parks:

1) Fenway -- Simply put, it hasn't changed much since the mid-30's. It's the one place where you actually feel like you are a part of the game in many ways. The seats are very close, the fans intense, and the poles, wooden seats, and small concourses take you back to the days of Williams, DiMaggio, Ruth, and Kaline.

2) Pac Bell Park -- It showcases San Francisco at its best. Great weather, which you never saw at the Stick.....The Bay View has to be the best in baseball, and it's the only place where the best seats are in Right Field, and the Upper Deck. Must I add, the walkway where people can watch the game for free is a very nice touch.

3) Yankee Stadium -- It's where October Baseball was meant to be played, although the mid-70's renovation ruins the history a bit in my view.  Also, the Bleacher Creatures are Baseball's Best Fans......or Baseball's version of an English Soccer Mob.

4) Franklin Covey Field -- I totally agree with BASEBALLPARKS.COM on the view. It's breathtaking, I never have been to an actual game here, but from visiting the Ballpark during the Salt Lake Olympics, the setting is just too perfect.

5) Any Cape League Ballpark -- The players are friendly, the cost is nothing, and this is where stars such as Jeff Bagwell and Nomar Garciaparra got their starts.  A great trip.

Written by: CCKing

1. Tiger Stadium. The history ranks right up there with Fenway, and no matter where you were sitting, you were literally on top of the action. Baseball the way it was meant to be.

2. Camden Yards. My hometown stadium (so, admittedly some bias here), but to walk four blocks from work--sit back and have a crabcake and a beer with the sun setting against the Warehouse--there's little better in life.

3. Yankee Stadium. Hate the fans, but the history and ambience are overwhelming. The ghosts of Yankee teams past literally reverberate around the facade (they never should have gotten rid of it ringing the entire Stadium).

4. Fenway Park. Great fans, great atmosphere, great neighborhood. The Green Monster obviously sets Fenway apart from the others, but the history here ranks right up there with Tiger and Yankee Stadiums.

5. Bowen Field (Bluefield, WV). Home of the Appy League Bluefield Orioles--a beautiful, small park (seats 2,000 maybe) with a mountain literally 25 feet beyond the outfield wall. The most beautiful natural setting for a ballpark I've seen.

6. Durham (NC) Athletic Park (old). As I consider Bull Durham to be one of the top five cinematic masterpieces of all time, this will always hold a special place in my heart.

7. Doubleday Field. Sitting a block or two from the Hall of Fame, you feel the history in the place, even though there's actually been very little history created here (if you believe the whole Hoboken, NJ angle. . . .)

8. Dodger Stadium. Literally nestled on a hill in the heart of downtown L.A. Beautiful scenery in the middle of the second largest city in the country with excellent sightlines throughout.

9. Holman Stadium (Vero Beach, FL). Dodgertown. Nothing more need be said.

10. Memorial Stadium (Baltimore). A sentimental choice, but where I maintain the modern game was invented under The Earl of Baltimore. Looking out of the seating bowl at the trees behind the centerfield wall hiding the view from the white clapboard houses of 36th Street make the Brick Lady one of the all-time greats. TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS

Written by:  mike

With all due respect, I have just read your Top Ten list of must-see ballparks and I must say any omission from the top 1,2 or 3 spots for Yankee Stadium (conceding maybe only to Fenway or Wrigley ) is insane. Come on ... Kaufmann! ... nice yes .. a land mark NO WAY.  I love baseball fans and anyone who devotes so much time and effort to the joy of the game and ballparks must love it, too, but please. This is comparable to omitting the Sistine Chapel or the Mona Lisa from the top of the list in the art world.

Written by:  gaylonk

I had the pleasure of visiting Doubleday Field in August...I was in Cooperstown umpiring in a tournament and spent a lot of time there watching games...It is really beautiful, an awe-inspiring place to watch a game and I'm glad you put it on your Must See list...

Here is my top ten Must See list of ballparks I have been to...

1. Dodger Stadium
2. Royals Stadium
3. Fenway Park
4. Doubleday Field
5. Comiskey I
6. Wrigley Field
7. Jack Murphy Stadium
8. Nat Bailey Stadium, Vancouver, BC
9. Comiskey II
10. Arlington Stadium

Written by:  glassia

10. Metrodome (Minneapolis) - Everyone hates the Homerdome, but I'm married to a Twins fan so I don't have any choice.  Actually for a place that will let you get very close to the field and get autographs, it's not too bad.  Plus, you know you're game won't get rained out if you drive a long way to get there.

9. Fox Valley Stadium (Appleton WI) - One of the newer stadiums in the Midwest League, it has a great game-day staff and the fans are great.  Where
else do they line up to tailgate before (and after) a game?

8. Field of Dreams (Dyersville IA) - Each year, I take two dozen new MWL baseballs up and leave them next to the backstop.  Why?  No one should come
to a field and not have a ball to play catch.  Plus, I was fortunate enough to be able to bat (with a wooden bat) when the "Ghost Players" made an
appearance and hit one into the corn.  I hope it didn't jam up the farmers combine...

7. Community Field (Burlington IA) - Its not fancy, but its what community owned minor league baseball is all about.  Cheap, friendly and fun.  And sometimes they play good baseball...

6. Wrigley Field (Chicago) - Wrigley is this far down because the parking is terrible.  But to walk up the ramp and see the green ivy wall - it just is wonderful.  I now know why its called "The Friendly Confines".

5. Riverview Stadium (Clinton IA) - Again, a smaller ballpark with a great view over towards the river.  You can't actually see it because of the earthen dikes.  It could easily be converted into a movie set because of its older appearance.

4. John O'Donnel Stadium (Davenport IA) - Even though I despise the hated River Bandits, I must admit they have a pretty nice stadium.  Too bad they have such a lousy owner and its so near the river they get flooded out.

3. Sec Taylor Stadium (Des Moines IA) - One of the nicest stadiums I've been to.  Right along the river (some foul balls go over the roof and in on the 1B side) the only fault is all the skyboxes (even in the outfield) and the fact it doesn't face the downtown skyline.  A nice touch is all the dressing rooms are under the left field stands so the players have to walk all the way which presents opportunities for autographs.  Watch out for the ushers, tho...

2. Yankee Stadium (Bronx NY) - I made my first trip to the stadium this year (as a long-time Yankee fan) and while the stadium itself and the neighborhood are in bad shape, its the fact that you are on the site of so much history.  Whether you are a fan or not, the Yankees ARE baseball - they have been, they are and they will always be.  I did take the #4 subway from Grand Central and the whole experience was great!!

1. Veterans Memorial Stadium (Cedar Rapids IA) - I'm biased, but I love sitting in the press box (official scorer) and having the lovely view of the Cedar Rapids skyline.  It is the perfect embodiment (as are most of the Iowa parks) of what minor league baseball should be - nothing fancy, just a place to have a good time.  The covered grandstand should be in all stadiums - you don't get as many foul balls, but it's sure nice to have a roof over your head when it rains.  Plus, the Pfaff Terrace (picnic deck) down the left field line and into fair play is a fun place for a party and to watch the game.  Sadly, the stadium only has six games (as of 8/23/01) left and with the probability of no playoffs, the stadium will be torn down within three weeks after the last game to make way for a New Veterans Memorial Stadium currently under construction.

I will add one FUTURE "must see" ballpark.  New Veterans Memorial Stadium is scheduled to open as the home of the Cedar Rapids Kernels in April 2002. While not as big or as fancy as Dayton or Kane County, it should be a stadium to cater to all kinds of fans.  Plus, with the vertical screen behind home plate, now box seat fans will have a chance at foul balls! 

Joe's comments:  Andy, the author of this list, is the official scorer for the Cedar Rapids Kernels of the Midwest League.

Written by:  at783

I'm trying to see the older parks before they are gone, so my list emphasizes the historic ballparks that I've seen.

1) Labatts Field, London, Ontario.  This is the oldest continuously-used baseball field in the world, and is home to the Frontier League London Werewolves.  Parking impossible nearby, but you can park on the street a couple of blocks east of the stadium---London is a safe city with an active night-life near the ballpark, so that's no problem.

2) Wahconah Stadium, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.  The sun field is the wrong way---in the batters eyes!  You still have 2001 to see this 1924 relic, since Troy NY couldn't get its stadium ready in time for the team to move from Pittsfield.  It's worth the trip.

3) Centennial Field, Burlington, Vermont.  Almost ready to celebrate its own centennial, this ball park is 79 years old.  No parking nearby, park at the hospital and ride the free shuttle to the stadium.  Also, no food nearby.  Some of the fans actually live closer to Montreal than to Burlington, but prefer to see THESE Expos and enjoy the spirit of Vermont.

4) Damaschke Field, Oneonta, New York.  This is like going to a high school game, in one of the smallest towns that still supports pro baseball.  Rickety stadium built in 1940.

5) Riverview Park, Clinton, Iowa.  Shares a parking lot with the Riverboat Cruise Casino, and also shares the atmosphere of this nice old river town.  The park was built in 1950, and I had the good luck to see a Lumberking pitcher pitch a perfect game there last year.

6) Ned Skelton Stadium, Toledo, Ohio.  Here's quality baseball without the hassle.  The AAA Mudhens play in a nice quiet suburb with free easy-in-easy-out parking, and your seats will be conversational distance from the players on the field.  A new park is under construction, so get to this ballpark while you still can.

7) Sioux Falls Stadium, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  How can anything in South Dakota be anything but refreshing.  Nice farmy atmosphere, everything brings Garrison Kiellor to mind.  Like all Northern League teams, the Canaries really have their promotional act together.

   And in the Majors,

8) Busch Stadium, St. Louis.  Baseball's proudest and most knowledgeable and friendliest fans.

9) Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati.  Park before 4 p.m. on the street in Covington, KY, eat some Chili, and walk across the bridge to the ballpark.

10) My top two choices are gone.  I liked Comiskey better than Wrigley, and I liked Tiger Stadium better than Fenway.

Written by:  Tomjax6824

5. Enron Field - As a huge fan of baseball stadiums I am not too fond of the "retractable" roofs.  If you've ever been to Houston during the summer, though, you can see why the roof was necessary.  And the designers of this park did a perfect job incorporating the roof with rest of the stadium (unlike the monsters... BankOne Ballpark and Skydome).  It really blends in well and adds a lot of character to Enron.  Enron Field also has a fantastic view of downtown Houston.  The one thing that would have made this park perfect is if they would have kept the original name "The Ballpark at Union Station" instead of this corporate garbage.

4. Cohen Stadium - This park is close to perfect. Beautiful setting, unique design and quite possibly the friendliest people in the world all add the already wonderful experience of watching baseball.  The citizens of El Paso really have a gem of a ballpark.

3. The Ballpark in Arlington - Oh, how I would have loved to see Nolan Ryan pitch in this beauty.  From the Dr. Pepper youth ballpark outside to the "home run porch" inside, I love this ballpark.  I would have liked to have seen this park built in downtown Dallas or Fort Worth, but you can't argue with this place.  The office building in the outfield is not only architecturally brilliant, but it helps to distinguish the park from any other stadium.

2. AutoZone Park - Aside from the dumb name this is the greatest minor league park in America.  I have never seen a stadium that fit in more perfect with its surroundings.  It looks as though downtown Memphis was built around this park.  The entrance way is one of the best in all of baseball, and the people are obviously very proud of the park, and it shows.  This is how baseball was meant to be watched

1. Jacobs Field - If you were to just drive by this park and never go in than you might think that this park is dull and maybe even ugly.  But once you walk in you get the greatest view in all of the majors.  I love stadiums with an urban view and this park pulls it off perfect.  It's very cozy and at the same time very large.  It has a great scoreboard and one of the best maintained fields in all of baseball.  When you combine the view with the experience off being in a sold-out stadium, you can't help but love this game.

Written by:  dimike

Mind you, this list is subject to change virtually all the time.

1) Fenway Park - There is simply no place on Earth like Fenway.  Grab a sausage and onion sub on the street outside before you go in.

2) Wrigley Field - This park is actually more beautiful than Fenway, but it lacks the atmosphere.  Oh, if you want to relax in the sun, it's the place to be and a lovely place it is.  Personally, I prefer to huddle in close proximity with rabid, disgruntled baseball fans who live and die with their team.

3) Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, Connecticut - A great urban setting for a beautiful new park.  Great fans, great atmosphere.

4) Waconah Park, Pittsfield, Massachussets - Small town baseball in a very old and beautiful park.  The people walk to the ballpark and call each other by name.  Wonderful.

5) GPU Stadium, Reading, Pennsylvania - I hate that new name, but I love this park.  Nothing fancy, just baseball like it oughta be (to quote a mid-80's Mets slogan).

6) Camden Yards - This is as much about the whole experience as the ballpark itself.  Go to the harbor, get a good seafood dinner, then stroll to the park -- the one that started the great ballpark revival.

7) Fleming Field, Yonkers, New York - The poorest excuse for a ballpark I have ever witnessed, but if you want to understand the lengths to which the dream of playing big league ball will drive a baseball player, go see the former home of the now-defunct Yonkers Hoot Owls.  You've got to have passion to have played at Fleming.

Joe's comments:  Mike runs a Website on ballparks, so he knows what he's talking about.  You can visit it at www.bestweb.net/~dimike/fod/

Written by:  chikiboy

Here's my top 10 list based on where I have been.

1. Camden Yards - When you first see the warehouse beyond right field you think of two things:  the number 2131 and also the feeling that you've been dropped 50 years into the past and you're watching a game in the good old days.

2. Safeco Field - Though Seattle is not a baseball town by some standards, Safeco makes for a GREAT day at the park.  What makes this place so unique (other than the retractable roof) is the way it was designed so many fans could watch a ballgame from many different points in the park without having to sit in a seat.  A VERY fan friendly place to see a game.

3. Pac Bell Park - Right behind Kauffman Stadium in aesthetics.  Probably the best view (from the upper deck) in the major leagues.

4. Jacob's Field - The ballpark is a great park in a great sports town.  A lot of history in this park already (think of all the ALCS and World Series games played here) in such a short time.

5. Wrigley Field - An absolute must-see for a baseball fan.  Many would argue that this should be in the top two.  I'd have to agree on some terms.  Probably "the funnest place" to watch a game. Probably would rival Disneyland as "the happiest place on earth" if the Cubs ever did anything.

6. Fenway Park - To many, this is the best ballpark in the land.  Nothing is better than driving along the turnpike and seeing the light standards on top of the Green Monster.  Another place all baseball fans need to visit before it's gone.

7. Yankee Stadium - Closest thing to a religious experience you can have in sports.  Must be sure to ride the 4 train to the game and get off on the platform.  If possible, sit in the bleachers at least once.

8. Kauffman Stadium - Aesthetically, this is probably the best looking park around.  Great food and fans (despite the team).  Only bad thing about KC is the humidity.

9. Comerica Park - Another fan friendly ballpark.  Great scoreboard and the team's mascot (the Tiger) is well represented throughout the place. I just wish they would have designed it more like Tiger Stadium (with the decks all around the park).

10. Coors Field - Great place to watch a game...depending on the time of year.  Place can get snow at the beginning or the end of a season.  Great view of the Rocky Mountains beyond the scoreboard in left field. You can even snack on Rocky Mountain oysters!

Written by:  twostepsaway

1. Fenway Park, Boston, MA - In my opinion the best of the bunch, a classic asymmetrical ballpark wedged into the existing neighborhood. It is a dying breed, with its tight seats and obstructed views, and the Green Monster. Its time may have come but it will be hard to replace.
2. Yankee Stadium, New York - This may be sacrilegious coming from a die-hard Mets fan, but it is one-of-a-kind. This ballpark just oozes history, with Monument Park, the façade, and the Number 4 train running behind the right field wall. Even Steinbrenner couldn’t ruin it. October baseball in the Bronx, it seems automatic.
3. GPU Stadium, Reading - This ballpark is the closest thing there is to a minor league Fenway Park, with its brick exterior and narrow concourse full of photos of past Reading teams replicas of former Reading players before they went on to the show. The Reading Phillies have the best management in the minor leagues; they manage to maintain the proper balance between good baseball on the field as well as an innovative fan-friendly environment.
4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore - The first of the new retro parks, often imitated but not duplicated. The ballpark was an innovation with its double-decked bullpen and working the B & O warehouse into the environment. It ended the 70’s trend of ugly cookie-cutter stadiums, i.e. Veterans, Three Rivers, and Riverfront et al.
5. Canal Park, Akron - Camden Yards on the Double A level, complete with brickwork, double-decked bullpen and iron gates. An intimate quirky park that has helped revitalize downtown Akron. In 1997 during an exhibition game against the Cleveland Indians, the big leaguers were impressed by the quality of the ballpark their farmhands played in. Some said it was a better facility than some big league parks.
6. Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles - It is to 60’s era ballparks what Camden Yards is to 90’s ballparks -- an original. Forty years later is has stood the test of time. No one had thought of putting a ballpark on a mountain. This ballpark maybe the cleanest facility in the major leagues.
7. Harbor Park, Norfolk - Great ballpark, not too big, not too small, just right. One of the first parks to have an open concourse, and watching the ships in the harbor beyond right field is just amazing.
8. Hadlock Field, Portland - Many may say this is nothing more than an aluminum bandbox, but it is more than that. In an era when minor league ballparks cost between 30 and 40 million dollars, this ballpark was built for about 1 million around an existing high school sandlot. The Portland Sea Dogs still share the field with the teams from Portland and West Deering High Schools. Unlike the new retro parks that are asymmetrical by design, this one is by necessity, wedged between railroad tracks behind the left field wall and an exposition center in right field.
9. Wrigley Field, Chicago - This ballpark would rank much higher on my list if I had actually seen a game there. The ivy-covered walls, manual scoreboard, and bleacher bums are all part of the myth and folklore of this classic ballyard. Could you imagine if the Cubs were to ever win a World Series?
10. Shea Stadium, New York - OK, this may be partially based on sentiment. I became a baseball fan at the tender age of 5 during the miracle year of 1969. This park is everything Dodger Stadium is not. A multi-purpose ballpark that has not been maintained. It that was not finished on Opening Day in 1964, crews were still laying sod in the outfield as the fans entered the park. However who can deny the history, The Miracle Mets, Game 6 in 1986, Robin Ventura’s Grand Single. It has been home to the Mets, Yankees, Jets, and Giants, and has hosted the Beatles and the Pope. I won’t be sad to see it go, I’ll be there when the wrecking ball finally levels the place, but it is important to remember ballparks like this when they are gone, so we don’t do them again.