The Ballpark Best of the Rest
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Feb 05, 2010 
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Yankee Stadium – old or new – will always have a certain special quality because of the Yankees place in baseball history. But not every park has the built-in advantage of being the place where one of the more famed teams in all of sports plays its games. Most stadiums have to bring something else to the table.
As I was reading Jason’s post this morning I found myself ticking off a list in my head of all the ballparks around baseball that have that “something” – the something which makes you want to go there almost regardless of who the home team is playing.
Everyone has different criteria for what appeals to them at a park, and mine aren’t particularly unusual – I like an open feel, good food and decent acoustics, not to mention a good scoreboard. Those aren’t ironclad rules, though; sometimes I just like the vibe of a park and that’s all it takes.
Here’s my list of top 5 most enjoyable parks to visit, non-NY division (and I listed them by city because I hate sponsor names). What’s yours?
1. San Francisco – Great view, great atmosphere, great food both in and nearby the park. One of my favorite cities, too.
2. Seattle – Fantastic sushi and the coolest roof ever.
3. Baltimore – Starting to lose a little of its luster over the years, but still a fave (though not if its the dead of August). Can’t go wrong with a pre-game crab cake at Phillips.
4. Pittsburgh – Great stadium, awful team.
5. Anaheim – Underrated park with great sightlines and cool rocks beyond the outfield wall. Plus, I like when the Rally Monkey pops up in bits from “Jaws” and “Pyscho.”
Honorable mention: Kansas City (great scoreboard), Cleveland (non-midge season), Philadelphia (about a billion times better than the Vet)
Been to all of those except PIT.
Agreed, except Kansas City and the BallPark in Arlington are up there instead of Bmore
Of those, I’ve been to Seattle, Cleveland, Baltimore. I have to agree – loved all these places. Cleveland was a pleasant surprise. I’m dying to take a trip to Pittsburgh, but it’s gotta be an “on the way to” type of destination. We used to have friends/family that lived just outside of Pittsburgh but both have since left the area.
When the Yankees played in Pittsburgh in 2008, I was drooling at the Stadium through my TV. Who’d have thought that a city named Pittsburgh would have such a completely beautiful looking Stadium??
It instantly shot up towards the top of my list of Stadiums I wish to see
Doreen – Ain’t it Just “Grand”?
February 5th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Of those, I’ve been to Seattle, Cleveland, Baltimore. I have to agree – loved all these places. Cleveland was a pleasant surprise. I’m dying to take a trip to Pittsburgh, but it’s gotta be an “on the way to” type of destination. We used to have friends/family that lived just outside of Pittsburgh but both have since left the area.
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Thats half the problem. I can’t think of very many other reasons to go to Pittsburgh. Although, you could stop there on your way to Cleveland and make it a real baseball road trip
I would also like to go to the new stadium in D.C. Tried to put together a trip last summer that would have encompassed that and a few minor league teams, but it didn’t work out.
The Green Sardine Can is the absolute worst with terrible sightlines and overpriced.
By the time you squeeze in and out of an aisle to visit the filthy restrooms, you’ve lost as much as 2 innings of baseball. Parking can cost as much as $90.00 to be near the old relic and train service is all but stopped after midnight.
Some will say, ” But it’s a historic place “! KEEP IT !
My list beside Yankee Stadium:(I live in Germany and so it´s hard to see many Games live)
1. Red Sox (Sorry but I liked it)
2. Nationals (great Party area near the Stadium)
3. Mets
I’ve only been to Pittsburgh out of those 5, but it was worth the experience (even though the team is awful).
I have only seen four Stadiums
Ballparks are just ballparks after a couple of visits. The old versions of YS would have just been ballparks if the inhabitants were the St’ Louis Browns or Washington Senators teams were the home teams. Nobody would have cared if they played in “The Palace”. As I said, it’s the team that’s worshipped, not the cathedral.
Erica -
When we took our trip that included Cleveland (we went to Toronto, as well), we thought about going to Detroit and Pittsburgh, as well. Unfortunately, the Pirates were not at home and Detroit, well, aside from the ballgame, there was nothing else to do. If it was a day game, that would have been fine – drive to Detroit, go to the game, stay over one night and leave the next morning. But it was a night game, and there wasn’t anything to do during the day in Detroit (I checked, believe me). So, that was that.
People who complain about the stadium should feel blessed just to be able to go there! Some (a lot) of Yankee fans can’t make the trek (pilgrimage).
Bronx Jeers,
I’m not sure, but some places here won’t let you use the same cup because it’s unsanitary. The vendor touching the cup you used. Or if it’s the kind of soda/beer dispenser with the metal clip you push the cup against, then that’s especially unsanitary. Totaly O/T, but was watching UH/UCLA volleyball last night. They kept calling this one Bruin (too often) “Cakemier”. When they flashed his name on the screen, it turned out to be “Casebeer”!
AL Duque
February 5th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I have only seen four Stadiums
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You’ve got me beat-I’ve only been to three.
Doreen-
I have always wanted to see the R&R Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
I just did my home work-
THe Yankees are in Cleveland in 2010 from Monday July 26-29
The Pittsburgh Pirates are home the weekend of July 23rd before they start a roadtrip.
So you could definitely stop in Pittsburgh in 2010, see the stadium and continue your trip to Cleveland and see the Yanks play!
Erica – always OPPC – Is done with Brian Cashman!
February 5th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Doreen-
I have always wanted to see the R&R Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
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You have to go!!! It’s incredible
Erin
February 5th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
AL Duque
February 5th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I have only seen four Stadiums
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You’ve got me beat-I’ve only been to three.
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I have seen 3 and a half-
Yankee Stadium, Citifield, Anaheim. I saw the outside of Fenway at 4am in the middle of a night during a scavenger hunt/roadtrip (long story) so I could it as half
Hey, the blog isn’t working on firefox
At my first visit of a game it was amazing to see how much a normal american can eat. If you compare it to Germany (at a soccer game /big thing here in Germany) you would be shocked who much a German can drink!
I’ve been going to Met’s-Phillies games in Philly for a few years now(co-incidentally since the mets have started falling apart). Absolutely my favorite place to see a ballgame beyond Yankee Stadium.
and the blog is working on firefox. yours must be broken rafael.
GreenBeret7 –
Ballparks are just ballparks after a couple of visits. The old versions of YS would have just been ballparks if the inhabitants were the St’ Louis Browns or Washington Senators teams were the home teams. Nobody would have cared if they played in “The Palace”. As I said, it’s the team that’s worshipped, not the cathedral.
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You are correct to a certain extent. However, I have all the Yankee DVDs of past championships, and when watching these “movies,” my eyes are drawn to the ballparks that those teams played in. The ballparks dominate the footage. When they are recapping the game, I couldn’t care less about a fifth inning single by Gil McDougald that went up the middle. I strain my eyes to see the grandstand with the giant bunting in the old black and white footage. The ballpark is the common thread that linked Babe Ruth to Mickey Mantle, to Derek Jeter.
I try to find a ballpark where ever we travel. My parents retired in St Pete, so we have probably been to the Trop more than anywhere…wouldn’t be so bad if it had a retractable roof. We have also been to Toronto, and Montreal (our closest stadiums). We saw the D’backs play in 2001, and my son got to run the bases after.
The minor league parks seem to really cater to families, so they are always fun, and can be found almost anywhere. We have many fond memories of watching Cape Cod baseball.
Erica – always OPPC – Is done with Brian Cashman!
February 5th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
I have seen 3 and a half-
Yankee Stadium, Citifield, Anaheim. I saw the outside of Fenway at 4am in the middle of a night during a scavenger hunt/roadtrip (long story) so I could it as half
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That sounds like a very interesting story! lol
From what I’ve been told about Fenway, even if you gone inside, you’d probably still only rank it has a “half”
@Erin
Fenway ==> 1/2
Yes it old, very old! The Scoreboard is like it made for the Comodore 64!
Joba Chamberlain
February 5th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
GreenBeret7 –
You are correct to a certain extent. However, I have all the Yankee DVDs of past championships, and when watching these “movies,” my eyes are drawn to the ballparks that those teams played in. The ballparks dominate the footage. When they are recapping the game, I couldn’t care less about a fifth inning single by Gil McDougald that went up the middle. I strain my eyes to see the grandstand with the giant bunting in the old black and white footage. The ballpark is the common thread that linked Babe Ruth to Mickey Mantle, to Derek Jeter.
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The ballpark that Ruth and Mantle played in is nowhere near the same one that Jeter played on. It wasn’s the same dirt ob the infield or the same interior. Only the shell was the same. It’s the insignia they wore, it’s the fans, it’s the love of a team passed from family member to son/daughter
that binds a fan to a team, that binds Ruth and Mantle to Jeter.
My list beside Yankee Stadium:(I live in Germany and so it´s hard to see many Games live)
1. Red Sox (Sorry but I liked it)
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I think Sam meant major league ball parks.
a favorite topic.
via experience, have determined one cannot rate a park, unless viewing it in person. Case in point: Camden Yards. This was my favorite park, until i visited it. In short: a bandbox. Every ball pop fly, looked as if it would be a HR.
I really favor viewing the game in ‘pitching’ or neutral parks. Anyway the following are my top 5 (without having visited them):
1) Wrigley Field (no explanation needed)
2) Kansas City (the modern look appeals to me)
3) Detroit (pitcher’s park)
4) Yankee Stadium
5) San Francisco
6) Seattle (what a dome should be)
honorable mention: Atlanta (Turner Field) receives no acclaim, yet looks simple/perfect to me. From TV, it kinda looks like a replica of my beloved Milwaukee County Stadium
Besides the NY Stadiums, I have been to Fenway, Pro Player in Miami and the stadium in Arizona when it was called Bank One Ballpark (not sure who the sponsor is now or what it’s called).
Hey GB, how’re you doin? Based on what I’ve been able to follow, you seem to be back up to full steam lately.
I’m ashamed to say I haven’t been to ‘New’ Yankee Staduim yet. And I’ve only been to Shea and Camden Yards. Damn.
Need to start my stadium pilgrimage soon.
Erica
First, the R&R HOF is incredible!!!! We thought we’d spend a couple of hours and 5 hours later we left only because our daughters were a little antsy.
Alas, our summer vacations are always in August (my husband works for a French company), so no Pittsburgh/Cleveland run.
I have seen 3 and a half-
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You might have only seen 3 and a half. But im sure you smelled the half to the fullest. So that counts as 4.
I’m ashamed to say I haven’t been to ‘New’ Yankee Staduim yet.
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My hand is also raised. Im ashamed to say iv only been to
Qualcom(most minor league parks looked better)
Anaheim
Dodgers
M,
The vendors led me to believe it was for “inventory purposes”.
Something about matching up the beer being sold to the cups that were used. I was just trying to be environmentally friendly.
I had a similar experience at a McDonalds many years ago when i was told I couldn’t order a double cheeseburger because it would screw up the bun count or something.
The rebel that I am, I ordered 2 cheeseburgers instead and made my own double leaving the extra bun on the counter.
via television, the Cincinnati Reds stadium, also looks nice
Erin
February 5th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
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That sounds like a very interesting story! lol
From what I’ve been told about Fenway, even if you gone inside, you’d probably still only rank it has a “half”
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We were hopelessly lost in Boston from about 1am-4am trying to get to the outside of Fenway so we could take the require photo as proof we were there. (Did I mention this was in my college years). I believe it was a Monday night.
I was in the backseat (complaining I had to use the bathroom) with another friend (who kept yelling directions to the driver in a very bossy batseat driver style). The dude in the passenger seat spent the whole time on his cell fighting with his girlfriend. The girl driving was cursing us all out.
We couldn’t find an open bathroom for me anywhere and I wound up going in a gas station where the light inside didn’t work. I think I wound up going with the door open and my friend blocking the door for safety/privacy.
I mentioned this was college right??? Probably one of the funniest night of my life..
Tony Dungy
“I think they’re going to be so far ahead that people are going to say, ‘Oh, ho-hum, he played a good game, they won by two scores, the Colts won their second championship,’ ” Dungy said of Manning on Thursday. “He’s going to have those rings Sunday night. I don’t think it’s going to be close.”
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O.k. now im starting to feel like its Pats and Giants all over again. Can someone please shut him up!! He couldnt just say its going to be a hard fought game and in the end i think Indy will find a way to pull it off. Does he know that the Saints are the #1 offense in the league? Talk about jinxing my team. No need for BULLETIN BOARD MATERIAL.
ah, how did I forget Shea, my first stadium. It was our class trip when I was in 6th grade. My friend’s father used to bring me along to a lot of games too. My sister took me to fenway once, back in the day.
DaSaint007
February 5th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Hey GB, how’re you doin? Based on what I’ve been able to follow, you seem to be back up to full steam lately.
I’m ashamed to say I haven’t been to ‘New’ Yankee Staduim yet. And I’ve only been to Shea and Camden Yards. Damn.
Need to start my stadium pilgrimage soon.
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Hey, Simon. How are things with you, today? Yeah, I’m getting back to normal. In another month, I should be just fine. Hold the twins, see “Killer”….drink beer….eat pizza….ooops…I’ve been drinking beer and eating pizza. ST can’t get here soon enough.
upstate kate
February 5th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
ah, how did I forget Shea, my first stadium. It was our class trip when I was in 6th grade. My friend’s father used to bring me along to a lot of games too. My sister took me to fenway once, back in the day.
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My first trip to Shea was at the age of 3 for Disney Character day. I stood on the seat during the National Anthem and managed to get my foot stuck. Very typical Erica
I had a similar experience at a McDonalds many years ago when i was told I couldn’t order a double cheeseburger because it would screw up the bun count or something.
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I think you should have went with a big mac with extra buns. It always worked for me.
Erica, that’s hilarious! At least you got your picture
Bronx Jeers
February 5th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
I had a similar experience at a McDonalds many years ago when i was told I couldn’t order a double cheeseburger because it would screw up the bun count or something.
The rebel that I am, I ordered 2 cheeseburgers instead and made my own double leaving the extra bun on the counter.
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My dad once almost committed homicide in a McDonalds when he orded two Egg McMuffins during a 2 for $3 promotion, but didn’t specify he wanted the promotion. So they charged him $5.50 and refused to adjust the price
I’ve been to the stadiums for the Twins, Royals, White Sox, Angels, Dodgers, Orioles, Old Brewers (County Stadium),Old Tiger Stadium and Yankees. I LOVED old Tiger Stadium, but old Yankee Stadium was by far my favorite. Planning on seeing the new one this summer and will check out Target Field when the Yankees play the Twins there. We used to make family baseball trips when my kids were young. Great fun!
Erin
February 5th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Erica, that’s hilarious! At least you got your picture
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Yes, sadly we ultimately lost the contest
Btw- the other teams were furious cause they waited in Connecticut for us for 2 hours while we drove around lost
Oakland Coliseum gets no love whatsoever but I liked it.
There was a bar behind home plate that had big plate glass windows overlooking the field that’s was open to every ticket holder.
In Yankeeworld you’d probably have to be married to a Steinbrenner to get in to a place like that.
Also, somebody(I don’t remember who) hit a HR and suddenly everybody sitting in my section won a free pizza.
The sight of seeing everybody taking one coupon and passing the pile on to the next fan was shocking.
Honesty and civility of that degree just doesn’t exist in NY.
My dad once almost committed homicide in a McDonalds when he orded two Egg McMuffins during a 2 for $3 promotion, but didn’t specify he wanted the promotion. So they charged him $5.50 and refused to adjust the price.
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So what did he/they do? Ask for an extra 2 for 50 cents?
Partial Plan season ticket holders got screwed in the reolcation process. Most of us lost our weekend plans. Myself and Joe from Long Island are just 2 liscensees of thousands that lost their weekend plans and were replaced by weekday plans that the Yankees could not otherwise sell.
Also, in my case we went from having seats in the 10th row of the upper deck directly behind home plate to the last row of Sec 431B, at the left field foul pole.You barely feel like your in the ballpark once you get past Section 427. In 431 you don’t even hear the sound of the ball hitting the bat. Much worse than the wings of the deck in the old Stadium.
Like Joe, we’ve asked to be relocated. We’ve been offered field level seats that aren’t selling, but we’ve been told there’s small chance of be accomodated otherwise.
My family & I travel 350 miles round trip from Mass. to attend games. When I had to sell off over half my weekday tickets because we couldnt attend the games, the seats were already selling on Stub Hub for less than face value.
The problem stems from scalpers buying up full season plans. There are fewer seats available for partial plan holders. Proof of this was seeing 5,000 tickets per game, many in the section that were were relocated to, before I ever received my seat assignment from the Yankees.
S.o.S.(GO COLTS!)
February 5th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
My dad once almost committed homicide in a McDonalds when he orded two Egg McMuffins during a 2 for $3 promotion, but didn’t specify he wanted the promotion. So they charged him $5.50 and refused to adjust the price.
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So what did he/they do? Ask for an extra 2 for 50 cents?
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I am pretty sure after a lot of screaming at the cashier and the manager, he won the battle.
However, it was getting to the point where there were goign to be one of two outcomes. My dad killed them or ge have himself a heart attack screaming. LOL
S.o.S.(GO COLTS!)
February 5th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
O.k. now im starting to feel like its Pats and Giants all over again. Can someone please shut him up!! He couldnt just say its going to be a hard fought game and in the end i think Indy will find a way to pull it off. Does he know that the Saints are the #1 offense in the league? Talk about jinxing my team. No need for BULLETIN BOARD MATERIAL.
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I saw that this morning. I caught a little bit of Mike and Mike though, and they both felt that it wasn’t bulletin board material. I hope they’re right!
Camden Yards is still good – DC stadium is nice but nothing special – glad you did not mention Fenway
Bronx Jeers
February 5th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Oakland Coliseum gets no love whatsoever but I liked it.
There was a bar behind home plate that had big plate glass windows overlooking the field that’s was open to every ticket holder.
In Yankeeworld you’d probably have to be married to a Steinbrenner to get in to a place like that.
Also, somebody(I don’t remember who) hit a HR and suddenly everybody sitting in my section won a free pizza.
The sight of seeing everybody taking one coupon and passing the pile on to the next fan was shocking.
Honesty and civility of that degree just doesn’t exist in NY.
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Yeah, and as soon as you step outside of the Oakland ball park, you get mugged and a knife stuck between your ribs. You don’t see much honesty and civility like that everywhere.
“I think you should have went with a big mac with extra buns. It always worked for me.”
Extra buns? I wanted less buns. That was the problem.
Erica,
I would have taken 2.50$ worth of napkins and straws or something.
Extra buns? I wanted less buns. That was the problem.
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My bad. That was a poor mans way of getting 2 cheeseburgers for the price of 1 and a half.
I would have taken 2.50$ worth of napkins and straws or something.
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How about the ketsup puch thingy and called it even. Iv always wanted one of those. Dont forget to take the tiny paper cups to put it in.
If you haven’t been to SF for a game you are in for a total treat! Views, food, intimate size. The flotilla of boats waiting to catch a ball in the bay.
Have been to, in this order, the old Yankee Stadium in 1971 vs. Vida Blue and the A’s. The Oakland Coliseum, Candlestick Park, Pac Bell Park, Fenway from the outside while on many biz trips to Cambridge, and the “new” old Yankee stadium. A highlight was taking the tour there a few years ago with my parents. They marriedin 1947 and going to games (bleacher seats) were one of the few social activities they could afford. To tie into yesterday’s thread about Mel Allen, they said hello to him before one game. He was very busy of course, but being a gentleman, he invited them to visit with him in the press box after the game! No wonder we’re all still diehard Yankees fans!
I don’t accept muggings from anybody with less than a .38 caliber pistol.
For baseball I’ve only been to Coors Field, Shea, Old Yankee Stadium, New Yankee Stadium, the vet and citizen’s bank park. Also, I know it doesn’t count, but I’ve been to Legends field, spring training is awesome.
Considering my lack of experience in other stadiums the top 5 I’d like to visit in the future are:
1. Pittsburgh
2. Fenway
3. Wrigley
4. Safeco
5. San Fran based on Sam’s recommendation
Oh whoops I forgot I also have been to Camden Yards, it’s crazy nice.
S.o.S.(GO COLTS!)
February 5th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
How about the ketsup puch thingy and called it even. Iv always wanted one of those. Dont forget to take the tiny paper cups to put it in.
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My favorite part of going to McDonalds as a kid was filling those little cups with ketchup. I used to drive my parents nuts.
I always forget that we went to the old Milwaukee stadium while we were living in the Chicago area. It was the last year of that stadium. It was not a nice stadium. But the new one across the way (Miller Field?) looked great! We were a year too early, though. We saw the Brewers play whatever team Barry Bonds was playing for at the time – in ’99 or ’00. Giants? Anyway, the game was secondary. The stadium was very forgettable.
Stealing a ketchup dispenser is pretty hard core.
Plus it’s a bit too bulky to hide under one’s hat.
I have (many years ago) pilfered a squeeze bottle of Arby’s sauce though. It’s quite tasty! And you can’t buy it. The horseradish sauce is also very good.
Speaking of condiments, has anyone seen the new Heinz ketchup packet?
http://media.hamptonroads.com/.....021000.jpg
“I’ve been to the stadiums for the Twins, Royals, White Sox, Angels, Dodgers, Orioles, Old Brewers (County Stadium),Old Tiger Stadium and Yankees. I LOVED old Tiger Stadium, but old Yankee Stadium was by far my favorite”
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GR: what did you think of County Stadium? In terms of viewing the game itself
Old argument re-start alert!
Sr VP for Baseball Operations Newman (sp?) responded to a question from Seth Everet on XM this PM and gave strong indication that the NYYs do see Joba as the probable heir apparent to MO.
I will accept all the slings and arrows if I misunderstood him, but I don’t think I did.
Wrigley Field and Fenway are really old, but every baseball fan should experience a game at each of them.
Pittsburgh is absolutely fantastic with the river/bridges over the CF fence. Camden Yards is still great, and not so crowded if the Yanks or Sawx aren’t in town.
Seattle is excellent and the Giants/Jets are insane for not copying the retractable dome roof at that place.
Gonna make first visit to Citi Field this year and am dying to make it to Frisco. I kinda like the park in Arlington, but 104 degrees at 8:00pm ruined the experience.
What I’ve seen so far
NYY old: B+
NYY new: C+
BOS: A
BAL: A-
TB: D-
MIN: D
DET: B+
CHI (A): C-
CLE: B+
LAA: B
SEA: A-
PHI: B-
ATL: C-
NYM (old): C
WAS (old): D+
CHI (N): A
MIL: B+
PIT: A
LAD: A-
COL:A-
SFG (old): C-
SFG (new): A
SD: B+
Erin,
Speaking of cups. About a month ago i went to mcdonalds and ordered 4 waters for the family.(im getting eaten by the filters so i will break it down)
Backbench, pretty sure that decision will lie with Cashman and Girardi.
I don’t see why there needs to be an heir for Mo.
1. Mo is aging well, he is as good as ever and it looks like that won’t change any time soon.
2. There are very very few (think 1 or 2 in a generation) that could reproduce what Mo has done. Therefore when Mo retires, you aren’t replacing Mo, you are simply filling the closer position. Which leads to..
3. Considering that nobody can replace what Mo does, our mindset of what a closer is must change. Closers really aren’t anything special. You don’t need to plan 4 years down the road and have a guy ready this soon.
4. And once again – Joba as a starter is more valuable than Joba as a reliever.
Backbench —-
I have always considered this to be the key to the Hughes/Joba debate. IF the Yanks view Joba as the closer of the future, then he should be in the pen. If they view Hughes as the guy, then Phil relieves.
It really comes down to planning for the long term, not just the 2010 season.
Not much bigger than those ketchup cups. Better used for adult drinks.
I think they wanted us to order super duper sized drinks after eating the salty fries. I didnt fall for it.
I ordered 12 water cups. Not sure if they were previously owned though. With that lingering, im not sure who won that battle.
S.o.S.(GO COLTS!)
February 5th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Erin,
Speaking of cups. About a month ago i went to mcdonalds and ordered 4 waters for the family.(im getting eaten by the filters so i will break it down)
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Hurry. The suspense is killing me
I go to safeco whenever the Yankees are in town and its pretty slick. The roof is sweet. I can usually park for free a few blocks away. The only catch is that the fans are kind of ho hum. They mostly don’t seem to know much about baseball and focus on starting a wave.
Got to check out ATT last spring. I was impressed with the atmosphere and its a nice park, I think I prefer Safeco.
I got to go to one game at OYS and there really hasn’t been anything that compares. First of all the just how big it was compared to other baseball stadiums. All the fans are just so into it, even if it was just the Royals in town.
The big O in Montreal was the worst, hands down.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Pittsburgh. Pleasant location, nice architecture, Carnegie-endowed museums. Similar cultural attractions in Cleveland. Lack of cultural institutions is not the reason for these cities’ prolonged struggles in the 1970s-1990s
There isn’t a worse seat anywhere than the right field grandstands in Fenway Park. Not only do the poles obstruct your view, but the seats face the outfield and home plate is 90 degrees to your left.
PNC park is a beauty, that’s for sure.
I got to see the Yankees play there back in ’08.
I remember being at the Vet (old Phillies stadium) one day when Schilling pitched against the Yankees. He struck out 17 that day. It was also the most scared I have ever been at a sporting event. People would come right up to you and scream “yankees f—– suck”. I was walking back from buying a soda and some 50 something year old dude knocked the soda out of my hands. He then high-fived his son!
testing
shot
February 5th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Not much bigger than those ketchup cups. Better used for adult drinks.
I think they wanted us to order super duper sized drinks after eating the salty fries. I didnt fall for it.
I ordered 12 water cups. Not sure if they were previously owned though. With that lingering, im not sure who won that battle.
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LOL Maybe call it even???
Tom in NJ…..The rats carried knives at the old Vet…..
WARNING!!
Dont use the word gla–es(something you wear if your blind).
But you can use the word ass. hmmm?
5 easy pieces
Bobby wants plain toast, which isn’t on the menu]
Bobby: I’d like an omelet, plain, and a chicken salad sandwich on wheat toast, no mayonnaise, no butter, no lettuce. And a cup of coffee.
Waitress: A #2, chicken salad sand. Hold the butter, the lettuce, the mayonnaise, and a cup of coffee. Anything else?
Bobby: Yeah, now all you have to do is hold the chicken, bring me the toast, give me a check for the chicken salad sandwich, and you haven’t broken any rules.
Waitress: You want me to hold the chicken, huh?
Bobby: I want you to hold it between your knees.
1.Old Yankee Stadium
2.Pac Bell
3.Wrigley
4.Safeco
5.Fenway
6.Petco
7.Dodger
8.Qualcomm
9.Pro Player
10.Atl Fulton County
11.Oakland Coliseum
12.Shea
13.Veterans
14.Tropicana
15.Candlestick (for a 49er game)
Falling Down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eREiQhBDIk
I really like the aesthetics of Citi Field.
Uncle Ellsworth (Expert textpert choking smokers, don’t you think the joker laughs at you)
February 5th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
5 easy pieces
Bobby wants plain toast, which isn’t on the menu]
Bobby: I’d like an omelet, plain, and a chicken salad sandwich on wheat toast, no mayonnaise, no butter, no lettuce. And a cup of coffee.
Waitress: A #2, chicken salad sand. Hold the butter, the lettuce, the mayonnaise, and a cup of coffee. Anything else?
Bobby: Yeah, now all you have to do is hold the chicken, bring me the toast, give me a check for the chicken salad sandwich, and you haven’t broken any rules.
Waitress: You want me to hold the chicken, huh?
Bobby: I want you to hold it between your knees.
*********************
LOL…I love that movie
That was freakin hilarious U.E..
I still to this day look at the pictures at fast food joints and ask “does this look like that?”
Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis to see the Browns …
Briggs Stadium in Detroit to see the Tigers …
Shibe Park in Philly to see the A’s …
Griffith Stadium in Washington to see the Senators …
Obviously the opponent would be the Yankees in their road grays.
Buddy,
Pretty impressive list. If youv been to all of them, i think the only person on this blog that would have you beat is probably SJ and maybe Pat.
Getting to stadiums in Seattle and SF are on my bucket list. Toronto too.
Pittsburgh was a great place to take in a game especially with a family or at least it was a few years back. Hotels downtown aren’t ridiculously expensive, it’s a reasonable walk to the ballpark and ticket prices were ridiculously cheap from a Yankee fan perspective and readily available.
Have been to Dodger, Anaheim, Wrigley, Fenway, Yankee, Shea, Camden, The Jake, The Trop, The Astrodome and Minute Maid when it was Enron.
If you click my name now, I have some decent pics of PNC, Safeco, Fenway, Progressive, Coors & NYS and other assorted baseball shots.
I really loved Fenway. It’s got it’s drawbacks for sure but seeing they Yanks play there is just amazing fun.
(Even if AJ gives up 7 runs in 2 innings.)
(( double post; the first was under the ARod/batting order discussion ))
Analysis of Jeter & Johnson being on base for Tex & A-Rod:
Jeter’s career OBP = 38.8%, Johnson’s career OBP = 40.2%
DJ on* DJ off NJ on* NJ off | one on* both on*
38.8 …. 40.2 …. | …. 15.6
38.8 …. …. 59.8 | 23.2 ….
…. 61.2 40.2 …. | 24.6 ….
…. 61.2 …. 59.8 | …. ….
TOTAL On Base Percent = 47.8 + 15.6 = 63.4%
Net results– Either Jeter or Johnson should be on base* 47.8% of the time when Tex comes up to bat (or ARod if he bats 3rd); both should be on* 15.6% of the time; and either one or both should be on* 63.4% of the time. Of course, for Tex’s 2nd+ at bat it is also possible that other runners could be on base (GGBG, Swish, Cano).
*Note- these numbers are not adjusted for home runs, on by error, or runner lost due to DP. Thus, actual frequency of DJ or NJ being on base when Tex comes up would be somewhat different. I’m looking into adding these events to the analysis. Some preliminary numbers:
– Note that DJ’s career HR rate is 2.3%, and 2.5% last year. NJ’s career HR rate is 2.9%, although it was only 1.4% last year.
– DJ’s Reached on error (ROE) rate last year was 1%. NJ’s was 0.5%. (It’s a tedious job to get the career ROE rate.)
– NJ’s GDP rate is 2.3%, although with DJ’s higher OBP rate batting in front of him, NJ’s DP rate could go up to 3%.
Note- Granderson’s career OBP = 34.4% (32.7% in 2009); his career HR rate is 3.5% (4.2% in 2009); his 2009 ROE rate 0.3%; his career GDP rate is 0.6% (0.1% in 2009).
Thus, doing the calculations as in the chart above, the TOTAL line for Jeter + Granderson batting 1 & 2 would be (career stats):
TOTAL On Base Percent = 46.6 + 13.3 = 59.9%
Both great movies,
the scene from 5 easy pieces got filtered
Tiger Stadium – classic
Fenway –
Shea –
Mile High – so bad
Camden –
Dodger – liked a lot
New YS
Old YS
Yankee Stadium is not on this list. It’s in a class by itself (all three versions).
For 2010 I’ll add two more, one probably near the top (ATT/SF), and one to join the bottom dwellers (Oakland Alameda Coliseum/Oakland)
1. Safeco Field (Seattle)
This is/should be the prototype for any stadium with a retractable roof. Roof open or closed, this is the nicest stadium I’ve seen so far. The place is spectacular in all ways. The view, open or closed is of downtown Seattle behind Quest Field (Seahawks). When the roof is closed, there is still a feeling of being out in the open. The park is roomy with great sight lines.
2.Jacobs Field (or Progressive) – Cleveland
Other than the R and R Museum, the only reason to visit. It’s a jewel.
2T.Camden Yards (Baltimore)
Great atmosphere, Eutaw Street is super, The Babe Ruth Museum is a short walk away. The park is very nice, Yankee Stadium South, but without the surrounding atmosphere, Cleveland is nicer.
4A. Wrigley Field
4B. Fenway Park
Two classics of a bygone era. Wrigley seems more spacious, both have some comfort issues, but so did the old YS.
6. Dodger Stadium
Great sight lines, horrible parking and exiting , indifferent fans.
7. Citifield (Mets)
Still a work in progress. More a monument to the Brooklyn Dodgers (Jackie Robinson Rotunda) and the NY Giants (color scheme of the outfield walls) than the Mets. Looked unfinished when I went. The field is interesting ,but too busy. It’s unusually large. Home runs there, except down the lines, are real pokes. I expect the fences to be brought in. The unfinished concrete look needs to be toned down. The exterior looks like Ebbetts Field. I’ll check back for changes in 2010.
7. US Cellular (Chicago WS)
A modern comfortable version of Shea Stadium. Totally nondescript. If you want a beef hot dog, get a Kosher, the others are mystery meat. If you’re Kosher, you’re out of luck, they’re grilled together with the mysterys. Park is in middle of a bad nowhere. Take the Red Line.
8.Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay-St. Pete)
Indoors, yuch!! Very fan friendly. Indoor carnival atmosphere. Good sightlines, seats close to field. Free parking with 4 or more in car. If the Yankees or Red Sox aren’t in town, the place would be empty. With them, they rarely exceed 20000 anyway.
9.Miller Field (Milwaukee)
Newer than the Trop but more antiseptic. Much uglier in person than it appears on TV, looks like you’re in a warehouse. Nothing in area, but a Friday’s in the ballpark.
10.Shea
Rest in Pieces.
11. “Where the Marlins play” (Miami)
Just awful. Baseball in a square set up. Baseball in a Football only environment. The Marlins can’t move fast enough. I hope I never see a place worse than this.
Kansas City has really improved this year. Even the food booths are better: more variety and bigger servings. You can’t beat the kids activity park where you can bat against video Joba or pitch to a video Arod.
Wrigley Field—Old, cramped,lousy ballpark food. But an unforgettable experience, one every baseball fan should have. Great neigborhood, TONS of bars.
US Cellular–Best hot dogs, I’ve ever had at a baseball stadium. Love the “Go Go White Sox” fight song. Crappy area,nothing around the stadium.
Oakland–It’s in an industrial area, you drive in and drive out. You won’t get mugged.
Citi Field–Too many obstructed views for a new stadium. Overpriced seats for a lousy team
Pittsburgh–Great stadium.
Milwaukee–Another nice park, tailgating and good food.
Dodger Stadium–A dump. Traffic, high prices… a big disappointment.
(Expert textpert choking smokers, don’t you think the joker laughs at you)
======
U.E.,
Iv been wanting to ask you. I dont remember that line being in The Dark Knight. Seriously though, what does that mean?
Hate to say it but there is something about watching a Yankee game in Fenway. The grandstand seats are vintage 1910 small, most of the place looks shabby, there are poles in the way, but Fenway is cool!
U.E.,
“Iv been wanting to ask you. I dont remember that line being in The Dark Knight. Seriously though, what does that mean?”
I can’t say with any certainty what it means in general (can anyone?).
But I use it here because I find it appropriate.
Thanks John
S.o.S.(GO COLTS!)
February 5th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
(Expert textpert choking smokers, don’t you think the joker laughs at you)
======
U.E.,
Iv been wanting to ask you. I dont remember that line being in The Dark Knight. Seriously though, what does that mean?
*********************
I really don’t know what it means either. But the line itself is actually from the Beatles song “I am the Walrus”
Man you should have seen them kicking Edgar Allen Poe
Thanks Erica. I was going to put it as an unsolved mystery. I feel much better now.
U.E., we’re good.
Uncle E,
For all the hubbub we raised, (Not sure if you remember) both Nine and The Road sure got laid by the wayside in terms of Oscar nods.
Personally, I’m pulling for Basterds over Avatar.
1. Camden Yards ( Yankee Stadium South)
2. Nationals Park ( Selection of Booze is fantastic)
3. Miller Park – The Brats and freshly brewed beer are a pretty amazing combo, the field and roof are really cool too.
4. Fenway – Feels like your on top of the clubs
5. Citizens Bank – Because I saw one of the best concerts of my life there, – Jimmy Buffett
Judging from its lack of mentions, not too many of you have been to Nationals Park yet. Great place to see a game; great food too.
Wait for Stephen Strasburg to get a start, then hop on the Acela and go see a game there.
Bronx Jeers
February 5th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Uncle E,
For all the hubbub we raised, (Not sure if you remember) both Nine and The Road sure got laid by the wayside in terms of Oscar nods.
Personally, I’m pulling for Basterds over Avatar
I remember
Wow so true. The Road Tanked big time (both I guess).
I actually retracted my predictions for the Road shortly after our convo. The Buzz died quick.
I posted my Oscar pics the day the noms came out.
I need to see Avatar.
I loved parts of Basterds but did not think it came together as a complete film – just not oscar worthy (whatever the hell that means) IMO
If you are laying money bet the house on Avatar in every catagory it is nominated in.
I liked Hurt Locker better than IB although it too had some problems.
Basically Oscars are right about half the time.
“9.Miller Field (Milwaukee)
Newer than the Trop but more antiseptic. Much uglier in person than it appears on TV, looks like you’re in a warehouse. Nothing in area, but a Friday’s in the ballpark”
————————————————————
Groucho: thank you for confirming this. The exact impression i had via tv (down to the term warehouse). It is too bad Bud Selig permitted the old Milwaukee County Stadium to erode (by design). In the mid-late 1980′s it was a wonderful stadium to view a game. Near perfect
also, i belive what you said regarding Tropicana Field. For a dome, it doesn’t look bad
These are the fields I’ve visited altogether –
Shea – first one I ever went to
The Old Vet (almost forgot I did it was so long ago)
Old Yankee Stadium
Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh (way too big)
Wrigley Field (before the ivy was in bloom)
the Other Chicago ballpark (White Sox in ’99, whatever it was named)
Toronto
Cleveland
Citifield
Camden Yards
Busch Stadium (in ’99)
Petco Park
(The last two, the teams were on the road, so we did the stadium tours, no game)
Also, we saw Anaheim Stadium from our hotel room when we stayed at Disney Land (does that count?) – the season hadn’t started yet.
Miller Park is an underrated stadium. Well I guess the atmosphere is underrated, the stadium is plain and simple. The tailgate atmosphere for the Brewers is the best in the league. Its almost like a football game atmosphere. The people in Wisconsin enjoy the warm months that they go bonkers for the baseball game. They have drawn in the top 10 in attendance for the last 3 years and if the brewers would make the playoffs more than once every 26 years that number would even higher.
I loved parts of Basterds but did not think it came together as a complete film – just not oscar worthy (whatever the hell that means) IMO
If you are laying money bet the house on Avatar in every catagory it is nominated in.
I liked Hurt Locker better than IB although it too had some problems.
=======
Agree 100%. Avatar is a must see. The special effects and picture is nothing like iv seen before. Whats this Road movie your talking about?
Ooops -
and
Safeco
and
as I said earlier, the one I always forget – Milkwaukee’s old stadium.
And the New Yankee Stadium.
Gee, my brain is not working today. Sorry.
Whats this Road movie your talking about?
Cormac McCarthy (wrote No Country for Old Men) wrote it.
Man and son on a perilous Journey in a post acpocalitic world. Viggo Mortinson Stars.
The event of all events -
http://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Cent_Beer_Night
SoS, Colts fans, The Office fans
I saw a Peyton Manning interview the other day where he said he was “not superstitious, just a little stitious”. He gave the credit to Eli, but it is actually a Michael Scott line.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disco_Demolition
Doreen,
Its all good just finish your post with a to be continued….
U.E.,
Did you watch the movie? If so, whats your take on it?
upstate kate
February 5th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
SoS, Colts fans, The Office fans
I saw a Peyton Manning interview the other day where he said he was “not superstitious, just a little stitious”. He gave the credit to Eli, but it is actually a Michael Scott line.
Classic
upstate kate
February 5th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
SoS, Colts fans, The Office fans
I saw a Peyton Manning interview the other day where he said he was “not superstitious, just a little stitious”. He gave the credit to Eli, but it is actually a Michael Scott line.
***********************
That’s one of my favorite lines from The Office! I saw an interview with Eli this morning and he said that at least he got a laugh when he said it-appearantly Peyton didn’t.
upstate kate,
Im a huge The Office fan. I knew i heard it before, but couldnt remember where. I think when Peyton retires, he should do some comedy show. The man is a riot. Did you watch him on SNL when he was playing football with that kids and had one go sit in the bathroom?
U.E.,
Did you watch the movie? If so, whats your take on it?
Not yet. I will though. Reviews were positve but not great,
I don’t think many people went to see it – it is depressing- although I hear there is a hopeful ending.
S.o.S.(GO COLTS!)
February 5th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
upstate kate,
Im a huge The Office fan. I knew i heard it before, but couldnt remember where. I think when Peyton retires, he should do some comedy show. The man is a riot. Did you watch him on SNL when he was playing football with that kids and had one go sit in the bathroom?
***************************
One of the best SNLs ever
I really liked Avatar much more than I expected to. My wife actually cried a little and it’s totally not her type of movie.
But I think 1 critic really nailed it. He said that it’s similar to Titanic where immediately after you see it for the first time, you think “Wow, that was amazing” but down the road you think it’s kind of corny.
The story itself is very formulaic.
it is depressing- although I hear there is a hopeful ending.
=======
I guess thats one ill have to watch without the wife. She got crapped out leaving the theatre after watching 2012. I on the other hand enjoy those apocalyptic movies. Even ones that arent but have it in their title. “apacalypto” in my top 5 ever.
Erin
February 5th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
S.o.S.(GO COLTS!)
February 5th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
upstate kate,
Im a huge The Office fan. I knew i heard it before, but couldnt remember where. I think when Peyton retires, he should do some comedy show. The man is a riot. Did you watch him on SNL when he was playing football with that kids and had one go sit in the bathroom?
***************************
One of the best SNLs ever
It was funny but
Until you’ve seen Charles Barkley playing one one with Barney (the Dinosaur) you ain’t seen nothin.
Uncle Ellsworth (Expert textpert choking smokers, don’t you think the joker laughs at you)
February 5th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
One of the best SNLs ever
It was funny but
Until you’ve seen Charles Barkley playing one one with Barney (the Dinosaur) you ain’t seen nothin.
******************
LOL I stick by it though since I’m a huge Peyton fan.
SoS I love
Post Apoc. movies too
but there is no way I would pay to see 2012.
SoS
no, I didn’t see that SNL, I will have to look for it.
Bronx Jeers
haven’t seen Avatar yet, but my son did. His take was the graphics and special effects were wonderful but the story was predictable.
I’m a huge Peyton fan.
it is hard not to like the guy.
I watched Barkley the other day on SNL. He looked so stiff through out the whole show. They should have just had him ad lib the whole thing.
SoS I love
Post Apoc. movies too
but there is no way I would pay to see 2012.
======
It was either that or the chipmunks. Will it change your mind if i said it was a $3 movie(a theatre that shows movies that are a month old for only 3 bucks)?
BTW,
I watched the 2 hour episode of Lost. Its becoming a total joke. Can anyone actually die in this series? It should just change its name to fantacy island.
It was either that or the chipmunks. Will it change your mind if i said it was a $3 movie(a theatre that shows movies that are a month old for only 3 bucks)?
That does change it a bit.
New Post: So, if there’s a losing streak in April
Has anybody seen the SNL Avatar spoof?
I won’t post it here because it’s sort of dirty (simulated sex) but you can google “SNL Avatar chamber” if you want to check it out.
Did LOST End?
How was it?
I feel a less than stellar ending to that show will have the fans in an uproar.
Doreen, Fenway should be on your list. Try the bleachers once, then go for closer seats.
U.E.,
Its the final season. It was the first 2 of the final season that started last weekend.
I live in the Boston area and have been to Fenway several times. I guess you either love it or hate it. I am in the latter camp. Parking is a joke. Be prepared to pay $50 or more to park near the park. The seats are made for small people and many of them face center field. The bathrooms are old, small and disgusting.
They have made an effort to improve the place the past few years, but the time and money spent on improvements would have been much better spent on a new park.
The Wall is dumb and the overpriced seats on top of the wall are even dumber. In the old Stadium you could get a seat in the upper deck in right field which was identical to the monster seats for a fraction of the price.
As I said, what I see as cramped others view as cozy.
I love the new YS. The moat is a problem that the team must address, but overall the fan experience is outstanding. I could do away with the constant music, but the concourses are fantastic. They allow you to buy a beer without missing a second of the action.
Safeco sounds great and I really want to get to Camden Yards. Maybe this year.
I’ve been to
Fenway- saw baseball & football there
Old YS
Shea
Polo Grounds (I was a little squirt)
Old Busch Stadium- STL
Wrigley- what a great place!
Atlanta- Turner Field
and some decent minor league stadiums too:
Albany NY (little squirt there too)
Memphis (Auto Zone Park)
Memphis (Tim McCarver Stadium, now gone, was definitely a classic old stadium with all its shortcomings)
OKC (statue of Mickey Mantle out front)
FYI- (“soapbox time…”)
I really really really think that stadiums (and airports, etc) should have a name which includes the city (or team) and the sponsor.
I guess the “old ones” can be grandfathered (like O’Hare A/P and Shea Stadium).
Who knows where Pro Player Stadium is or was?
Or Progressive Field (unless you live locally or are “full-time fan”?
Or airports- (Well, we all know some of these, but “geez”, airport names should include the city name!!
Standiford Field- (SDF- Louisville)
Logan Airport (BOS- Boston)
Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI- Baltimore-Washington)
Will Rogers World Airport (OKC- Oklahoma City)
Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA- Washington National)
1. Camden Yard
2. Coors Field
3. Petco Park
4. Anahiem
5. Fenway
1 cleveland
2 baltimore
3 lehigh valley iron pigs stadium
4 scranton yankees
5 the field in allentown, pa where i used to play softball. i think there were only one set of bleachers.
the only other’s i’ve been to were the Vet and Shea… both dumps.
oh, and i’ve seen wrigley, but only from the outside since it was october and freezing out. i’m sure it would make my list if i saw a game there….
and i’ve seen fenway from the outside and it looked like a dump
Target Field looks nice, but I’d be interested to see how April and postseason baseball play out there.
Since some of you have brought up the topic of minor league stadiums, Dutchess Stadium has to be one of the nicest sub-AAA fields in the country (especially in contrast to the field in Oneonta that the Yankees and Tigers short season A level teams played in)
I have been to 12 different stadiums and after Yankee Stadium the only one that left me in awe was Wrigley Field. It was like going back in time to when baseball was a game and there were far more everyday folks who just love this game and not the amenities. Being old gives me a different feel for what is important in being at the ballpark.
Yankee Stadium (Post Renovation) (A classic. Gave me goosebumps to move in there. Was really, really sad when it was closed)
Yankee Stadium (New) (Was a little disapointed considering the money put in to it. Nice breeze, much more open)
Citi Field (Nice architecture. Lots of room, seats aren’t bad. Was kind of surprised that the seats near the bottom are just about all plastic (along the 3b line, I noticed that they were cushioned behind home plate only)
Shea Stadium
Toronto (Rogers Center) (Not bad. Very clean!)
White Sox (Caught Mark Burhle’s perfect game! What luck!) (Wasn’t entirely impressed, but it had the cheapest food!)
Kansas City (Loved this stadium! I’d go again in a heartbeat. Food was great, fountains were cool… renovations were done very well!)
Colorado (not bad – I’d place it along with White Sox – I thought the row of purple seats was cool (one mile up, exactly).
That’s it, hoping for more in the future!
how is wrigley not on this list?