Built on the banks of the Ohio River Great American Ball Park offers views of Kentucky and riverboats rolling by. The Reds were the first professional baseball team, this is honored with a mosaic as you enter the main gate entitled “The First Nine”. The Reds Big Red Machine era is also honored with a mosaic as well as a rose garden containing 4,192 roses and two smokestacks with seven baseball bats on each, hat tips to Pete Rose’s hit total and jersey number.
Petco Park’s LF line is unlike any other in MLB. The 100-year Western Metal Supply Co building was included in Petco’s construction rather than being torn down. It houses a number of restaurants, the Padres team store and a Party Deck. The Ballpark is centrally located in San Diego’s Gas Lamp District and includes a beach area for kids in CF as well as a Park at the Park where fans can enjoy the game while enjoying the perfect weather. Petco Park is designed for the laid back San Diegan in mind.
I bet you didn’t know Kansas City is home to the second most water fountains in the world, trailing only Rome. This point of pride is prominently displayed beyond Kauffman Stadium’s left-center and right-center fences. At 322 feet, it is the largest privately funded fountain in the world, entertaining fans pre and post-game as well as in-between innings. Another unique feature is the crowned scoreboard in center, a perfect complement to the sole baseball-only facility built between 1966 and 1991. The Royals recent success on the field has highlighted one of the hidden ballpark gems in Major League Baseball.
Self-proclaimed as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” Fenway Park is MLB’s oldest, opening its’ doors for the first time on April 20, 1912. Fenway Park is a must see for baseball fans of all ages however keep in mind despite the recent renovations, a 10-year initiative to improve every facet of the ballpark and preserve it for the next 30-40 years, Fenway can be tough to navigate due to some cramped quarters and the plethora of standing room only tickets sold. I would recommend arriving early and enjoying the pregame block-party atmosphere on Yawkey Way.
A ballpark for all ages, Comerica Park blends the Tigers past with a Walk of Fame chronicling the team’s history by decade along with seven statues of Tiger icons, with a family friendly atmosphere that includes a Ferris wheel, carousel and Tiger statues protecting the gate entrances. Comerica Park’s downtown Detroit location may scare off some prospective travelers however the Tigers have a great fan base that have helped make the area a destination. A trip to Detroit would not be complete without visiting the site of the Tigers previous home, Tiger Stadium, where fans maintain the field now called Ernie Harwell Park, named after the Tigers legendary announcer.
Mayor Giuliani’s gift to his favorite ball club opened to a World Series title in 2009. It’s been downhill ever since for the Bronx Bombers, not winning a pennant since the inaugural year of the House that Jeter built.. The new stadium has all the modern amenities its’ predecessor did not, but lacks the character. I recommend arriving early and taking a walk through Heritage Field across the street, it’s where the old stadium once stood.
