A mighty and triumphant roar radiates from the throats of the thousands upon thousands of people packed into the stands like sardines. Tears of joy stream down the faces of grown men as the team they have loved since they could first walk has just won the World Series. The sport of baseball has grown to become the national pastime of the United States since Abner Doubleday first invented it in 1839. From 1839 to the present, many things have changed about the sport of baseball.
The type of wood used to make bats has changed, players have gotten stronger and faster, baseball has become integrated, and the popularity of the sport has increased dramatically. Despite these changes, one thing has remained similar throughout the years; Professional baseball has always been played in fascinating ballparks. Today, teams play in a wide variety of ballparks, some over 100 years old, some newer with retro designs, and some with modern designs and state of the art features.
These ballparks aren’t simply fortresses of concrete created to house baseball teams; They are symbols of cities and people and the life blood of fans, making ballparks the finest stadiums in all of sports. Some of Major League Baseball’s finest ballparks are of the old and historic variety. When reminiscing to the era in which greats such as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig played, and when men dressed up in suit coats, top hats, and neck ties when coming to a ball game, two distinctive ballparks come to mind. These two ballparks go by the names of Wrigley Field (home of the Chicago Cubs) and Fenway Park (home of the Boston Red Sox).
Wrigley Field first opened its gates back in 1914, whereas Fenway Park opened in 1912. These stadiums have stood to survive the test of time due to their old-time charm and historic aspects. “The Friendly Confines” have been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916, experiencing all of the pain and anguish that has come from the “lovable losers. ” This ballpark has gained notoriety and fame due to its manual scoreboard, its brick, ivy covered outfield walls, its view obstructing support poles, and its famous marquee sign. Wrigley is considered by many to be baseball’s best ballpark due to its long history, oldtimey feel, and historic charm.
Baseball enthusiasts everywhere make a visit to Wrigley Field one of their bucket list items. One thing that has set Wrigley and Fenway apart from other ballparks are the alleged curses they possess. Wrigley has become notorious for possessing the “Curse of the Billy Goat,” compared to Fenway, which supposedly possessed the “Curse of the Great Bambino. ” Fenway Park is described in much the same manner as Wrigley for its historic attributes and classic style. Some of Fenway’s most notable features are Pesky’s Pole, the Green Monster, and the Triangle.
These unique features have helped Fenway to separate itself from the herd of baseball stadiums and have allowed it to survive the test of time as well. Major League baseball also has newer, more modern stadiums that are equally adored by the fans. An example of this category of ballpark is Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros. Minute Maid Park is well known for a few peculiar features, such as the train that rides around the top of the outfield wall, the incorporation of historic Union Station into the stadium’s construction, and Tal’s Hill (a literal hill in the field of play) in centerfield.
This ballpark doesn’t possess the same historic charisma that Fenway and Wrigley do, but its unique features and culture make it a special place too. Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles, is another example of a newer ballpark that is beloved by many for its own characteristics. Camden Yards is special because in the eyes of most of the baseball community, it was the first of the newer wave of ballparks to pay homage to older ballparks and possess a retro design. This ballpark has also gained fame for its ncorporation, rather than destruction, of the B&O Warehouse into the stadium’s design. This incorporation of a local landmark into the stadium’s construction is similar to Minute Maid park incorporating Union Station into the ballpark’s design. Another example of a beloved modern ballpark is PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. PNC Park is consistently ranked as one of the top ballparks in America for its incredible sightlines into the city of Pittsburgh, and most notably for its spectacular view of the Roberto Clemente Bridge.
The open air environment of this stadium, with its rowdy fans and terrific views, makes it one of the best in the league, regardless of its short history or the team’s success. Watching players launch baseballs into the Allegheny River is a part of the culture of this ballpark that makes it special. One final example of this category of ballpark is AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. AT&T Park is renowned for its intimate atmosphere and McCovey Cove, giving the players a chance to send souvenirs out to unsuspecting kayakers.
These four baseball stadiums are living examples that being old and historic isn’t a requirement for a stadium to be beloved and special. Many baseball stadiums in America are renowned for being state of the art and ultra modern. Increasing popularity of and interest in the game has resulted in demand for newer and better ballparks, making this type of ballpark all the more relevant and prevalent in today’s MLB. An example of this type of new and modern ballpark is Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Miller Park is appreciated by fans all across baseball for its modern features and unique atmosphere. In no other ballpark in the MLB does the team’s mascot go down a giant slide after each home run by the home team. Miller Park is also well known for its retractable roof, allowing for fans to enjoy baseball in a closed environment when the weather is bad, and to enjoy baseball under the sun when the weather is good. Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is another fine example of a new, modern park that is adored by fans. Chase Field is mostly known for its pool ocated beyond the outfield fences.
However, this pool has been involved in some controversy in recent years. The Los Angeles Dodgers partied in this pool after winning the 2013 National League West division title when they were specifically asked not to by the Diamondbacks, helping to heighten the rivalry and atmosphere in Chase Field. Chase Field, similar to Miller Park, is also known for its retractable roof, allowing for fans to enjoy the climate of Arizona on some days, and protecting the players and fans from the sweltering Phoenix heat and desert sun on othe days.
Finally, another example of a modern park that has gained the admiration of fans is Great American Ballpark, home of the Cincinnati Reds. This ballpark is best known for its smokestacks in the outfield, paying respect to the steamships that used to float along the Ohio River, and for its view of the of the Ohio River. These three ballparks are a living testament that modern baseball stadiums appeal to fans, much like the classic stadiums and retro stadiums do. Baseball is America’s most beloved game that has evolved throughout the years to become our national pastime.
In spite of this evolution, professional teams have continually played in packed stadiums full of clamoring, diehard fans. These stadiums don’t just host baseball games each year, and they aren’t simply just concrete fortresses built to house teams. Ballparks unite communities and build pride amongst the fans. They are the lifeblood of the fan bases in baseball, allowing fans to have a place to come together to root for their beloved teams to their heart’s content.
To the fans, it doesn’t necessarily matter how big or small a baseball stadium is, or how new or old a stadium is, what matters is the character, culture, and atmosphere of the stadium. Sure amenities and state of the art features are nice, but what really matters the most to the fans is how the stadium makes you feel on game day, and how memorable the experience of going to the ballpark is. Baseball stadiums come in all shapes and sizes, but they all hold a special place in the hearts of baseball fans everywhere, making them the most fascinating sports venues in all of America.
