A Guide To Major League Baseball Stadiums

Over the course of the past five years I was finally able to tackle a feat I’ve always wanted to conquer. At the end of the 2006 season I could finally say that I have in fact visited all 30 of the current Major League Baseball stadiums. Please note: I’m referring to the 30 stadiums in use during the ’06 season. I thought I should make that clear considering most teams nowadays ask for a new stadium whenever someone so much as spills a soda in their current ballpark. With plans for even more new stadiums popping up everywhere, it won’t be long before my proud little accomplishment will be obsolete. In the meantime however I’ll share my thoughts on the best of the bunch.

The Classics You Can’t Afford To Miss

Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox - If baseball is Boston’s religion, then Fenway Park is their Cathedral. The faithful come out in droves to pack this legendary stadium and for good reason. Fenway may not be the most well maintained stadium but it certainly has more charm and history than any other baseball venue I’ve ever seen. Everything from the old fashion score board in left field, to the famed Green Monster, to the pre-game street fair on Yawkey Way jam packed with incredible food and a party-like atmosphere, celebrates a genuine love and respect for the game of baseball.

Yankee Stadium, New York Yankees - Love ‘em or hate ‘em, you’ve got to recognize the chills-inducing greatness that is Yankee Stadium. It’s hard not to act like a kid the first time you see the famed white Facade running along the outfield billboards and scoreboard. It’s so thrilling that it actually nullifies the tackiness that is ballpark advertisements. Monument Park, which contains the plaques and monuments of Yankee greats, is yet another powerful part of the park. So what’s the biggest complaint surrounding Yankee Stadium? Perhaps the fact that it’s expected to close in 2008, with the Yanks set to play in a new stadium in 2009. Even the most hardened Red Sox fans might miss the joint. I said might.