In my spare time...
A few years back, I decided to make my travels a bit more exciting so I began the "bucket list" of visiting all the MLB ball parks. Here is a rundown of those I've been able to visit:
Cincinnati Reds - Great American Ballpark
Three weeks away from hosting the All-Star Game, GAB was immaculate. The stadium was clean, the concessions were fantastic and the fans were really cool. After spending some time in this ballpark and seeing the loyalty for this team, I can see why this is the only team in MLB to open the season at home every single year... Houston Astros
Minute Maid Park / Enron Stadium
With family in Houston that has season tickets, I get to visit this stadium frequently. I was able to make the last season in the Astrodome and the inaugural season here. It's the best of both worlds - when it's a crisp evening, the dome is open. When it's 100 degrees or raining, they close the roof and crank up the AC. The train along the outfield was nice, but thanks to corporate sponsorships, the track is pretty much covered up with big signs. 
Boston Red Sox - Fenway Park
Being a HUGE Red Sox fan, Fenway is the "Shrine" of baseball stadiums. It's over 100 years old, but still provides one of the best baseball experiences of any stadium I've visited. If you ever have the opportunity to go, even if you are not a baseball fan, please check this stadium out, you will not be disappointed. Minnesota Twins - Target Field
Traveling to Minneapolis on my birthday (the day after Labor Day) wasn't ideal, but the weather was fantastic. I was able to catch the White Sox play the Twins at Target Field and it was an amazing experience. Another great stadium. This was the year they hosted the All-Star game so the stadium was in immaculate condition - they even had self-serve beer vending machines....
Texas Rangers - Arlington Park
This is another great baseball stadium. It's open, provides great views from most seats and keeps that "throwback" feel some of the other stadiums don't have. Really enjoyed the game (they were playing the Red Sox and Boston won) and everyone working here was very outgoing and nice. Kansas City Royals - Kauffman Stadium
Kauffman Park is a beautiful park to watch a game. Unfortunately, the outside of the stadium isn't much to look at, and it shares a parking lot with Arrowhead Stadium. Didn't try any of the food, but I heard it's something you should avoid at all costs... Visit the park for the game, not much else.
Chicago White Sox - Comiskey Park
Another great stadium. Easy access (via train), great baseball environment, and a huge baseball town. Nice open park with plenty to do between innings. Have also visited Wrigley, but they are both great parks to catch a game.Atlanta Braves - Turner Field
Even though the weather created some delays for this game, the atmosphere was fantastic. The stadium is in great shape, but unfortunately they are going to demolish it soon for another further in the suburbs. If you are going through Atlanta and can catch a game, I recommend it!
Tampa Bay Rays - Tropicana Field
What a disappointment this stadium was. It lived up to the hype of one of the worst stadiums in the league. With VERY little field level seating, you are very far from the action. Even more so, the dome is a mess. Probably one of the dirtiest stadiums I've ever visited. The staff was nice and accommodating, but unless this stadium is on your bucket list, skip it. They did allow the few remaining fans to run on the outfield after the game which allowed me to get this unique picture...
Baltimore Orioles - Camden Yards
This was actually a work function at the park and one I wasn't sure I would make, but I'm glad I did. Camden is truly one of the older parks that reminds you of how the game used to be played. With plenty of brick in the architecture, they just don't make them like this anymore.
Cleveland Indians - Progressive Field
Working the week in Canton, I drove an hour north to catch this game. The Indians were having a horrible year and tickets were cheap - I think I paid $10 to sit 4 rows behind the 1st base dugout. Crazy!The stadium is very modern with trees growing in the Batters Eye box and a huge glass wall along the third base line. You can see where the Cavaliers play just across the street, so the view isn't spectacular, but it's nice. As with all Cleveland teams, the Indians lost that night but I went home with a foul ball.
Chicago Cubs - Wrigley Field
A day game at Wrigley field is a must on any stadium list. We sat next to a group of ladies who go twice a year and they really made our experience more enjoyable. A bit of a warning - the first base side is in the sun for day games. It's the visitors side, but you will get cooked if you aren't prepared. Luckily, the ladies next to us brought sun screen and were nice enough to share - we were not prepared for that much sun. Overall - enjoyable stadium, atmosphere and would do it again if I could.
Baseball Hall of Fame - Cooperstown NY
During a trip to Upstate NY, I was able to take a half day and visit the ultimate baseball shrine - the Hall of Fame. Cooperstown is small - there isn't much to do here, but they absolutely embrace the HOF. They have done a fantastic job of creating a museum of baseball history and artifacts, while making it exciting to explore for those who aren't from the "older" generations.Baseball cards, Bats, Lockers for each team with unique memorabilia (Shillings bloody sock anyone?) and the actual Hall of Bronze Plaques. It's a great place to visit, just make sure you plan other things to do around Cooperstown as once you finish with the HOF, there isn't much else...
Stadiums I've visited but, sadly, no pictures...
- St. Louis Cardinals - Busch Stadium
- San Francisco Giants - AT&T Park
