Saturday, September 25, 2010

Complete MLB Ballpark Rankings

5 months of crisscrossing the country has been a blast.  I'm glad I did it, and I hope to be able to do it again in the future.

Listed below is a "Cliff Notes" version of the ballpark rankings.  From best to worst, here is a complete ranking of all 30 MLB ballparks.  I am sure you won't agree completely with this list, but hopefully you will find these rankings to be at least somewhat informative as you plan your own ballpark road trip ...


RankBallparkHome TeamSummaryCategory Score (0 to 10)
TOTAL
(0 to 50)
LocationAtmosphereFoodExterior 
Architecture
Interior 
Architecture
1PETCO ParkSan Diego PadresA large sandbox, grass-infused seating, a grassy slope and a T-ball field are just some of the highlights that provide a "coolness" factor that is tough to beat even for southern California.108891045
2Target FieldMinnesota TwinsClean, crisp, and brand new.  Great location in downtown Minneapolis.88891043
3PNC ParkPittsburgh PiratesFantastic view of the Pittsburgh skyline … and the ballpark isn't half bad either.985101042
3Yankee StadiumNew York YankeesThe stadium architects successfully preserved much of the mystique of the original Yankee Stadium.10888842
3Camden YardsBaltimore OriolesWhat is not to like about Maryland crab cakes?79108842
6Coors FieldColorado RockiesBreathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, and a great location in the LoDo District of Denver makes this ballpark a must visit!9878941
6AT&T ParkSan Francisco GiantsArguably the most historic ballpark west of the Mississippi6899941
8Wrigley FieldChicago CubsA truly iconic stadium with an unmatched atmosphere and location within Wringleyville101067740
8Citizens Bank ParkPhiladelphia PhilliesGreat food, great mascot and a descent stadium67981040
10Comerica ParkDetroit TigersThe tiger statues (animals, not players) give this ballpark a uniqueness all its own.7789839
11Rogers CentreToronto Blue JaysThat is one large video screen!107103838
11Safeco FieldSeattle MarinersDo you want to get within five feet of an MLB pitcher without paying hundreds of dollars for a field level seat?  Check out the bullpen location before and during the game.56 109838
13Busch StadiumSt. Louis CardinalsA slightly impressive view of downtown St. Louis in the background with a cute gateway arch pattern in the outfield grass.71056937
14Citi FieldNew York MetsThe area immediately surrounding the stadium needs a Mets-inspired facelift.  The dilapidated auto body shops need to go!7796736
15Nationals ParkWashington NationalsThe makeshift bar equipped with cornhole boards in the parking lot was a nice touch.8757734
16Fenway ParkBoston Red SoxClassic, gritty stadium with classic, gritty and uninspiring food.  Pretzels and hot dogs anyone?101036433
16Turner FieldAtlanta BravesDrive your Lexus to the ballpark and you can park in the Lexus only parking lot, right next to the stadium6856833
16Great American BallparkCincinnati RedsAmerica's Greatest Ballpark?  I don't think so.7677633
16Miller ParkMilwaukee BrewersHome to arguably the best ballpark attraction, the Klement's Sausage Race.4778733
16US Cellular FieldChicago White SoxEh ....6677733
21Progressive FieldCleveland IndiansThe Indians Hall of Fame in centerfield was cute … I guess.8647732
22Angel Stadium of AnaheimAnaheim AngelsLike everything in SoCal, the ballpark is only accessible by car.4648628
23Minute Maid ParkHouston AstrosReally?! A hill in straight-away centerfield?8255626
23Chase FieldArizona DiamondbacksPhoenix is hot.  Unfortunately, Chase Field is also kept uncomfortably hot.7634626
25Rangers Ballpark in ArlingtonTexas RangersSlightly uninspiring and unoriginal. Although the awe-inspiring "House That Jerry Built" is located across a parking lot.2538725
25Kauffman StadiumKansas City RoyalsAt least you have Arrowhead Stadium to view from across the parking lot, and lots of fountains.3745625
27Dodger StadiumLos Angeles DodgersEven the font on the Dodgers sign looks dated and aged.4644523
28Tropicana FieldTampa Bay RaysI'm just happy my car was not stolen during the game.2355419
28Oakland ColesiumOakland AthleticsThe barbed wire outside of the stadium is a nice touch6533219
30Sun Life StadiumFlorida MarlinsMarlins' fans need only put up with this sad excuse for a baseball stadium for one more season1243212

Friday, September 3, 2010

Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies)

Philadelphia

Ballpark Assessment
Category Score (0 to 10)
TOTAL
(0 to 50)
LocationAtmosphereFoodExterior ArchitectureInterior Architecture
67981040

Great stadium with a great atmosphere.  Easy to get to via car or subway.  Plenty of diverse, food options are available throughout.  Standing Room Only tickets are a great value.  You can see the field from anywhere in the stadium for $15.  Unfortunately, there are no bars, etc. around the stadium; only very large parking lots, Lincoln Financial Field (Home of the Eagles) and the Wells Fargo Center (Home of the 76ers and Flyers).

Game Comments (courtesy of MLB.com)
Game Date: September 3, 2010
Attendance: 44,570
Weather: 85 degrees F, partly cloudy
Length of Game: 2 hours, 22 minutes
Final Score: Philadelphia Phillies 1, Milwaukee Brewers 0

Cole Hamels carried a no-hitter into the fifth and earned his ninth win by yielding three hits in seven scoreless innings. The lone RBI came from Carlos Ruiz, while Brewers starter Chris Capuano took the loss.

Stories from the Road
Here are a few notes on the city where I currently pay rent:

1) The food is absolutely fantastic food (and reasonably priced).  Of special note are the Italian restaurants near Rittenhouse Square, which seem to perfectly combine great food and great atmosphere.
2) Most restaurants are BYOB.
2) The city is very cyclist-friendly.  Most streets have a dedicated lane for bicycles, and the landscape is very flat.
3) Like most cities in the northeast, Philly is a city of neighborhoods.  Rittenhouse Square, University City, Northern Liberties, Washington Square West, Old City, Italian Market, South St and Graduate Hospital just to name a few.