15 down 15 to go!

For those of you that know my family personally most of you’ll would agree that we can only be described with one word: (and no that word is not dysfunctional or crazy as some may argue) It’s Baseball. Our family believes whole heartedly what Babe Ruth believed, that “Baseball was, is and always will be the best game in the whole world.” So my Dad being the generous man that he is decided that he and his boys would visit all 30 MLB stadiums before we die. Well here we are 6 summers and 6 trips later with half of the stadiums complete. The trips have been filled with laughs and many unforgettable moments. There have been countless hot dogs, take me out to the ballgames, and autographs. There have been pillow barriers created by my older brother because of my inability to stay still while asleep in just about every Hampton Inn across the country. There have been brawls of who sits shotgun in the rental car, rock paper scissors and coin flips for shower order in the hotel, and races onto the plane to get the aisle seat. These trips have created lifelong memories and stories we will never forget. I'd love to get into all of the memories and crazy moments but it would just take way too long. Instead in this short post I will examine and provide insight about the perks and downfalls of each of the 15 stadiums we have visited.

Before I share the list I will outline the trips we have been on over the past 6 summers.

Summer 2011: Miller Park, Wrigley Field, U.S Cellular Field

Summer 2012: Citizens Bank Park, Nationals Park, Camden Yards

April 2013: Minute Maid Park (We made a quick down and back because Houston is so close)

Summer 2013: Kauffman Park, Busch Stadium

Summer 2014: T.D Ameritrade Park (We took a break from MLB stadiums and went to the College World Series to cheer on the Ole Miss Rebels!)

Summer 2015: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Petco Park, Dodger Stadium

Summer 2016: Progressive Field, PNC Park

And

Practically every Summer: Globe Life Park at Arlington Including a World Series game against the Giants in 2010!

So, here is a list of the stadiums from least to most favorite:

#15: U.S Cellular Field

There’s not much to say about Cellular. The stadium is located in the south side of Chicago and in all honesty just offers nothing special. Average size jumbotron, average ball park food, and possesses no unique qualities.

#14: Dodger Stadium

Yes, the hype is warranted about the Dodger Dog. It is easily the best hot dog I had along our journey. Unfortunately, the franks are about all Dodger Stadium has going for it. The stadium is over 50 years old and it definitely has not aged well. The stadium has a lot of history but the place is a dumping ground. (Sorry Dodger Fans) Also the way the Dodgers staff handles batting practice and autographs is not very inclusive. We always get to the stadiums right when the gates open so we can see batting practice and try to get some autographs. Dodger stadium doesn't allow anyone down near the field or dugouts without the ticket for those seats unlike most other stadiums. This fact makes Dodger Stadium a lot less fun than other parks during pre game festivities and batting practice.

#13: Citizens Bank Park

Philadelphia definitely had some character. The tall wall in right field and the liberty bell in center field really make the ball park one of a kind. However, Philly also gets a huge thumbs down in the clean department. It was dirty just like Dodger stadium and to top it off the Philly Cheesesteak was below average at best! In Philadelphia!! How does that happen?

#12 Miller Park

Miller Park was the first stadium we visited in our very first trip. The park had some very unique qualities. The retractable roof and the huge slide for the mascot after home runs are hit were fun and different. Miller, however, falls so low on our list most likely because we went to a day game (It felt like 1000 degrees outside) and our seats were directly in the sun. And to top all of that off my Dad proceeded to not be able to keep down any sandwich he tried to eat due to his acid reflux. As he ate his first sandwich he began to choke but continued to shove it in his mouth because of how good it was. He gave up and let his stomach and throat have a rest but being the stubborn man he is he was determined to get down one of those sandwiches. His second attempt was again unsuccessful. To this day he still calls that sandwich the best one he has ever eaten (well sort of). So yes Miller is 12 on our list but were not quite sure if it’s because of the stadium quality or our poor game experience.

#11 Globe Life Park at Arlington

As a Ranger fan I hate to see Globe Life this low on the list but again nothing special. The new jumbotron in right field was a good addition and gives the ballpark a new and modern feel but its just not enough to move it past #11. Also along our journey we have noticed that most stadiums offer a large variety of food choices while Globe Life tends to just stick to ball park food. Good or bad the lack of food options and absence of something unique puts Globe Life low on our list. Side note: When the Rangers made their run to the World Series in 2010 we attended an ALCS game and the clinching game for the San Francisco Giants in the Fall classic. Yes, this was before we began our baseball trips but seeing a World Series game win or lose for the hometown team is an experience every baseball fan needs!

#10 Nationals Park

After this game we officially decided as a family that we would try to no longer attend any day games. We may sound like weenies but 3-4 hours in the sun in Mid-July heat is not very fun and definitely takes away from the experience. Nationals Park is new and clean but also offers very little that is unique. The park may not have anything super breathtaking but the pitcher we saw throw sure did. Stephen Strasburg threw an absolute gem that left many fans in the park that day stunned. The food was great and the park was clean so that is why it sits about average on our list.

#9 Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Now this is where the list got very hard. 7-9 was a virtual tie for me personally as all of these parks were beautiful, clean, and very unique. Angel Stadium specifically has the large right field wall, the rock waterfall in left-center field, and absolutely stunning scenery. Food was great, park was clean, and the firework show was definitely a winner! This stadium is also significant because it marked the beginning of the ball park journey for our 10 year old brother. He had finally reached the age where he could understand and appreciate these stadiums and trips. Also we knew that the presence of a 10 year old on the trip would definitely increase the likelihood that we could get autographs and baseballs from players. So was he actually ready for these trips or was it just our selfish ambition? You can answer that one for yourself.

#8 Petco Park

We’re a very patriotic household here at the Blake’s so how could we not love Petco Park set in beautiful San Diego. We also just happened to go on Military Day! We loved the sandbox in center field, wiffle ball stadium in the outfield for the kids, and of course the Tony Gwynn statue! The touches of patriotism and unique qualities put Petco at #8 on our list.

#7 Minute Maid Park

Minute Maid Park is the definition of peculiar. It has a large grass hill in center field and an operating train that moves after home runs. Minute Maid was clean and had great ball park food. We had to put it at number 7 on our list just because of the pure craziness that is this park.

#6 Busch Stadium

Busch Stadium sits at #6 on our list because St. Louis eats, sleeps, and breathes baseball. The grounds crew does an excellent job of cutting and intricate and beautiful arch design in the center field grass. The open centerfield and the arch in the background is aesthetically pleasing and is a great way to see an American monument while watching America’s pastime.

#5 Progressive Field

Progressive Field is another stadium that had an open backdrop in centerfield. The stadium overlooks beautiful downtown Cleveland. The towering wall in left, impressive jumbotron, and kind fans gave the ballpark a homey feeling. The concessions were poorly run but offered great food if you were willing to wait. Progressive Field is another park that just speaks baseball and that’s why it falls at #5 on our list.

#4 PNC Park

PNC was breathtaking. The stadium overlooks the Clemente Bridge and the Allegheny river. The big wall in right field and the word “Pirates” cut into the bushes in center field give the park a unique flavor along with its beautiful scenery. Another ball park with a great hot dog and great fans. PNC park is definitely a must visit for all baseball fans.

#3 Kauffman Field

Kauffman is elegant. The massive crown shaped jumobtron and the fountains in the outfield give the field a beauty that is incomparable. The park was clean, staff was kind, and the weather was beautiful. The ball park food was great, the fans were wonderful, and the field has a great baseball atmosphere.

#2 Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is the pure definition of baseball. The iconic big red Wrigley Field sign is truly breathtaking for baseball fans. The beautiful ivy on the walls and the rooftop seats make it park unlike any other. Yes, Wrigley is old and kind of dirty but true baseball fans can take that with a grain of salt and appreciate the overall beauty and great history of the park. (This trip was 6 summers ago so we haven't seen any of the additions) Wrigley field was downright breath taking and to top it all off we got to see a Cubs walk off win against their division rival the St. Louis Cardinals!

#1 Camden Yards

You’re probably thinking what? Camden Yards? Baltimore? Well, yes. Camden Yards just had that “It” factor. It was honestly jaw dropping. The stadium had history, beauty, and plenty of unique touches. It was truly the full package. My favorite part of Camden Yards was the right field deck area. They have gold baseball plaques in the exact locations where home runs landed for various players throughout the years. It was such a well thought out and unique characteristic. Camden falls at number one and just barely edges out Wrigley field!

So there is our top 15! It has truly been a blessing to go on these trips and see all of these wonderful and unique cities and stadiums. Thank you to those that got all the way through this article and hope my list provided some insight to these stadiums!

#america #MLB #baseball #stadiums