America’s favorite pastime has held its appeal for more than one hundred years, adapting throughout the decades and evolving with its fans.
Despite critics’ opinions, baseball can be thrilling to watch, and it is here to stay. New rules, new players, and new parks keep the sport alive. Of the thirty major-league ballparks in the world, twenty-nine are within US borders, and each is a unique reflection of its team and surrounding fan base. Here are a few sites to check out the next time you’re in need of some classic family fun.
WEST
T-Mobile Park
Seattle, WA
Est. 1999
Take a trip to the Pacific Northwest to get a feel for its calm, misty charm. Home to the Seattle Mariners, T-Mobile Park is in the heart of Washington’s largest city, with a view of the skyline visible from the retractable roof. Rain or shine, the Mariners play ball in front of thousands of fans. During the seventh inning stretch, find your way to the concessions and get a real novelty—a cup of salted grasshoppers—to munch on while you watch.
Coors Field
Denver, CO
Est. 1995
Look towards the sky to get a view of the ballpark boasting the highest altitude in the United States. How high up? Well, a row of purple seats circling the park indicate the mile-high marker. At 5,280 feet, the baseballs really fly. The Colorado Rockies enjoy the benefits of lower air resistance and higher batting percentages. The brewery located behind left field offers drinks that can keep you warm in the early spring or cool you off in the heat of summer.
CENTRAL
Kauffman Stadium
Kansas City, MO
Est. 1973
Making your way from west to east? Stop by at the park fans have nicknamed “The K.” Kauffman Field is home to the Kansas City Royals. The city has a rich history of baseball and a wide fan base. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a few blocks away and represents the beginnings of baseball from the African American perspective. Inside the stadium, look out into left field to watch active fountains put on a show during game play.
Wrigley Field
Chicago, IL
Est. 1914
If you’re looking to experience the roots of the all-American pastime, head to Chicago to check out the historic Wrigley Field. The Chicago Cubs have been playing here since 1914. Hop on the “L” train and enjoy the game in the stadium that’s been around since the beginning. As a testament to the park’s age, green ivy grows thick along the outfield walls, cushioning every home-run-stealing catch.
EAST
Camden Yards
Baltimore, MD
Est. 1992
The Baltimore Orioles play in a park that reflects the city they represent. The field is adjacent to an old warehouse that has been converted to serve the needs of fans and park visitors. Camden Yards came at the end of a cookie-cutter trend and broke the norm by adding local flair to its infrastructure. Rich in history and personality, Camden Yards sets itself apart.
Truist Park
Atlanta, GA
Est. 2017
Finished in 2017, Truist Park is the newest of these six featured parks. This means all aspects of the baseball experience have been enhanced. The concessions are new, the screens are big, and the seats are plentiful. During the traditional seventh inning stretch, the Braves show off their own superhero: The Freeze. He gives challengers a run for their money in a race around the outfield wall. Despite giving them all generous head starts, he consistently makes it across the finish line first.