My Favorite MLB Ballparks

Photo credit: cleveland.com

By Jeremy Kahn

SAN FRANCISCO — After revealing my favorite MLB cities, I thought I would give you a list of my all-time favorite stadiums that I have covered games in, or went to as a fan since my first MLB game with my father on June 14, 1977.

Here goes the list of the ballparks that I have gone to over the past 41 seasons, and some of them, are no longer in existence.

1. AT&T Park: Yes, I am here on almost a daily basis, but this ballpark is amazing with its views of the East Bay Hills, Coca Cola Bottle and Glove in left field.

2. PNC Park: A very close second to AT&T Park, as their view of Downtown Pittsburgh is absolutely amazing and along the Three Rivers of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio.

3. Wrigley Field: What is there not too like about Wrigley Field? Besides being the second oldest ballpark in the MLB, you have lots of baseball history there. Anywhere from the ivy-covered walls, to the scoreboard, and of course, Wrigleyville.

4. Fenway Park: The Green Monster, Pesky Pole and the short walls in right field is amazing. Outside of the park on Yawkey Way is very comparable to Wrigleyville.

5. Citizens Bank Park: This is an underrated ballpark in South Philadelphia, but I have enjoyed my three different trips there. The Liberty Bell that lights up when the Phillies hit a home run or win is way cool, and the Philadelphia skyline in the distance is cool.

6. Coors Field: Another one of the newer ballparks, but it has pizzazz with its views of the Rocky Mountains, a section of seats that shows that you are exactly 5,280 feet above sea level (Mile High) and the forest beyond the center field fence.

7. Dodger Stadium: This is the stadium where I saw my first Major League game on June 14, 1977 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, when I was five years old and my father took me there. The views of the San Gabriel Mountains beyond center field, and of course, the view of Downtown Los Angeles is pretty amazing as well.

8. Comerica Park: The sight lines are amazing, and the view of Downtown Detroit is amazing. You have Ford Field, the home of the Detroit Lions literally across the street. Also, you have to enjoy all the statues of the famous Tigers players as well.

9. Petco Park: An underrated ballpark in my opinion, but the park is real nice. Gotta enjoy the Western Offices beyond the left field and the Gaslamp Quarter is cool.

10. Citi Field: They did it right, as the incorporated old Ebbets Field into the Rotunda when you first walk in and the Mets Hall of Fame is way cool. Also, the William Shea Bridge is a nice touch in right field.

11. Yankee Stadium I: This is the House That Ruth Built for god sakes, 85 years of Yankee Baseball says enough. However, the names like Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Maris, Munson, Jackson and Jeter are not too shabby either. Bob Shepphard on the P.A. System and Monument Park were amazing as well.

12. Busch Stadium: Nice ballpark that replaced the cookie-cutter park that the Cardinals played in from 1966-2005. The view of the Gateway Arch and Big Mac Land are cool.

13. Nationals Park: Great park, never went to RFK Stadium, but this place is much better than the cookie cutter stadium that was mainly football stadium for the Redskins. The view of the United States Capitol is a great touch as well.

14. Globe Life Park: Went here as a fan in 1996, as it was the first of the new ballparks I went to and I thought it was great.

15. Yankee Stadium II: Does not have the same pizzazz as the Original, but it does have Monument Park and the Bleacher Creatures.

16. Chase Field: The Swimming Pool is a cool thing, especially since it is always hot there. The hangar like look to the ballpark is not bad.

17. Angel Stadium: Has changed on three different occasions in its history, and the current one is cool with its rock pile in center field and of course, the Big A sign. Have not been there since 1998.

18. Candlestick Park: Spent many days there as a fan in the 1990s, and then worked there for the final 13. However, this place had its aura as well, from the Giants to the 49ers onto the final concert by the Beatles on August 29, 1966.

19. Oakland Coliseum: Small crowds and an old stadium that needs to be replaced.

20. Kingdome: Went here twice as a kid in 1987, and it was the first dome I ever saw.

21. Marlins Park: I am a college football fan, and this place reminds me of the stadium that was once there, the Orange Bowl.

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