A Tour of Our Pastime

This winter in Chicago hasn't been like any normal winter I've been used to in my 22 years. I've enjoyed the mostly 30 degree temperatures and relative lack of snow (you know, other than tonight, but whatever). It really hasn't felt like it, so you don't get that feeling that baseball is coming quite as much since there really hasn't been a thaw.

Nonetheless the new season is starting soon and spring training camps are open, with most teams reporting around now. The Cubs have been off doing that bunting tournament (genius) to prepare the pitching staff at the plate. I like this idea since I'm not a huge fan of the DH (but that's another story).

I've been batting around ideas for how to get baseball season even somewhat underway without overshadowing basketball. I ultimately decided on doing a little ballpark review. With planning stages underway to continue my tour of the nation's 30 ballparks, I wanted to go over the ones I've been to so far. I don't know how many parks most of my readers have been to, though I imagine the baseball fans have all been to their favorite team's park, plus maybe one or two more. Me? I've been to 10 currently in use, which, conveniently, allows for a nice countdown. I'll go in order from my least favorite to my most favorite.

 All pictures from ballparksofbaseball.com.

10. Progressive Field (Cleveland Indians): No shame in being the bottom ballpark, just because one has to occupy this spot. The area around the ballpark is nice, and there's nothing inherently wrong with the ballpark. But there's nothing special about it either. It's one of the older parks on this list, but age really isn't a factor. But the atmosphere for the game is all right, and someplace interesting to go if you end up in Cleveland in the summer. Or as the 2nd of 4 games in 4 nights back in 2003.

9. US Cellular Field (Chicago White Sox): Maybe I'm a little biased with this, but I honestly am not a big fan of the Cell. Granted, I went when it was still Comiskey Park and it was also pre-renovation (2001 or 2002, I can't remember). But we had seats in the upper deck, and the angle we were at was really steep. When you also add in the fact that the immediate area around the ballpark wasn't great... sorry, Sox fans. If I end up back there sometime, maybe I'll have reason to move it up.

8. Comerica Park (Detroit Tigers): Nice ballpark to be sure, but nothing that really is a "wow" factor. I was only there once back in 2003 as the first of 4 games in 4 cities in 4 days with my dad. It's not like it's a place I'll never go again, but I'm not looking for any reason to go. Part of it is, again, that lack of anything too special, but it's also because Detroit sucks. I apologize to any readers with ties to Detroit, but the one time I was there, but I did not like the city. Poorly marked streets, and not the greatest of neighborhoods around Comerica.

7. Great American Ballpark (Cincinnati Reds): Another one that really doesn't have a wow factor, though the facility is nice. I went once back in 2003 (final game of that 4 games in 4 days trip). My dad and brother have been there a few times since, so there's something. The view of the river is nice; I am a fan of ballparks by the water. Someplace I wouldn't mind getting back to again sometime.

6. Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City Royals): I went to a couple games here with my dad back in 2009. It's a very quaint ballpark, and really, wherever you sit, you get the feeling that it's more of a minor league park. It seems so small compared to a lot of other parks, but the facility is nice. They recently got a new video board on the crown (I think the season we went) which is really cool.

5. Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs): I really wish I could put the Friendly Confines higher. You just get a special feeling walking into the ballpark with all the history and tradition. (Yes, I know, the tradition is mostly a losing one.) The reason it's down this far is because, as my dad has put it, "Wrigley is a pit." The facilities are desperately in need of upgrading, but there's just something magical about riding the Red Line to Addison and seeing the grandstands, walking out and seeing a lively neighborhood. As much as I love this place, I wouldn't mind if the Cubs got a new ballpark that kept some of the tradition (the ivy, the traditional scoreboard) and added in a jumbotron and some better amenities.

4. Miller Park (Milwaukee Brewers): AKA Wrigley North, and the park I've been to most that is not Wrigley. My dad and I usually end up in Milwaukee at least once a year, and it's a nice getaway for a night. The view of the city isn't great, but the pregame tailgating is always fun, and I have just always liked the ballpark. Brewer fans have increased in number lately, so you're not in the majority as often, but there's nothing wrong with that. Adds to the adventure.

3. Target Field (Minnesota Twins): I made it during the inaugural year, and this is a beautiful new ballpark. The view of the city is pretty nice, and it's wonderful to be out in the open air in Minneapolis. I'd love to get back here at least one more time for a game and explore a little bit more.

This is also where I have to make the obligatory reference to Geoff Clark, who may very well have this place as his #1 of every MLB venue, if only because his hatred of the Metrodome is legendary.

2. PNC Park (Pittsburgh Pirates): Another one by the water that also has a great view of downtown Pittsburgh. My dad has called this one his favorite park, and I can see why. He loves the out of town scoreboard (pretty detailed) as well as the view, and it's a nice little place to spend a few hours watching a baseball game. It has a nice friendly feeling to it, almost like Kauffman, but not quite as quaint.

1. Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals): Blasphemy? Sacrilege? What can I say? St. Louis is a baseball town, and they have a great new ballpark. You still get that great sense of history with statues of the Cardinal legends outside the park, with the new amenities the new Busch has to offer. Good scoreboard, but I think I love the view the most. You get the skyline in the outfield, including the arch. As long as it's not 90 degrees when you're sitting in the sun, you're good. I must also say, I risked wearing Cubs gear to my 2 games there when the Cubs weren't in town, and I live to tell the tale. As much as I dislike the Cardinals, I have nothing but the utmost respect for Cardinal fans for being so classy (a pastor on the same night as a Christian rock concert told me I "needed to be saved", and a concession worker called me a "brave soul". That was it.)

As my dad has said, I've been to every ballpark in driving distance from home, and any further games will probably require a plane. My dad has Washington, DC's park on me, but if all goes as planned, I'll have Arlington on him. We'll see how things go in June. Enjoy the early spring training sessions and preparations for 2012!