| Taking the Tour: A Look at Baseball's Classic Stadiums |
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| Written by Troy Chuinard | |
| Wednesday, 26 September 2007 | |
One of the most fascinating aspects of the game of baseball is the fact that each team has its own unique stadium that players must learn to adjust to. From foul lines to home run walls to wind factors, the foundations of each Major League ballpark bring a whole new level of excitement to the game. Some stadiums have been recently constructed, others have been preserved due to the respected reputations that they have established. Here is a look at three baseball parks that a fan will no doubt enjoy:
While the curse of the Cubs has no doubt left many fans in shame, Wrigley Field continues to bring in veterans, tourists, and any type of attendant that is able to get their hands on a ticket. Constructed in 1914, this landmark has been home to the Chicago Cubs for 92 years. Noted for its unique layout, fans have developed a fond appreciation for several aspects of the field, whether it is the green ivy that blankets the outfield wall or the vintage scoreboard that overlooks the sun-lit stadium. As the second oldest ballpark (next to Boston's Fenway Park), Wrigley has served as a historic monument that fans all across the nation have ventured to see. The venue was renovated in 1937, and a bleacher section was added to accommodate more seating. The original scoreboard still remains intact, bringing somewhat of an antique feeling to the stadium. The experience has been considered by many to be unforgettable, and Chicago fans claim that there is no better way to spend a warm, sunny, summer afternoon than at Wrigley Field. Fenway Park - Boston, Massachusetts
Yankee Stadium - New York City, New York
In the heart of the Bronx, there is a reason that this venue has been referred to as "The House that Ruth Built." After opening in 1923, this field has been home to the New York Yankees for roughly 84 years. Unlike other ball parks of its age, Yankee Stadium has undergone significant renovation that has changed its style. However, New York fans are still passionate for not only their team, but their field as well. What's fascinating is the fact that the Yankees went on to win the World Series in the same year that the park opened. In 1974, the stadium was sold to the city, and much construction was performed to accommodate more seating. For instance, the original roofing and its copper façade were completely removed. The towering steel columns were also replaced. During this period of construction, the Yankees played their home games at neighboring Shea Stadium. The team returned to the park in 1976, and fans were treated with what has been one of the best legacies of the 20th century. One of the most famous sites at the stadium is Monument Park, which is located in left-center field and features retired numbers along with several plaques honoring some of the famous Yankee greats. The façade also highlights the unique features of this stadium, as this decorative border lines the bleacher billboards. Sadly, the New York organization has decided to construct a new field and tear down all of the priceless pieces of the House that Ruth Built. Either way, this monument will be remembered by many as one of the most enjoyable ball parks for a fan to visit.
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Wrigley Field - Chicago, Illinois
Opened on April 20, 1912, Fenway is considered a fossil by most baseball fans. Home of the Boston Red Sox, this stadium has experienced a number of historic events, including performances from Cy Young, Babe Ruth, and Ted Williams. As the oldest park in Major League Baseball history, the features at Fenway make it very unique. Well other parks of Fenway's caliber have been torn down, Boston fans enjoy every minute that is spent at this worn-down, musty stadium. Visiting opponents are constantly making note of the floorboards that crack in the clubhouse, and fans have a hard time avoiding the leaks and drips that come from the rafters. Undoubtedly the most notable feature, the Green Monster has probably had more impact on the games that Boston has played than any other ballpark feature. Standing a towering 308 feet high, fans can experience Fenway from a whole different perspective from atop this scaling wall. After much renovation, Fenway has changed significantly, however its classic style has still been preserved. It is highly doubtful that the Boston organization will seek a new stadium, as the 35,000 fans that fill the park every time there is a home game give no reason to rid of this piece of baseball history.
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