Baseball Stadium Hall of Fame
Driving back from New Orleans, I was wondering, if ballparks had a Hall of Fame, what would be the criteria to get a stadium into the Hall? What makes a ballpark a great ballpark? For me, it is a feel that I can't describe, but know it when I feel it. Few stadiums have had that feel for me. The feel that I was walking into something truly special. Fenway and the Old Comiskey are two that come to mind. I would also include Forbes Field, Tiger Stadium and the Astrodome. The new stadiums are nice, and have many nice features, but for me are not Hall of Fame material, at least not yet. Please let me know what makes for a ballpark great for you. (I am not including minor league stadiums at this point, but have several I would consider if such a Hall existed.)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John (20 current MLB/11 old MLB) on
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This one is tough because there are no real objective statistical measurements to compare ballparks like fans can pour over in lining up a player's Hall of Fame chances. Black ink in ballpark speak would be highest paid attendence in 1984! or Biggest crowd to see a twi-night double header on a Tuesday in May!
The determination of what makes a great ballpark is decidedly subjective but I think that most people can agree that a worthy ballpark has some magical combination of the following:
1. History (not just age but the site of historical events or games);
2. Innovation and/or aversion to change for the sake of change;
3. Pleasing architectural style;
4. Distinguishing features;
5. Fan experience; and,
6. Charm.
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Permalink Reply by Mark (53) on
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John, great list of criteria - well thought out. Are there any stadiums you would put into your Hall of Fame?
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Of the parks that I have been to:
First Ballot:
Wrigley Field
I am biased as a Cubs fan but this is hands down the best place to see a ball game in the world. It has seen its fair share of World Series action (without much success) and is home to Babe Ruth's called shot, numerous MVP, Cy Young Award, Rookie of the Year and other award winners, the infamous Steve Bartman game, Ernie Banks' 500th homerun, Mark Grace's 200th hit and Greg Maddux's 3000th strikeout. Ivy covered walls, a hand operated scoreboard and unmistakable marquee. No change for the sake of change. Unparalleled before and after game choices. Friendly, supportive fans. Unsurpassed charm. Every time I walk up the stairs and see the field, I feel like I am 10 years old again.
Fenway Park
This place has seen everything from Babe Ruth as a pitcher to Ted Williams hitting .406 to Carlton Fisk’s dramatic World Series homerun to recent World Series winners. The Green Monster and Pesky’s Pole. Having to duck as you make your way through the “concourse” behind homeplate. Before game sausage sandwiches and after game on Lansdowne. Approachable and charming. And there used to be a bowling alley in the basement!
(Old) Yankee Stadium
Obviously, no place had seen more World Series action or Hall of Famers than Yankee Stadium. I visited in 2008, needing to experience it in person before it was torn down. (Too bad my ability to get a feel for the exterior was hampered somewhat by the construction outside.) Classic style, if not necessarily charming. Fans overtly confident in their team. Had a blast tailgating before the game.
Maybe:
Camden Yards
Awesome place to see a game and the warehouse and Eutaw Street are beautifully incorporated into the design without feeling contrived. This one is might be too new and lacking in the historical sense; however, considering it has never hosted a World Series and is probably most noted for the setting for the conclusion of Cal Ripken’s amazing consecutive game streak.
Kauffman Stadium
A beautiful stadium with the distinctive scoreboard and fountains in centerfield. Kauffman has hosted a World Series champion but other than the George Brett years, this park has not seen many Hall of Famers pass through.
Tiger Stadium
Like Old Comiskey, Tiger Stadium saw its fair share of memorable moments and hosted legendary players but when I was there it was past its heyday and the surrounding area was downright scary.
PNC Ballpark
Again, too new to have the necessary history needed for induction, but what a beautiful place to see a game. This one will be a contender down the road, as long as the resurgent Pirates can reclaim some of their former glory.
Otherwise, I would have to rely on other people's opinions for long gone ballparks like Forbes or Ebbets, etc. because I never experienced them in person.
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Mark Grace's *2000th hit...
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Permalink Reply by jvolks (19) on
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I think setting criteria is important for a Ballpark HOF. One question I would have is whether or not to include the surrounding neighborhoods of stadiums that would give fields like Wrigley, Fenway and Coors an advantage over stadiums that are located outside of a cities metro area like Kaufman, CitiField, or the Ballpark at Arlington. To me, although in many cases it is out of the team's control it is really important. A park in a great neighborhood really adds to the experience.
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I would certainly include the surrounding neighborhoods in the "fan experience" category. I would also include tailgating experience for those ballparks that are not in a downtown area. Tailgating before a Brewers game is elevated to an art form in Milwaukee, for example.
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This is a great topic - anyone else want to weigh in on the Hall of Fame worthy ballparks?
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