MLB Stadiums: Fun fact rankings of American League ballparks
These fun facts about each American League, MLB stadiums will shock you.
Unlike any other sport, Major League Baseball provides unique MLB stadiums, each one with an identity of their own.
The Green Monster in Boston, the flagpole in centerfield of Minute Maid Park in Houston (now removed), splashing a home run into the San Francisco Bay at AT&T. Just a few examples of what makes this great sport, America’s pastime unlike any other.
Each ballpark experience brings something different to the table, with my goal of visiting every single one as my personal “bucket list.”
Personally, I’ve visited/attended at least one game at these gems of MLB stadiums:
- Busch Stadium III
- Jack Murphy Stadium – No longer active
- Camden Yards
- Kauffman Stadium
- Dodger Stadium
- Oakland Coliseum
- Coors Field
- The Ballpark in Arlington
- Candlestick Park – No longer active
As you can see, I’m just scratching the surface, with much more to go. For the time being, these fun Major League Baseball fun facts will have to get me by, which will no doubt motivate me to get moving, adding to this list.
American League ballparks I’ve been dying to visit are Fenway Park, the old Yankee stadium — which is no longer possible — and the peculiar Minute Maid Park. Speaking of the AL, our first exploration will be of MLB stadiums which feature the Designated Hitter.
MLB stadiums: American League East venues
Camden Yards was built upon the very location of a saloon that Babe Ruth’s father’s owned. As far as we know, no curses haunt the halls of Oriole Park.
My personal memory is two-fold. One, seeing the New York Yankees of 2006 invade their younger brothers down “south.” Johnny Damon hit a leadoff home run. Randy Johnson logged a quality start, and Mariano Rivera locked down the save.
Just another day at the office for this juggernaut of a team, but it was a sight to see with my own eyes.
My most memorable moment at Oriole Park was watching Ichiro gun down the speedy Brian Roberts attempting to stretch a double into a triple. Ichiro picked up the rock on the warning track and threw a perfect line to the third baseman, straight into the glove of Mariners’ third basemen Adrian Beltre.
Yankee Stadium debuted with a bang, with the New York Yankees winning the World Series that same season — 2009. The same rang true for the house that Ruth built, where the original Yankee Stadium saw the Bronx Bombers win the 1923 title.
Fenway Park is the oldest Major League venue in current use — hosting the Boston Red Sox the year the Titanic sunk in the Atlantic — 1912.
The 2013 World Series was something truly special, the first time since 1918 that the Sox celebrated by winning the deciding game on their home grass.
Tropicana Field is currently the only “domed” Major League Baseball site. Did you know that its former names were: Suncoast Dome (1986-1993) and the Thunderdome (1993-1997)?
MLB stadiums: American League Central
The original plans for Comerica Park were designed in the 1980’s but didn’t come to fruition until April of the year 2000. Five years later, Dmitri Young crushed a trio long balls during opening day on April 4, 2005.
Kauffman Stadium, or “The K,” opened in 1969 but was renamed after innovator and team owner Ewing M. Kauffman four years later.
Before 2004, the fences in the outfield were pushed back 10 feet, making it tougher on outfielders who had more ground to cover in the process. Still unique for its beautiful fountains, the “K” is one of the loudest venues in all of Major League Baseball when at peak capacity.
Sit back, relax, and watch a time-lapse of new turf being rolled out over three days at Kauffman Stadium. https://t.co/CF8yiJzbVX pic.twitter.com/zHLg3ZCdtd
— John Sleezer (@jsleezer) November 16, 2017
Formerly known as Jacobs Field, the now Progressive Field was built in 1994. Initially, the Cleveland Indians failed to draw decent crowds, spawning the movie Major League, which jested at such “feat.”
However, from 1995 until 2001, “Jacobs Fied” sold out 455 straight home contests, adding that very number (455) to their list of retired numbers, recognizing that very accomplishment.
Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins, is not even 10 years old (2010), a venue that allows you to gaze at the beautiful skyline line of downtown Minneapolis.
Target Field features a 360-degree open main concourse giving fans an uninterrupted view of the playing field. The concourses are twice as wide as those in the Metrodome.
Before this elite and accommodating stadium, the Twins set up shop in the unique, but rundown Metrodome. With never a dull moment, baseballs would often hit the roof, and routine grounders turned into adventures for infielders.
The idea of turf toe — which is extremely painful — originated with stadiums such as this one. The Twins were undoubtedly more than happy to usher in a state of the art facility, letting the past die.
MLB stadiums: American League West
Opening in 1999, Safeco Field is home to the Seattle Mariners for almost two decades now. Safeco has in its arsenal a retractable roof, where one click of a button gives you an open or enclosed experience.
The Kingdome used before it was an entirely enclosed domed experience, so the option to have “outdoor” games was most welcome.
Angel Stadium has been around since the groovy 1960’s but has received many makeovers in its fifty plus years in existence.
The Los Angeles Rams played in the now Angel Stadium before their move to St. Louis — who now are back playing in the neighboring LA Coliseum.
Scenes from the classic 90’s movie, Angels in the Outfield were shot here, a childhood favorite of mine.
Also, George Brett recorded hit number 3,000 in 1992, while Reggie Jackson — Mr. October launched home run 500 in this historic location.
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The Ballpark in Arlington, or Globe Life Park, opened in 1994 with this 270-acre complex, paving the way for a new stadium for the Dallas Cowboys.
The first interleague game in MLB history was played here on June 12, 1997, when the Texas Rangers hosted the San Francisco Giants.
Ian Kinsler recorded six hits and also went for the cycle in a 2009 game. More recently, future MLB Hall of Fame shoe-in Adrian Beltre recorded his 3,000 hit.
Maybe with the most unique location in all of Major League Baseball, Minute Maid Park is home to the 2017 Houston Astros.
Before playing in this baseball mecca, the Astros called the “Eight Wonder of the World” for almost 40 years — the Astrodome.
Tal’s Hill, a 20 degree angled hill, measuring 90 feet wide at its widest point with a flagpole in play
Tal’s Hill, maybe the “Ninth Wonder” of the world, this bizarre contraption was removed after the 2016 season for way too many adventures.
Also, Barry Bonds 70th long ball was crushed here in October of 2001, while Craig Biggio smacked his 3,000 hit in Houston’s new palace.
Next: Mr. Padre’s legend and legacy in San Diego
What American League venue is your favorite in all of Major League Baseball? Tell us in the comments below and on our social media pages.