What sets apart a trip to a baseball stadium as opposed to, say, football or basketball venues are the various differentiating features not seen too often in the “one-size-fits-all” style of other sports arenas. (with the glaring and refreshing exception of Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL). Although nowadays many new ballparks “borrow” design ideas from other homes, it is safe to say that every ballpark experience from one city to another is a completely different feel.
The Jaunt has rounded out the top 10 structural oddities and quirks found around current Major League Baseball stadiums. The selections are not based on one particular scientific formula — just heavy consideration on attributes such as historical importance, regional relevancy, uniqueness and other such qualities.
Minute Maid Park (Houston, TX) - Train: The home to the Houston Astros has a seemingly countless number of unique features, however none of them standout more than the engine which circles the track high above the left field wall every time a player hits a home run. The feature is a nod to the site on which the stadium was built — Houston’s Union Station. Other than the typical locomotive blowing and tooting, the train also hauls cargo of oranges in branding the park’s corporate sponsor.
Tropicana Field (St. Petersburg, FL) - Ray Touch Tank: There aren’t many features which tie-in to your team’s identity more than a live version of your animal namesake on the premises. In an effort to bring more interaction to the stadium’s concourse, the Tampa Bay Rays implemented a touch tank full of Cownose Rays with the assistance of the Florida Aquarium. The free attraction — measuring at 35 feet, 10,000 gallons — is situated beyond the right-center field fence. To answer your question…yes, at least one home run ball has splashed into the tank. For such occurrences, the Rays donate $5,000 to charity.
Chase Field (Phoenix, AZ) - Swimming Pool: One of baseball’s most talked-about signature features is one sweet suite option at Diamondbacks games, but it will also cost you a pretty penny. Those wishing to wade around in the “RideNow Powersports Pool” until their fingers shrivel up will have to pay no less than $6,000. If you can swing it, I’m sure the experience would be worth the splurge.
PNC Park (Pittsburgh, PA) - Roberto Clemente Bridge: The big yellow bridge – formerly the Sixth Street Bridge – was named after the Pirates’ legendary outfielder and is shut down for gamedays to allow fans walking access to and from the ballpark. The bridge can be seen from inside the park and adds a sense of community connectedness to the overall majestic view surrounding this beautiful ballpark.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore, MD) – Warehouse: You know all these beautiful retro-style ballparks that are being built year after year? Well, you can thank the open-air classic design the Baltimore Orioles introduced waaaay back in 1992. The instant success and rave reviews of the birds’ new nest sent many an organization into a frenzy to try and replicate that same structural impact. The most distinct feature of the trend-setting Camden Yards is the B&O Warehouse which serves as the backdrop of the ballpark. The designers decided to make the warehouse part of the atmosphere, rather than tearing it down prior to construction. The most famous use of the warehouse was when Cal Ripken was making his run toward breaking the all-time record for consecutive games played. The Orioles tallied each game he played with big numbers affixed to the warehouse until he broke the record.
Fenway Park (Boston, MA) – Green Monster: A 37 foot tall left field wall would certainly qualify as a monster — currently the biggest in the majors. Fenway’s Green Monster is easily one of the most iconic features in all of baseball, often used in team marketing and a fan-favorite sight. The wall – featuring a classic manual scoreboard – was first introduced as part of the original construction of Fenway in 1912 and right-handed hitters have been trying to slay the ominous green meanie ever since.
Wrigley Field (Chicago, IL) – Ivy-Covered Walls: The famed ivy growing all over the outfield walls at the home of the Chicago Cubs was first planted by eccentric Bill Veeck in 1937 and is still an endearing aspect of the ballpark. The ivy certainly makes for some interesting moments in the field of play. Many outfielders have smacked into the ivy trying to make a catch, only to be greeted by what is behind it — a solid brick wall. It’s also not uncommon for balls to caught up in the pesky plant, usually resulting in a ground rule double.
Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City, MO) – Water Spectacular: My personal favorite. Kansas City — known as The City of Fountains — incorporates a visually stunning display of fountains and waterfalls beyond the outfield fence which can be seen throughout a Kansas City Royals game. The 322 feet tall fountains take on various patterns and colors as they spout off after home runs and Royals victories. During recent renovations, the Royals have added the opportunity for fans to sit directly above the fountains in a section called “Dri-Duck Fountain Seats.”
Yankee Stadium (Bronx, NY) – Monument Park: True, the New Yankee Stadium does not have the built-in aura that the “House that Ruth Built” had established over the course of 26 championships, but the team brought the most nostalgic part of their old park with them. Monument Park is a history lesson of legendary proportions situated behind center field. When the Yanks opened their new stadium this season, the plaques and numbers of past Yankee greats were hauled over to be featured in the new museum. The list is endless. Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio…fans visiting Monument Park are walking among some of the greatest players in the history of America’s Pastime. Truly a must-visit for ballpark and baseball enthusiasts.
AT&T Park (San Francisco, CA) – McCovey Cove: The absolutely gorgeous waterway backdrop of the San Francisco Giants’ ballpark is the best feature in all of Major League Baseball. The China Basin — unofficially referred to as McCovey Cove – attracts various fans on gamedays who arrive in boats and kayaks in hopes of catching a home run ball in their fishing nets. Granted, since Barry Bonds departed…the number of “Splash Hits” have dropped considerable. Splash Hits are home runs which land in the cove on-the-fly. The cove also features various statues honoring past legends, including the cove’s namesake Willie McCovey. All in all the cove is more than just scenic beauty — as seen in other stadiums – it’s an organic aspect of the AT&T Park experience.
