April marks the start of another baseball season (2009). No visit to the United States is complete without catching nine innings of America’s national pastime. Although American football has overtaken baseball in popularity, baseball remains beloved throughout much of the country. For the best experience, watch a game at one of these iconic ballparks:
Fenway Park is the legendary home of Red Sox Nation. The oldest ballpark in the major leagues, Fenway opened its doors before World War I. The Red Sox won four World Series titles before being struck by the infamous “Curse of the Bambino” (selling of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees). The curse left the Sox faithful experiencing heartbreak after heartbreak from 1918 until 2004. In the last few years, however, the Red Sox returned to World Series form. This success makes tickets incredibly hard to get, especially since the historic ballpark seats fewer than 40,000 fans.
Keep in mind that spectators are traditionally expected to sing Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” (good times never seem so good…so good, so good, so good!) at the top of their lungs before the bottom of the eighth inning. It is also highly recommended that you to leave your New York Yankees jersey at home.
Wrigley Field is the home of the Cubbies. Supported by one of the most loyal fan bases in baseball, the Chicago Cubs last won a World Series title since 1908. That was President Theodore Roosevelt’s last year in office. Despite the struggles, the “Friendly Confines” are still filled with passionate fans waiting for a little luck to finally help their beloved team. Alongside these fun-loving supporters is a classic ballpark featuring an outfield wall covered with ivy.
Do note that the 7th inning stretch isn’t a time to run off to the restroom. It’s reserved for the best rendition of “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” in the majors. Be ready for the local version that is sung in unison by the crowd: “Root, root, root for the Cubbies, if they don’t win it’s a shame. For it’s one, two, three strikes you’re out, at the old ball game.”
Update: The Chicago Cubs finally broke their 108-year drought, winning the World Series in 2016.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles)
Camden Yards is the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Opened in 1992, it represented a revolution in baseball stadium design. Oriole Park marked a return to baseball-only facilities; the two decades prior had seen a wave of multi-sport stadiums that were rarely aesthetically pleasing or ideal for viewing the game from the seats. However, after selling out every game for several seasons, Camden Yards has seen many empty seats in recent years. The retirement of Cal Ripken, Jr. (who holds the record for the most consecutive games played) and a poor product on the field have been two factors for the decline in attendance.
Remember to bring your baseball mitt when sitting in the outfield seats, as Camden Yards is known for allowing lots of home runs.
Oracle Park (San Francisco Giants)
The home of the Giants has undergone a number of name changes due to corporate naming rights deals. It has been called Pac Bell Park, SBC Park, AT&T Park, and Oracle Park. Built on San Francisco Bay, the ballpark has a beautiful backdrop. For years, fans cheered Barry Bonds as he hit home runs into the water—an area known to Giants faithful as McCovey Cove. Though it remains a popular place to catch a game, the stadium’s narrative shifted significantly after Bonds broke the all-time home run record and left the team following the 2007 season. While other ballparks greeted Bonds with hostility over steroid allegations, Giants fans supported their slugger.
When buying tickets for a Giants game, check the team’s pitching rotation. Select a game that’s being pitched by Tim Lincecum. Lincecum won the 2008 Cy Young Award, which is given to the league’s best pitcher.
Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Dodger Stadium is the home of the LA Dodgers. Located in Chávez Ravine, is the third oldest ballpark in the majors and recently hosted the World Baseball Classic finals. After decades of calling Brooklyn home, the Dodgers moved to Southern California. The stadium is beautiful spot to catch a ball game, and over the years, Dodger fans have witnessed four World Series titles in 47 years in Los Angeles here.
Unlike East Coast baseball, there is a very laid-back atmosphere at Dodger Stadium. Don’t be shocked to see fans arrive late or leave before a game ends. Think “zen of baseball” as opposed to the Red Sox Nation living and dying with every pitch.
The Future and the Past
Citi Field (New York Mets) and Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees)
Two new ballparks opened in 2009, giving visitors even more things to do in NYC. Their opening marked the end of an era for “The House That Ruth Built” in the Bronx. Yankee Stadium was home to 26 World Series championships. Whether you are a Yankee fan or Yankee hater, the ballpark had a special aura that will be difficult to top with its new park. That being said, hearing the chants from the bleachers—including the daily roll call of the starting players—will ring true in any venue.
Shea Stadium didn’t have the aura of Yankee Stadium, but it was home to the Miracle Mets of 1969 and the World Champions of 1986. Despite some great memories, Mets fans are eager to leave Shea behind for a state-of-the-art ballpark. Citi Field promises to meet even the highest expectations with superb sightlines within the context of a classic ballpark.
New Arena Names Updated
Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.
Featured photo © Gennaro Salamone
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Please contact him with questions regarding article or photo submissions.