One of the best things that happened after my Five Coolest Ballparks in the National League article went live was that my wife asked me when our next road trip would be. After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I rushed to my computer to see which of the American League parks made the grade to be considered the five coolest. I have actually been to more American League parks than National League parks, but unfortunately, many of them would not make this list. So get the pitchforks ready again. Here are the AL ballparks that made the top five.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore Orioles
The first “retro” park is still one of the best. And they have Boog’s BBQ. Fans can get sandwiches and platters of smoked beef, pork, and turkey at the eatery owned by the former Orioles All-Star Boog Powell, who opened the stand on Eutaw Street. Of course, that retro look that is referred to is the old B&O Warehouse. The 120-foot-tall former warehouse for the railroad center never touches Oriole Park at Camden Yards, but a 60-foot cinder bridge connection between the park and warehouse creates the aforementioned Eutaw Street social gathering space for the park. One can get a bit of the modern feel as well when you look out at a little bit of the Baltimore skyline beyond the center field area. And did I mention Boog’s BBQ is there? Even though it is a relatively “old” ballpark, being that it was built in 1992, the Orioles have done a good job of keeping the field updated while keeping its retro look and outstanding gathering places intact.
Target Field, Minnesota Twins
I have seen a Twins game in person, albeit at the Hubert H Humphrey Metrodome. I really look forward to going to Target Field, as this stadium is sweet relief for the Twins and their fans who watched games in that sterile environment. To start with, there is a great view of downtown Minneapolis from the upper deck and a cozy feel throughout. Overall, it’s a clean, beautiful park with architecture and amenities that compare favorably to any stadium in baseball. Recently, Target Field was ranked second on the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) list of top 10 vegan-friendly ballparks. The regular ballpark fare is excellent, as they feature a Twins-themed pub with Minnesota-branded food options. One of the most unique features at Target Field is the home run celebration. Located in center field, Target Field has displayed the Twins’ original “Shaking Hands” logo from 1961-1981. Twins characters, Minnie and Paul, light up when a Twins player hits a home run.
Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox
[the_ad id=”384″]Many are probably not surprised that the oldest stadium in MLB is included on this list. Being old does not make you cool, but keeping your vintage look while upgrading with some modern touches is the reason for Fenway’s inclusion in the top five. Since 2002, Fenway Park‘s improvements have included the famous Green Monster seats: 250 bar-style seats that were added atop the Green Monster in left field, enabling fans to view Fenway Park in a different way. Like Wrigley Field, the neighborhood around the stadium provides a festive atmosphere. Yawkey Way is closed prior to every game so fans can gather and enjoy live music, fantastic food and the company of other Red Sox fans. Do not let the recent news of a few chuckleheads diminish your enthusiasm for this stadium. Most Boston fans are just as dignified and proud as their iconic stadium.
Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City Royals
Unlike every other park built in the 1970s, Kauffman Stadium is a keeper. The Royals have done an excellent job of keeping this stadium updated. Many have referred to this stadium as one of the most beautiful ballparks in the world. Watch the sun set behind the outfield fountains, and you’ll know why people feel this way. Inside the park, the Outfield Experience has a mini golf course and areas where kids can practice their baseball swing and compare their pitching speed with the pros. It’s hard to find a facility that’s more “family friendly” than Kauffman. For the older family-friendly visitors, the Craft & Draft is a unique “gastropub” that features more than 75 varieties of craft beer and boasts a menu of fresh and local ingredients, which of course includes features from the ever popular KC BBQ scene.
Safeco Field, Seattle Mariners
Is it a dome, or isn’t it? While maybe technically a dome, the retractable roof at Safeco Field closes when it rains, but it doesn’t completely enclose the ballpark. That makes it feel more like you’re outdoors. The Mariners added a new feature to their food lineup this year: grasshoppers. The $4 delicacy, toasted in chili lime salt, sold out during the Mariners’ first three home games of the 2017 season. They have also introduced “Seattle wings,” which are actually fried oysters drizzled with hot sauce. Don’t worry, hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, and peanuts are still best sellers. The Mariners boast that Safeco Field has sweeping views of Seattle’s downtown skyline, breathtaking sunsets over Puget Sound, and excellent views of the game action from all angles that give fans an experience unequaled in Major League Baseball.
Great article.Not a baseball fan but interesting to learn about these parks!