Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Are there things on your bucket list that you have been putting off until retirement? With the extra time for planning and executing, this seems like a good course of action. However, if like mine, yours is a long-term endeavor you may want to get started sooner rather than later.

 I love baseball! For me, there is nothing better than being outdoors on a summer afternoon or evening watching a game and cheering on the home team. A few years back I set a personal goal to visit as many MLB Ballparks as I can with the hope of seeing them all. It is not true to say if you have seen one ballpark you have seen them all.  I find each one unique and we enjoy walking around, visiting the food venues, team stores, and Hall of Fame museums.  Some are old and steeped in history while many are newer.  Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox is the oldest opening in 1912 and the newest is Globe Life Field in Arlington, home of the Texas Rangers, which opened in 2020.

I will be sharing my journey as I continue to visit ballparks so now may be a good time to get you caught up on what I have seen so far. There are 30 MLB Stadiums. I have been to 7. I have a long road ahead and best get moving.

Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas City Royals

This is where I attended my first Major League baseball game.  It was many years ago when George Brett, Frank White, and Dan Quisenberry reigned supreme.  The stadium is part of the Truman Sports Complex adjacent to Arrowhead Stadium, home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.  The baseball field is best known for its massive fountain and waterfall display behind the right field fence.  

Coors Field, Denver Colorado – Colorado Rockies

Since I lived in the Denver area, I visited this stadium many times. I was lucky enough to attend game four of the 2007 World Series against the Boston Red Sox.  Unfortunately, it was the final game of a sweep which the Rockies were on the losing end of.  Nevertheless, it was one of the most exciting things I have experienced.  Coors Fields sits right in the middle of the city in what is known as LoDo (Lower Downtown).  Given the right seating, you can catch the game with the beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains

Dodger’s Stadium, Los Angeles, California – LA Dodgers

This was a fun family outing shared with my son and DIL who live in LA.  The oldest stadium west of the Mississippi. It was built in 1962. It is the largest baseball stadium in the world by seat capacity.  This stadium is a popular concert venue as well. Well-known performers such as the Beatles, Elton John, Michael Jackson, and Madonna have all sold out concerts there.

Yankees Stadium, The Bronx, New York – New York Yankees

I never had the chance to visit the original Yankee Stadium before its destruction. I have twice been to the new Yankee Stadium, which opened in 2009.  Even so, you can just feel the history in this stadium unlike any other.  The first visit was in 2010. I remember sitting next to a woman who had driven up from New Jersey. We had the best time talking with her throughout the game.  People say that people in New York are unfriendly. However, I have found the exact opposite to be true.  

Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois – Chicago Cubs

This trip was actually part of a business conference in Chicago.  We were up in the Budweiser Patio which is reserved for groups of 50 or more.  It was the perfect spot to watch the game. There was plenty of room to socialize with ledge seating. There was also plenty of standing room. Food and beverages were included.  Wrigley is the 2nd oldest MLB Ballpark having been home to the Cubbies since 1916. 

Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona – Arizona Diamondbacks

The new home team, although, still and always a KC Royals fan. This was my first experience in a retractable roof stadium. The roof remains closed during the hot summer months keeping the temperature cool enough for the fans. The stadium has several nice restaurants. You will find more than 20 craft beers available at the Four Peaks Draft Room. It’s located above the field and has a pretty cool, pub-like atmosphere. However, if you are looking for a domestic draft, you can find it at about half the price. Look for it at one of the portables or food vendors down by the field.

The new home team.  Although, still and always a KC Royals fan.  This was my first experience in a retractable roof stadium. The roof remains closed during the hot summer months keeping the temperature cool enough for the fans.  The stadium has several nice restaurants.  You will find more than 20 craft beers available at the Four Peaks Draft Room.  It’s located above the field and has a pretty cool, pub-like atmosphere.  However, if you are looking for a domestic draft you will find it at about half the price at one of the portables or food vendors down by the field.

Petco Field, San Diego, California – San Diego Padres

This was our most recent ballpark experience.  It was my first time in San Diego and I fell in love with it.  Our hotel was right across the street from the stadium and there was a bridge connecting the two.  The park is located in the downtown area and we had a chance to walk around prior to the game.  The stadium itself is pretty amazing and actually has a beach. The Toyota Beach is a sandy area in front of the Craft Pier.  Here we saw kids playing and adults relaxing in lounge chairs while watching the game. 

Click below for updates on this quest:

Angel Stadium

Fenway Park

These types of pursuits are not limited to sports. Are you a camper or RV traveler? Try visiting the top national parks in the country. Or if you love road trips you can check off each state as you pass through. What about amusement parks, golf courses, or fishing spots? Make the adventure your own. Whatever your passion this is a fun way to track your travels.