Whats Your Favorite Minor League Stadium?

[Sun]

Old or New whats your favorite? Mine was the Chattanooga Lookouts in Chattanooga Tenn.

[Ofer1967]

Old or New whats your favorite? Mine was the Chattanooga Lookouts in Chattanooga Tenn.

That's old Engel Stadium...I remember my grandfather and some other old-timers talking about Harmon Killebrew hitting some mammoth shots out of there years ago. It's still around, but the Lookouts have a great new park. Nice memories, though.

[Samuel Adams]

I been to a couple dozen minor league parks and I would probably vote for the Staten Island Yankees, it is tough to beat the backdrop in center field.

I also am fond of Trenton, New Haven, Quad City, West Tennessee, Nashville, Jamestown Jammers (NY) and Toledo.

[Electric City]

The old McCormick Field of the Asheville Tourists (Sally League) was a great place to watch a game. Sitting in them old style blue wooden seats and walking the wood aisle ways was special. It helped me to imagine of the old greats of the game that had come through Asheville, NC. When a rally was in the makings, the fans would stomp their feet on the wooden bleachers and the sound was so sweet. Although, sometimes, those wooden bleachers would get a little scary as they bounced and swayed with their creaking sounds. But, Man, what fond memories I have of the old stadium. That place had genuine character and good times.

A little bit of movie triva about that park is that it appeared in the movie Bull Durham near the end when Crash Davis broke the minor league homer record. The shot of Crash coming around 3B towards home plate shows the left field outfield wall.

[ez906]

we have seen 6 minor league stadiums -- charleston (sc) river dogs, wilmington blue rocks, charleston (west virginia) alley cats, lansing lugnuts, peoria chiefs, montgomery biscuits.

lansing and montgomery - the newest. but hands-down favorite has to be montgomery biscuits riverwalk stadium. it is built into their 125+ yr old train station. they have done a remarkable job of restoring the old structure with all-new, while keeping it's quaint/antique train station appearance.

[B-Ham Barons Fan]

Birmingham's park isn't bad, but the sod is starting to come up. What really is a great park is Rickwood Field, America's Oldest Ballpark. Every year they have the Rickwood Classic and the players dress up in the old uniforms and play at Rickwood. It's the best game of the year in my opinion.

[thegame10]

For those of you in the Memphis area, I definitly recommand going to Autozone Park(AAA for the Cards) Beautiful stadium, and BBQ nachos.

[Coal Cracker]

Lackawanna County Stadium. There's nothing special about it but I have had some of my fondest baseball memories there. My favorite is Chase Utley's shot over the left central wall to beat Buffalo in July 2002.

[drillerman]

Old Oiler Park.
even though i never saw it.

[The Commissioner]

Out of sentimentality, I have to go for the cozy confines of my home ballpark, Tinker Field. Unfortunately, it is no longer occupied by any minor league organization. It's a great place to see a ballgame and I hope that some day soon another club will take advantage of the available facility.

[BagwellFan]

Lackawanna County Stadium. There's nothing special about it ...

That is one stadium I am not fond of. I have seen good players, and good games there, but uggg...what an ugly stadium. No offence intended Coal Cracker.

My favorite stadium so far is 1st Energy Park (home of the Lakewood Blue Claws). It is a beautiful stadium inside and out. I think my favorite will become Campbell's Field (home of the Camden Riversharks) when I get there later this month, though.

[efin98]

I love McCoy stadium that the Pawtucket Red Sox(AAA) play in. Nice blend of modern ammenities with the quaint old-school minor league park. Probably one of the best in New England after it's parent organization's park.

[Bluesteve32]

I am partial to the Epicenter in Ranch Cucamonga, California, the home of the RC Quakes which is an affiliate of the Angels.

[skeletor]

If you within driving distance of Memphis, by all means, check out
autozone park, home of the AAA Memphis Redbirds..It's a great
minor league park..with great views, a decent team, and strong
support from the fans, and the parent St.Louis Cardinals..

Toledo's new park is pretty awesome as well...

[Coal Cracker]

That is one stadium I am not fond of. I have seen good players, and good games there, but uggg...what an ugly stadium. No offence intended Coal Cracker.

My favorite stadium so far is 1st Energy Park (home of the Lakewood Blue Claws). It is a beautiful stadium inside and out. I think my favorite will become Campbell's Field (home of the Camden Riversharks) when I get there later this month, though.
The stadium itself isn't anything spectacular but the backdrop of the mountains beyond the outfield wall is a nice touch.

[driver62]

I like Fifth Third Field in Dayton. For one, it was built in 2000 and my seats are first row in the upper deck directly behind home plate. These seats are closer to the field than some of the box seats in major league parks.
The place is clean. Ushers come through during the game and pick up trash. You can also order food or drinks from your seat and it's delivered in less than 5 minutes. Takes longer than that to go to the concession stand. They charge you an extra .50 for your order but it's a good deal.
There is also no smoking anywhere in the stadium. If you really need a smoke, they will stamp your hand at the gate and you can get back in. But, you should be able to go 2-3 hours without a smoke.
The only down side is the team is in last place. AGAIN.

[sschirmer]

I really like Canal Park in Akron. It's urban, and works very well within the city. The prices are reasonable, and the view isn't bad either. Plus it's an INdians farm team, works for me.

[imgreat95]

Of all the ones I have been to, my vote would go to Blair County ballpark in Altoona.

[ccbsball12]

yeah Blair County ball park has to be pretty good, with the roller coaster in right field, but the old-school park thats the best as got to be Historic Bowman Field (home to williamsport crosscutters), i think the oldest park in the minors??? (correct me if thats wrong)

[sonderweg]

Blair County Ballpark is an excellent new park. For some reason, though, I really like Reading Municipal Stadium (a.k.a. FirstEnergy Stadium). It just has the "feel" that a ballpark should have, and I wish more communities would look at this stadium as an example of how renovations can be done and done well.

[Square-Head Flynn]

My sentimental favorite is Ray Winder Field, in Little Rock, AR, home of the Arkansas Travelers since 1932. I went to many Travs games as a kid and have tons of fond memories of it. Since Bill Valentine took over as GM in the mid-seventies, he's done a fabulous job of ensuring that the fan experience at Ray Winder remains outstanding. I've had just as much fun there on my last couple of visits with my wife and kids as I did as a kid in the 1970s. Unfortunately, it appears that it'll no longer be possible to keep updating Ray Winder to meet current standards for AA parks, so they'll be getting a new park on the riverfront in North Little Rock in a couple of years.

I'm also quite fond of McCormick Field in Asheville. I never got the chance to see the old grandstands, but my wife has told me about them. My first visit was to the "new" McCormick Field, built on the same site with the same field layout as the old park, but with new brick/concrete stands, etc. It might be the best place in the country to see a baseball game, certainly the best I've seen in the low minors. The short but high wall in right field (300' from home and about 30 feet high), the trees outside the walls all around the outfield, the variety of seating options, and the cantilevered roof over much of the seating area are the great physical features, and GM Ron McKee's incessant efforts to make sure people enjoy coming out the to the games have been extremely successful over the years. I also have a personal sentimental attachment to McCormick -- we had a ballgame outing in lieu of a rehearsal dinner at McCormick Field the night before our wedding, and my dad got to throw the ceremonial first pitch. Whenever we're in town visiting family and the Tourists are at home I make an effort to get to a game.

Until the Lookouts moved out, I might have given the edge over McCormick to Engel Stadium in Chattanooga. I dearly loved that place. Had all of the old-time features I loved at Ray Winder as kid, and as much or more history, plus the more attractive exterior, the incredibly high and deep outfield fences (475' to straightaway center), the bank with flowers planted to spell "Lookouts" in left center (in play, except for the season Michael Jordan played at Birmingham and they used that area for overflow seating). I made several trips a year up from Atlanta just to experience going to a ballgame at Engel. BellSouth Park is . . . OK. No more.

Have to put in another good word for AutoZone Park in Memphis. There isn't a better facility in baseball, in my opinion, factoring in things like the downtown location, the ease of access on foot and via trolley, the amenities, the concessions, etc. I've been to three or four games there over the last few years, and I come away liking it more each time.

[ADunn44]

Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach FLA

[sonderweg]

Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach FLA

Useless bit of trivia: Jackie Robinson Ballpark is one of only two professional ballparks located on an island. The other is Commerce Bank Park on City Island in Harrisburg.

[ADunn44]

Useless bit of trivia: Jackie Robinson Ballpark is one of only two professional ballparks located on an island. The other is Commerce Bank Park on City Island in Harrisburg.



if i recall we had to cross a bridge (Beach Street) from A1A, so the ballpark in on the MainLand in FLA

[sonderweg]

if i recall we had to cross a bridge (Beach Street) from A1A, so the ballpark in on the MainLand in FLA

Actually, the ballpark is on an island in the inland waterway between the mainland and the beach area. This aerial photo (http://terraserver-usa.com/image.aspx?T=1&S=12&Z=17&X=623&Y=4039&W=3&qs=%7cDaytona+Beach%7cFL%7c) shows what I mean.

[ADunn44]

Actually, the ballpark is on an island in the inland waterway between the mainland and the beach area. This aerial photo (http://terraserver-usa.com/image.aspx?T=1&S=12&Z=17&X=623&Y=4039&W=3&qs=%7cDaytona+Beach%7cFL%7c) shows what I mean.


my mistake

[shoeless1920]

Besides Daytona and Harrisburg, there used to be another Minor League ballpark that was situated on an island. Island Park known later as Association Park was in Wichita. The top photo on the following web page shows an excellent shot of the old yard:
http://www.wichitaphotos.org/searchresults.asp?txtinput=aerial

[ADunn44]

Besides Daytona and Harrisburg, there used to be another Minor League ballpark that was situated on an island. Island Park known later as Association Park was in Wichita. The top photo on the following web page shows an excellent photo of the old yard:
http://www.wichitaphotos.org/searchresults.asp?txtinput=aerial


i bet theres plenty of baseballs at the bottom of that river

[Williamsburg2599]

I love McCoy stadium that the Pawtucket Red Sox(AAA) play in. Nice blend of modern ammenities with the quaint old-school minor league park. Probably one of the best in New England after it's parent organization's park.

no doubt. ive been there so many times i cant remember, and i love it there. Its small enough that you feel connected(and there a good chance to snag a ball ive come EXTREMLY close to getting 2) but its not too small that u feel like ur at a little league game or sumthing. not to mention front row seats r only ten bucks. The next best thing to fenway in New England.

[Chester Charge]

I really liked Lakeland (Tigers affiliate)

but my favorite is the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas when Nolan Ryan ran the team with his son.

[Skybird1]

Old or New whats your favorite? Mine was the Chattanooga Lookouts in Chattanooga Tenn.

Although I am a Yankee fan, I really love goling to Dunn Tire Park in Buffalo, a Cleveland Indian affiliate, to see a game. The park is very fan-friendly and the people who run the place are most congenial.

[hiddengem]

My sentimental favorite is Ray Winder Field, in Little Rock, AR, home of the Arkansas Travelers since 1932. I went to many Travs games as a kid and have tons of fond memories of it. Since Bill Valentine took over as GM in the mid-seventies, he's done a fabulous job of ensuring that the fan experience at Ray Winder remains outstanding. I've had just as much fun there on my last couple of visits with my wife and kids as I did as a kid in the 1970s. Unfortunately, it appears that it'll no longer be possible to keep updating Ray Winder to meet current standards for AA parks, so they'll be getting a new park on the riverfront in North Little Rock in a couple of years.


This place is the biggest pile of you know what. Bill Valentine could care less about the players. And it shows by the way his staff is asked to take care of the field. My High-School field had a surface 10 times as good as Ray Winder's sand box and he could care less if I take a ground ball in mouth because of it. I hope Bill changes his ways with the new park.

I hate to say it, wait no I don't. This place needs to have a bomb dropped on it.

[hiddengem]

but my favorite is the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas when Nolan Ryan ran the team with his son.

Now this place would be a 180 degree turn around from Ray Winder field in Little Rock. I had the priviledge of playing in Round Rock 3 different years and it was like playing in the big leagues in the minor leagues. This place is
1st class from top to bottom. Reid Ryan and Jay Miller do a fantastic job running this team and its no wonder why they break attendance records every year.

[bhss89]

If you count the independent Frontier League, I'm going with Bosse Field in Evansville, IN, home of the Otters.
The park in Myrtle Beach, SC is pretty sweet. Can't recall the name as it was Dollar Beer Night.

[vasprtsfn]

My favorite is Harbor Park in Norfolk, VA. A close second is Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick, MD.

[Robb Schwartz]

Just saw one game there in '61 with the big league version of the LA Angels...but it was a beautiful AAA park for decades in downtown LA. I miss the ivy walls. It was said that you could take the trolley (called the Red Car) to the park for cheap and see the Angels play the likes of the Hollywood Stars, San Diego Padres, and the San Francisco Seals. Those days ended in 1957.

Another park I love is Seals Stadium, a sweet little park that sat 25,000. Hosted the Seals for years then the Giants for 2 years before Candlestick Park.

[baseballgal1003]

I love the Biscuit's park in Montgomery. It is just so pretty!

[BadKarma]

Harbor Park in Norfolk, Va, home of the Norfolk Mets (Tidewater Tides of old) is one of my favorites. Another is Damaschke Field in Oneonta, NY, home of the Oneonta Tigers now, but when I was younger home of the Oneonta Yankees (Class A, short season). I saw a lot of great players come up through there as a kid. I remember John Elway playing CF for them for a little while during his short baseball career. Buck Showalter also started out as a Coach there. He won several NY-Penn league championships.

[johncap]

Lackawanna County Stadium. There's nothing special about it but I have had some of my fondest baseball memories there. My favorite is Chase Utley's shot over the left central wall to beat Buffalo in July 2002.
Yikes, a concrete cave! I think bin Laden has been hanging out there!

[ccrisp627]

Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs (AA-Boston), features a Fenway-like left field wall known as the "Maine Monster."

[BadKarma]

Is that Hanley Ramirez in his Redsox days in that picture?

[ccrisp627]

Yeah, that's him in AA last year.

[redbuck]

Visit sportparks.org (http://sportparks.org)for reviews and statistical ballpark studies

Akron
Dayton
Albuquerque
Louisville
Jacksonville
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Memphis
Toledo
Altoona
Quad Cities
San Antonio

[redbuck]

Minor league parks:

[mlazar]

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/ballpark/page.jsp?ymd=20060128&content_id=39578&vkey=ballpark_t422&fext=.jsp&sid=t422
Buffalo Bisons: Ballpark

[efin98]

Useless bit of trivia: Jackie Robinson Ballpark is one of only two professional ballparks located on an island. The other is Commerce Bank Park on City Island in Harrisburg.

There's a third- Keyspan Park in Coney Island, NY. Coney Island is a real island that is partially filled to link it back to land- but an island nonetheless...

[mlazar]

There's a third- Keyspan Park in Coney Island, NY. Coney Island is a real island that is partially filled to link it back to land- but an island nonetheless...
that makes it a peninsula..not an island...:waving

http://www.geocities.com/paulsminorleagueparks/Brooklyn.htm
Ball Parks of the Minor Leagues - KeySpan Park - Brooklyn Cyclones

[efin98]

that makes it a peninsula..not an island...:waving

http://www.geocities.com/paulsminorleagueparks/Brooklyn.htm
Ball Parks of the Minor Leagues - KeySpan Park - Brooklyn Cyclones

Linked to land for a half mile or so with filled in land, but was an island.

And if you want to be literal, you can also add the Cape Cod League teams. Cape Cod is now an Island due to the Cape Cod Canal cutting the island off from the rest of Massachusetts.

Even if you won't grant them the nod due to the changes to Coney Island they play on Long Island making them the third team. The same goes for their islandmates, the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League.

Same is true of their crosstown rivals on Staten Island- the Staten Island Yankees.

And to get things back on topic, I loved the park the Brooklyn Cyclones play in. Big, easy to get to, great fanbase(saw quite a few BC hats at Shea when I went a few weeks ago)

[Food]

I can't remember the name of the Class-A park in Everett, Washington, but it's reaalll nice.

The Double-AA park in Charleston, West Virginia as well.

Indians Stadium in Spokane, of course!

[efin98]

I can't remember the name of the Class-A park in Everett, Washington, but it's reaalll nice.

This place? (http://mysite.verizon.net/charliesballparks/stadiums/everett.htm)

[ACrank]

I really like Canal Park in Akron. It's urban, and works very well within the city. The prices are reasonable, and the view isn't bad either. Plus it's an INdians farm team, works for me.

i visited a friend of mine in Akron and she made a point to show me the park - it was after the season was over so we couldn't get in (she muttered something about not wanting to be arrested for breaking and entering) but it looks like a beautiful park - reminded me a little of Dunn Tire Park in Buffalo

[Monster Mike]

Harrisburg Senators: City Island now called Commerce Bank Park. In the late 1800's and early 1900's The Negro league Harrisburg Giants played there. Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson among others played in a baseball stadium on an island in the middle of the Susquehanna River. Does it get any better than that. But beware the Mayflies.

[efin98]

Harrisburg Senators: City Island now called Commerce Bank Park. In the late 1800's and early 1900's The Negro league Harrisburg Giants played there. Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson among others played in a baseball stadium on an island in the middle of the Susquehanna River. Does it get any better than that. But beware the Mayflies.

I hear that park could be upgraded with the anticipation of the Ottawa Lynx moving to that city. Any truth to that?

[sonderweg]

I hear that park could be upgraded with the anticipation of the Ottawa Lynx moving to that city. Any truth to that?

Upgrade, yes...but probably not for Ottawa. The Lynx are going to be sold (or maybe already have been) and moved to Allentown, where they will be a Phillies affiliate.

[efin98]

Upgrade, yes...but probably not for Ottawa. The Lynx are going to be sold (or maybe already have been) and moved to Allentown, where they will be a Phillies affiliate.

Oops, thought it was the larger city.

[sonderweg]

Oops, thought it was the larger city.

Well, the original plan was to lure Ottawa to Harrisburg - hence the plans for renovation at Harrisburg. But that has since stalled somewhat and, with Allentown building a new stadium, that is now to favorite to land the Ottawa franchise.

[johncap]

Well, the original plan was to lure Ottawa to Harrisburg - hence the plans for renovation at Harrisburg. But that has since stalled somewhat and, with Allentown building a new stadium, that is now to favorite to land the Ottawa franchise.
My understanding is that Scranton/Wilkes Barre is a done deal moving to Allentown next year.

[sonderweg]

My understanding is that Scranton/Wilkes Barre is a done deal moving to Allentown next year.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre won't be moving anywhere. They will still have an International League franchise. They will, however, probably lose their Phillies affiliation to Allentown, where the Ottawa franchise will be re-locating. However, this affiliation switch cannot be formally announced until sometime after the season is over. There's a timeline for affiliation switches can be negotiated, announced, etc.

[johncap]

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre won't be moving anywhere. They will still have an International League franchise. They will, however, probably lose their Phillies affiliation to Allentown, where the Ottawa franchise will be re-locating. However, this affiliation switch cannot be formally announced until sometime after the season is over. There's a timeline for affiliation switches can be negotiated, announced, etc.
Excooooose ME! Funny, I was in the Stadium Club in Moosic a couple months ago and they all acknowledged what we heard in Philly, that this was their last year with a ballclub unless someone else relocates to Moosic.

[sonderweg]

Excooooose ME! Funny, I was in the Stadium Club in Moosic a couple months ago and they all acknowledged what we heard in Philly, that this was their last year with a ballclub unless someone else relocates to Moosic.

Well, the Orioles will have to go somewhere once Ottawa/Allentown abandons them. And since there aren't any new AAA franchises being granted, to my knowledge, the Orioles would probably end up in Moosic. I suppose SWB could sell the franchise and let it be moved elsewhere. But the way I see it, there are 30 AAA franchises and 30 MLB teams, so they will all match up in the end.

[johncap]

Well, the Orioles will have to go somewhere once Ottawa/Allentown abandons them. And since there aren't any new AAA franchises being granted, to my knowledge, the Orioles would probably end up in Moosic. I suppose SWB could sell the franchise and let it be moved elsewhere. But the way I see it, there are 30 AAA franchises and 30 MLB teams, so they will all match up in the end.
Can you try this again in English? Sounds like semanticese. If the Phillies pull their AAA team out of Scranton, which is what I've heard has BEEN done effective the end of this year, then Scranton has LOST their team. If someone else decides to move some other AAA or AA or whatever team there is another matter which as far as I've heard has not been announced. The Moosicians believe they won't have a team next year and their concrete mausoleum probably deserves such a fate even if Moosic does not.

[sonderweg]

Can you try this again in English? Sounds like semanticese. If the Phillies pull their AAA team out of Scranton, which is what I've heard has BEEN done effective the end of this year, then Scranton has LOST their team. If someone else decides to move some other AAA or AA or whatever team there is another matter which as far as I've heard has not been announced. The Moosicians believe they won't have a team next year and their concrete mausoleum probably deserves such a fate even if Moosic does not.

Maybe it is semantics, but, no, Scranton will not have lost the team. It will have lost the Phillies affiliation, but it retains the franchise. Those are two different things.

Scranton can always pick up another major league club with which to affiliate. In fact, since there are only thirty AAA franchises and 30 major league teams, it's virtually guaranteed that *some* major league club will be there next year. The only thing that would stop this would be if SWB decides to sell the franchise and the new owners would, with International League permission, move it to another city.

[soberdennis]

I've only been to Parker Field in Richmond. But I think Tony Gwynn Stadium, Where the SAn Diego Surfdogs play and is also the home of Gwynns SDSU AZtecs is special.

[efin98]

Maybe it is semantics, but, no, Scranton will not have lost the team. It will have lost the Phillies affiliation, but it retains the franchise. Those are two different things.

Scranton can always pick up another major league club with which to affiliate. In fact, since there are only thirty AAA franchises and 30 major league teams, it's virtually guaranteed that *some* major league club will be there next year. The only thing that would stop this would be if SWB decides to sell the franchise and the new owners would, with International League permission, move it to another city.

If the Phillies choose Allantown as their new AAA affiliate Baltimore could end up at SWB. Or it could be Washington, whose affiliation with New Orleans is up.

[Oriolesfan1810]

5/3 Bank stadium, My brother's gf took me there for a toledo mud hens game and I enjoyed myself thoroughly.

I also like Baysox Stadium as well. That's a load of fun there. :)

See minor league baseball is a lot more fun the major league baseball because they let the fans get into it.

[vasprtsfn]

This past Tuesday I was able to attend the Carolina-California League all star game in Salem, Va. I was thoroughly impressed with their stadium. It is huge for a Single-A park. Has plenty of concession stands, most of them positioned so that you can watch the game while waiting in line. Excellent full color scoreboard. Seats are extremely comfortable. And the stadium is convenient to get to from the interstate. Nice view of the Virginia mountains as well. I give Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium a 4-star rating, something I would only give to 2 other minor league stadiums: Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick, MD, and Harbor Park in Norfolk, VA.

[sewf]

I've yet to go to see minor league game, which sucks. I have, however, been to one ballpark, Smokies Park, the home of the Tennessee Smokies. I went there in March and it looked like a good place to see a game. The minor league park I want to go to the most is Rickwood Field. I wanted to go to the Rickwood Classic this year, but I totally forgot about it until the day of the game. Maybe next year I'll go. I'm going to try making going to minor league games a regular thing... might go to a couple games this year if I can.

[Nashvol]

My favorite is no longer around, but it was an unusual place to say the least. Check it out at www.sulphurdell.com!

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

we have seen 6 minor league stadiums -- charleston (sc) river dogs, wilmington blue rocks, charleston (west virginia) alley cats, lansing lugnuts, peoria chiefs, montgomery biscuits.

lansing and montgomery - the newest. but hands-down favorite has to be montgomery biscuits riverwalk stadium. it is built into their 125+ yr old train station. they have done a remarkable job of restoring the old structure with all-new, while keeping it's quaint/antique train station appearance.

You must be biassed ez906. You have some relations overthere. :laugh

Check out this site. It has shiploads of minor league stadiums (affeliated and independent). Choose a favorite yourself guys.

http://www.digitalballparks.com/

[steveironcity]

Ive only been to 2. AT&T Bricktown Ballpark In Oklahoma City (PCL), and Falconi Field in Washington,PA (Frontier League)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Here is a nice article I found on MiLB.com, about Riverwalk Stadium.


There are hundreds of ballparks around the Minor Leagues, and each one has its own personality, past and players.

When this year's Southern League All-Star Home Run Derby begins, the mayor of Montgomery will have a vested interest in it.

Set in Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium, the SL All-Star Game on Monday, July 10, will be the first hosted by the Montgomery Biscuits, Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

The park's most notable features are certainly the restored train station along the left side, and the fully operative tracks that run behind the left-field wall. And that's what brought about Mayor Bobby Bright's challenge: He will pledge $1,000 every time a player hits a home run that tags a moving train.

It happened once in 2004, during Riverwalk Stadium's inaugural season, and it's only natural that the team feels it could happen again -- during Riverwalk's first Home Run Derby.

"You can feel the stir every time a power hitter is up," said Biscuits' Media Relations Director, Jesse Goldberg-Strassler. "Guys can hit home runs over the trains, that's how close we are to the tracks."

Along with the Derby comes a full day of All-Star festivities. Sunday night, July 9, the Southern League's best will arrive in Montgomery ready to experience some Alabama culture.

Game day, Monday morning, an All-Star luncheon will allow players to tempt their palates with some of the best Southern cooking around. The ballpark will open its doors at noon for fans to file into the 6,000-plus capacity venue, which fits more like 7,000 when you include the casual seating areas.

Coosa Street, which runs along the third base line, will be taken over by the Biscuits, in conjunction with National Pastime Sports, the company responsible for events such as 2005's Detroit TigerFest and the Triple-A All-Star Game.

Batting cages, interactive games, Speed Pitch and arcade games will all be humming during FanFest. The Home Run Derby will feature Alabama's top high school sluggers, who will face off in their own SlamFest.

The SL Home Run Derby will take place between the bottom of the third and top of the fourth -- and this time it may count for more than just pride. Should the game end up tied after nine innings, the team to which the winning slugger belongs will also take home the All-Star victory.

Though professional baseball has made a home in Montgomery since 1892, Monday's game will mark the city's first ASG in 34 years. There's no doubt Biscuits fans are hoping for a finish as dramatic as 1972's, when a ninth-inning home run by Bucky Dent foreshadowed his famous 1978 blast vs. the Red Sox.

There will be plenty of room for fans as the park features several picnic areas, plus special venues, including the Club Car Bar, Boxcar Buffet, Locomotive Loft and Whistle Stop Grille.

The grass berm and Big Mo's Dugout children's area will also be buzzing with excitement during this year's Classic.

For Montgomery, the Biscuits hold the baseball niche as the city is seasonally devoted to high school sports and the Auburn-Alabama football rivalry.

"Without a doubt the Biscuits are the heart of the city," said Goldberg-Srassler. "[The ballpark is] the place to eat, the place to be seen in corporate settings, young people settings. Sundays we're packed with families. This place is always full."

Riverwalk's name comes from the Alabama River, flowing peacefully beyond the left field wall. HOK -- the architects behind Camden Yards and Comerica Park -- made sure that Riverwalk was built into the community.

Montgomery's historic train depot was preserved when constructing the $26 million beauty. Six of the ballpark's 20 luxury suites are built into the restored train station. Fans are able to enter the stadium through the station, allowing Riverwalk to blend perfectly into its surroundings.

Riverwalk's menu certainly adds to its appeal. Southern specialties and favorites include catfish, corn on the cob, and Mama B's famous biscuits, meant to be dipped in syrup.

"They're the official biscuits of Montgomery," said Goldberg-Strassler. "They're the best biscuits you'll ever have, no question."


Sapna Pathak is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

[runningshoes]

I haven't been to so many minor league parks, but Pilot Field in Buffalo is a great place to watch a game.

[Beer2Share]

Roger dean Stadium in Jupiter--love it!!!!!!
Then again the old West Palm Stadium where the Expos and Bravos played way back when was great too----too bad it is now a Home Depot. So sad, Home Depot located on Hank Aaron Drive =(

[sonderweg]

Roger dean Stadium in Jupiter--love it!!!!!!
Then again the old West Palm Stadium where the Expos and Bravos played way back when was great too----too bad it is now a Home Depot. So sad, Home Depot located on Hank Aaron Drive =(

Actually, unless they have paved over the rest of it, the outfield still exists. Remnants of the scoreboard were there as of June 2002.

[redsox86]

I grew up in toronto in the sixties. Having now been to at least a couple of hundred ball parks, I will never forget the wonder and beauty that was Maple Leaf Stadium.

[DevilRays1969]

Out of sentimentality, I have to go for the cozy confines of my home ballpark, Tinker Field. Unfortunately, it is no longer occupied by any minor league organization. It's a great place to see a ballgame and I hope that some day soon another club will take advantage of the available facility.

I have to agree with you there. I went to a few Orlando Sunrays games back in the day when they were a Twins AA affiliate and wore the absolute worst uni's in baseball (blue hat w/ white front & pepto pink bill????) No way Tinker is a AA ballpark (Disney is but then that's a terrible location for a minor league team) but they at least deserve a FSL team there. And the Citrus Bowl being just over the outfield fence actually adds character.

By the way....the opening scene of Parenthood is filmed at Tinker Field.

[ACrank]

I haven't been to so many minor league parks, but Pilot Field in Buffalo is a great place to watch a game.

Its Dunn Tire Park now, but its still a great place to watch a game.

[RuthMayBond]

I like Fifth Third Field in Dayton. For one, it was built in 2000 and my seats are first row in the upper deck directly behind home plate. These seats are closer to the field than some of the box seats in major league parks.
The place is clean. Ushers come through during the game and pick up trash. You can also order food or drinks from your seat and it's delivered in less than 5 minutes. Takes longer than that to go to the concession stand. They charge you an extra .50 for your order but it's a good deal.
There is also no smoking anywhere in the stadium. If you really need a smoke, they will stamp your hand at the gate and you can get back in. But, you should be able to go 2-3 hours without a smoke.
The only down side is the team is in last place. AGAIN.My sister-in-law works there :clapping

[RuthMayBond]

I really like Canal Park in Akron. It's urban, and works very well within the city. The prices are reasonable, and the view isn't bad either. Plus it's an INdians farm team, works for me.I used to work and live a quarter mile from it . . .
. . . BEFORE it was built :grouchy:
Timing is everything. If I lived there after it was built, man would they have gotten sick of me

[PJ-34]

Well I've been to Allience Bank Stadium (Syracuse Skychiefs) many times and the only other stadium I have seen is the one where the Ottawa Linx play, I watched them play the Skychiefs.

[rkoch]

Oakland Oaks park in Emeryville Ca; built 1913 closed about 195+. Wonderful place to watch a ballgame. Seals stadium, San Francisco, built 1935, one of the best ball parks ever. Buffalo Park, Moreing Field and Edmonds Field all the same park in Sacramento Ca over a span of many years and a great park. Evening games in Sacramento; never got much better than that.

[machinehead11]

I've only seen games in two ballparks: Cohen Stadium in El Paso and Wolff Stadium in San Antonio. Both are great places to watch a game. Cohen is awesome because you get a great view of the Franklin Mountains in the background, and the sunsets kick ass. Wolff is cool because it pays homage to the Spanish missions all around San Antonio.

Even though I haven't seen a game there yet, I visited Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, and I have to say that this ballpark is the nicest minor league one that I have ever seen.

[CPatt44]

I absolutely love the old Durham Bulls Stadium and the new one isn't too bad either. But one other that I like for the atmosphere is the home of the Mariner's low A team: the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Fox Cities Stadium. Small, pristine, and who can resist a Leinenkugels Lodge in the Stadium.

[bailiff]

I've only seen games in two ballparks: Cohen Stadium in El Paso and Wolff Stadium in San Antonio. Both are great places to watch a game. Cohen is awesome because you get a great view of the Franklin Mountains in the background, and the sunsets kick ass. Wolff is cool because it pays homage to the Spanish missions all around San Antonio.

Even though I haven't seen a game there yet, I visited Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, and I have to say that this ballpark is the nicest minor league one that I have ever seen.


Frisco is my homepark. You are absolutely right. When the city grows up around it, it's going to be great. Wonderful sight lines. Free parking, and a all around great atmosphere.

[vasprtsfn]

Last spring I responded to this thread with Harbor Park in Norfolk, VA as my favorite, and Harry Grove Stadium (Frederick, MD) as a close second. As far as I am concerned, both of those parks are 4-star parks. Since I posed that, I have been to another stadium that I loved. Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium (Salem, VA) is a terrific stadium. I went down there last year for the Carolina League-California League All star game, and was just blown away by it. It is a double decker stadium, and from any of the seats there, you have a beautiful view of the Virginia mountains. I had a blast during my experience there then, and I will definitely be going back in the future, when Potomac plays there.

[Junior Bull]

I have been to a few, but my fav. was Fifth Third Field in Toledo. Very nice ballpark. Fun atmosphere and it just feels like baseball when you walk in.

[Skookumchuck Chuck]

Civic Stadium Eugene Oregon on Willamette St. the Fenway Park of the Northwest League. Back in the 70's when the old green wooden park was the home of the Phil's AAA affiliate it had a wonderful odor of beer to it. I'll never forget when I was about 8 or 9 nine years old when one evening this drunken old redneck walks into a full men's room and yells, "Alright boys everybody drop their pants 'cause it's Friday night at the old pisshouse." I couldn't stop laughing for weeks over that one.

[Shotgun Shuba]

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=manchester,+nh&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF-8&z=18&ll=42.981454,-71.465571&spn=0.001911,0.004989&t=k&om=1&iwloc=addr


Home to my beloved NH Fishercats!!!!!

Too bad it's covered in snow today.

[bryanspellman]

WOW, I am surprised no one said Frontier Field in Rochester, NY.

I directed the first game there. A nice cozy park with fantatic food.

I've also been to Victory Field in Indy. A FANTASTIC park! And the view of downtown Indy and the RCA Dome is awesome. On the 4th of July you can watch the team fireworks then they turn out all the lights and you get front row seats to the city's firework display!

I have also worked at the Duffy Fairgrounds in Watertown, NY. At the time home of the NY-Penn League Watertown Indians. Ouch!

[icee82]

My favorite minor league stadium is the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. This has to be one of the most beautiful stadiums in minor league baseball.

[icee82]

I attended two games this week at the DBAP in Durham. Just beautiful!

[PlayJay]

It will forever be Met Park in Norfolk. I was stationed on a destroyer out of there in the early eighties, and saw a lot of games there. Watched Don Mattingly and Cal Ripken star on the visiting teams...

The Tidewater Tides of the era featured plenty of future Mets. It was a very entertaining experience.

My friends and I would stop at a sandwich place across the highway called 'The Wooden Nickel'. Great place! You could get three sandwiches for the price of two (the guy who owned the place was a New Jersey native), and bring it into the game. You could stuff yourselves for very cheap. The PA announcer babbled throughout the whole game, with contests and promos and spots, and the advance sellouts were usually for the San Diego Chicken, the Mets, and perhaps Max Patkin. Atmosphere there was a small scale version of Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, a kind of country atmosphere that would be impossible to articulate, you had to be there.

I know that the feel might be something that's history now...I have been to the games here in Trenton for the AA Thunder of the Eastern League, and they do their faux Camden Yards best. I liked it better in the old days, they weren't so sophisiticated.

[J-MAC]

Smokies Park for the Tennessee Smokies i my favourite. I saw my first minor league game there and the home team won. I was impressed the scenery of the forrest in the outfield.

[D6+]

There's a third- Keyspan Park in Coney Island, NY. Coney Island is a real island that is partially filled to link it back to land- but an island nonetheless...



Either way Keyspan Park is on an island, as the land Brooklyn is on is part of Long Island.


Shea Stadium ( Mets home since 1964 ), which is in Flushing, Queens, is technically also on Long Island.


The Long Island Ducks home, Citibank Park in Central Islip ( Suffolk County ), is on Long Island.


In answer to the original question, Keyspan Park is my favorite Minor League Stadium.

[CubsFaninBflo]

I'm partial to Dunn Tire Park in Buffalo, NY myself

[mlazar]

I'm partial to Dunn Tire Park in Buffalo, NY myself


me ...but it's always raining when I visit...:eek:

[nyyfan]

My favorite MiLB park is Louisville Slugger Field home of the Louisville Bats (Triple A of the Reds) It is the only team around and I live right across the river from it. http://www.ballparkwatch.com/visits/Louisville.htm

[crzblue]

Gee, I only been to the Las Vegas 51s, Dodgers AAA team. I always make it a point to visit the stadium when in Vegas. One time I had someone change the date we were going to be in Vegas just so that it would coincide with the 51s schedule.

I am excited that tomorrow I am going to see the Inland Empire 66ers (A)! This guy at work who does not know anything about baseball won 2 tickets and asked me if was interested in going with him. I told him sure!

Too bad I will miss Randy Wolf rehab assignment as he is scheduled to be there on Wednesday.

[crzblue]

Check out this site. It has shiploads of minor league stadiums (affeliated and independent). Choose a favorite yourself guys.

http://www.digitalballparks.com/[/QUOTE]

Thanks! but they are also gals in here.

[howiek]

Of the parks that I've been to the stadium in Harrisburgh PA has the best setting. The stadium is horrible though. From what I understand, there is no
point in building a real stadium because the island floods often.
Yale Field and Holman Stadium are pretty nice, there is a lot of history at those 2 parks.
Tucson Electric Park has the mountains in the outfield, that was nice

[TavarezFan]

Yale Field and Holman Stadium are pretty nice, there is a lot of history at those 2 parks.


Yale Field? The Yale Field where the New Haven Cutters play? ugh...i went down there last month, and i can honestly say i haven't been to a more run-down, dirty stadium. The sinks in the bathrooms were so covered with mildew that hand-washing was a health hazard. The outfield seats were covered in some sort of plastic lending the stadium a Metrodome-esque garbage bag atmosphere.

And they shut off the beer sales at the end of the 5th inning due to lack of interest...


I mean, I know it's just Can-Am League, but still!

[howiek]

It's been a while since I've been to Yale Field. I was there in 1999 when
they where (AA) for the Mariners. It was pretty clean back in '99

[ColbyPants]

My favorite would have to be LeLacheur Park (http://www.ballparkreviews.com/lowell/lelach.htm), Home of my real hometown team, the Lowell (MA) Spinners! A Pretty little park down by the Merrimack River.

That said, since I have moved to Northwest Ohio, I have seen many a fine game in The beautiful new Fifth Third Field (http://www.ballparkreviews.com/toledo/53tol.htm), Home of the Mudhens, in Downtown Toledo.

TomC

[ahuff]

:clapping I would have to say that my favorite minor league stadium is John O'Donnell in Davenport, Iowa. It is the home of the "Swing of the Quad Cities". It is absolutely beautiful with the riverfrontage, retro berm seating, retro decor, and the bridge in the background. Fantastic!

[Stray Cat]

Batavia Muckdogs, New York. Nice small stadium. Use to be the Phillies team now it's the Cardinals.

[RuthMayBond]

Columbus Clippers' Cooper Stadium was ok, hope to catch one (or two) park in the Frontier League in a couple of weeks :clapping

[ColbyPants]

Columbus Clippers' Cooper Stadium was ok, hope to catch one (or two) park in the Frontier League in a couple of weeks :clapping

I would have to disagree. When I was in Columbus (2000-2005) I went to Clippers games often (to root for the other team, they were a Yankee Affiliate then), and i was not impressed with the stadium at all. Big, Ugly, and Empty, and in a bad part of town, it was only filled when it was "Dime a Dog" night. Now the new Huntington Ballpark (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntington_Park_(Columbus,_Ohio)) they are building in the Arena District? I know i will make the trip down in 09 to see a game or two. . .

TomC

[RuthMayBond]

I would have to disagree. When I was in Columbus (2000-2005) I went to Clippers games often (to root for the other team, they were a Yankee Affiliate then), and i was not impressed with the stadium at all. Big, Ugly, and Empty, and in a bad part of town, it was only filled when it was "Dime a Dog" night. Now the new Huntington Ballpark (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntington_Park_(Columbus,_Ohio)) they are building in the Arena District? I know i will make the trip down in 09 to see a game or two. . .

TomCI meant ok as in fair but nothing special, I've seen better

[ColbyPants]

fair enough, it was still baseball, which makes it all right by me ;)

[Oakland56]

I really like The Seawolves Park in Erie PA

http://www.minorleagueballparks.com/jeruht99.jpg

[MadHatter]

Hadlock Field in Portland ME (Portland Sea Dogs)
McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, RI (Pawtucket Red Sox)
LeLacheur Park in Lowell, MA (Lowell Spinners)

[writerhoward]

The park the Camden River Sharks play in.

Howard

[MadDog31]

I've only been to the Lexington Legends ballpark, so I have to go with them. They have a decent atmosphere going on there for a Double A baseball game.

[brett523]

i would have to go with trenton thunder in trenton, nj

GO THUNDER!

[gman5431]

Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach FLA

Took the words right out of my mouth and i hear it has been completely refirbed in recent years... cant wait to go back!

G Man

[jim_mud]

There are many reasons why the Sacramento River Cats lead the minors in attendance every year, and Raley Field is one of them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:City_Skyline_Raley_Field.JPG

http://www.ballparkwatch.com/visits/raley_field.htm

http://www.baseballpilgrimages.com/AAA/sacramento.html

[Kennedy]

Although it's not a minor league park, Shea Field home of Boston College is a real nice place to catch some baseball. Last year i was fortunate enough to watch my cousin pitch there, combined with a fine New England Spring evening it was a great night.

[BlackSox1919]

I've got to go with the Salem Avalanche's home field, Salem Memorial Stadium. Clean, good parking, comfortable seats, not a bad seat in the house. I spend most of my summer sitting right behind home plate.

[spark240]

Yale Field? The Yale Field where the New Haven Cutters play? ugh...i went down there last month, and i can honestly say i haven't been to a more run-down, dirty stadium. The sinks in the bathrooms...

The concourse, if you can even call it that, is awful. I'll take your word for it on bathrooms. "Amenities" are paltry at best. But the stands and the field were great when I was there. I like old wooden seats, myself, certainly better than cheap aluminum benches. I saw Alexis Rios playing there with the Ravens in '03.

[Nutriaitch]

I've only been to 2 minor league parks. Zephyr Field (AAA-Mets) in New Orleans and Corpus Christi (AA-Astros) in Texas.
Zephyr Field is pretty nice, been to several games over the years (minor league and college). Only went to Corpus once, but that field is awesome.

[Milwaukee T]

Everyone has to make the trip to see Bridgeport if they can. That is a great place. Pawtuckett is way up there as well. I ti also one of the few stadiums that you can walk all the way around on the insde.

The Yale is vacant now, but I have gone there multiple years and it just becomes worse and worse as time goes on. The stadium itself is a nice placee, but the people that have run it just let it go more and more. It is a shame that a place with such history is left to rot as that one has.