Question: Ballpark Dimensions

[rsuriyop]

Simple question: why are the dimensions of most ballparks constantly changing?

Now in some stadiums where players are consistently hitting homers out of them them like in Coors, I could understand the reason for it (although strangely enough, it still remains a hitter's park like no other). But otherwise, it just boggles the mind. Surely there's an answer to this, right?

[sschirmer]

A lot of teams change dims based on the type of players they currently have. If you have a speedy lineup, without much power, move the fences back, and hope for balls in the gap. If you have a slower, more power laden lineup, bring 'em in, and watch the balls fly out.

If you have Eric Milton, move your team to Yosemite!

[rsuriyop]

Originally Posted by sschirmer

A lot of teams change dims based on the type of players they currently have. If you have a speedy lineup, without much power, move the fences back, and hope for balls in the gap. If you have a slower, more power laden lineup, bring 'em in, and watch the balls fly out.

If you have Eric Milton, move your team to Yosemite!

Quite interesting. I really wouldn't have guessed anything like that. Thanks.

[Sean O]

Of the new ballparks, this is the first season I recall teams changing the dimensions of their parks. The Padres and Phillies seem to be the only ones who have changed dimensions recently, and the Tigers moved the fences in, but very few other teams have made any changes.

It happened way more in the past than now, because parks were built in stages. Considering the sheer number of parks built over the past few years, it's surprising how few parks have seen modifications.

[Clash City Rocker]

The Royals and Angels have also moved fences in/out....and the (old park teams) Dodgers, BSox, and Cubs have filled space in foul territory for box seats. Yeah, this was more common in older stadiums where there was usually more space to work with. Todays stadiums are designed with the OF design set in place by permanent structure/bleachers, with the zig-zaggy fake urban intrigue fences deal.

[sschirmer]

The Polo GRounds got tinkered with a fair amount as well.

Dimensions: Left Field: 277 (1911), 286.67 (1921), 279.67 (1923), 279 (1930), 280 (1943), 279 (1955); Left Field, second deck: 250; Left center, left of bullpen: 447; Left center, right of bullpen: 455; Front of clubhouse steps: 460; Center field: 433 (1911), 483 (1923), 484.75 (1927), 505 (1930), 430 (1931), 480 (1934), 430 (1938), 505 (1940), 490 (1943), 505 (1944), 448 (1945), 490 (1946), 484 (1947), 505 (1949), 483 (1952), 480 (1953), 483 (1954), 480 (1955), 475 (1962), 483 (1963); Bleacher corners: 425 when center field was 475; Right center, left of bullpen: 449; Right center, right of bullpen: 440; Right field: 256.25 (1921), 257.67 (1923), 257.5 (1931), 257.67 (1942), 259 (1943), 257.67 (1944); Right field, second deck photographers' perch: 249; Backstop: 65 (1942), 70 (1943), 65 (1944), 70 (1946), 74 (1949), 65 (1954), 74 (1955), 65 (1962); Foul territory: very large.