Ranking Every MLB Ballpark From Worst to First

Ranking Every MLB Ballpark From Worst to First

By Walter Bergeson

April 24, 2014

Ranking the MLB Ballparks

Los Angeles Dodgers — One of the great things about baseball is the uniqueness of the ballparks. Every stadium has its quirks, and some of the new ballparks seem to have the landscape of the city built around them. The majority of major league parks have been built in the past 15 years, but some go back to the beginning of the 20th century.

Here are the MLB ballparks ranked from 30 to 1.

One of the great things about baseball is the uniqueness of the ballparks. Every stadium has its quirks, and some of the new ballparks seem to have the landscape of the city built around them. The majority of major league parks have been built in the past 15 years, but some go back to the beginning of the 20th century.

Here are the MLB ballparks ranked from 30 to 1.

30. Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay Rays

Tropicana Field Best MLB Ballparks

30. Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay Rays

Tropicana Field Best MLB Ballparks — Originally constructed in 1990, Tropicana Field has been host to the Rays since their inaugural season in 1998. It is the only remaining MLB stadium to have a permanent roof, and the "catwalks" on the top of dome occasionally get in the way of batted balls.

Originally constructed in 1990, Tropicana Field has been host to the Rays since their inaugural season in 1998. It is the only remaining MLB stadium to have a permanent roof, and the "catwalks" on the top of dome occasionally get in the way of batted balls.

29. O.Co Coliseum, Oakland Athletics

O.Co Coliseum Best MLB Ballparks

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29. O.Co Coliseum, Oakland Athletics

O.Co Coliseum Best MLB Ballparks — Originally known as Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, the stadium has hosted the A's since 1968. Due to it being a multi-purpose facility, the stands are located far away from the diamond and leave lots of foul ground in play. Recent sewage leaks in the stadium have increased public sentiment for a move to a new facility.

Originally known as Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, the stadium has hosted the A's since 1968. Due to it being a multi-purpose facility, the stands are located far away from the diamond and leave lots of foul ground in play. Recent sewage leaks in the stadium have increased public sentiment for a move to a new facility.

28. Globe Life Park, Texas Rangers

Globe Life Park Best MLB Ballparks

28. Globe Life Park, Texas Rangers

Globe Life Park Best MLB Ballparks — Renamed Globe Life Park before the 2014 season, the ballpark has been home to the Rangers since 1994. Despite having fairly deep dimensions, the heat and wind flow in the stadium make it favorable for hitters.

Renamed Globe Life Park before the 2014 season, the ballpark has been home to the Rangers since 1994. Despite having fairly deep dimensions, the heat and wind flow in the stadium make it favorable for hitters.

27. U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago White Sox

U.S. Cellular Field Best MLB Ballparks

27. U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago White Sox

U.S. Cellular Field Best MLB Ballparks — Built in 1991 as the second incarnation of Comiskey Park, U.S. Cellular bought the naming rights before the 2004 season. The stadium has undergone several renovations in the past decade to make the park more fan friendly.

Built in 1991 as the second incarnation of Comiskey Park, U.S. Cellular bought the naming rights before the 2004 season. The stadium has undergone several renovations in the past decade to make the park more fan friendly.

26. Progressive Field, Cleveland Indians

Progresive Field Best MLB Ballparks

26. Progressive Field, Cleveland Indians

Progresive Field Best MLB Ballparks — Originally called Jacobs Field, the stadium replaced Cleveland Municipal Stadium as the home of the Indians. Between 1995 and 2001, the Indians sold out 455 straight home games, an MLB record.

Originally called Jacobs Field, the stadium replaced Cleveland Municipal Stadium as the home of the Indians. Between 1995 and 2001, the Indians sold out 455 straight home games, an MLB record.

25. Marlins Park, Miami Marlins

Marlins Park Best MLB Ballparks

25. Marlins Park, Miami Marlins

Marlins Park Best MLB Ballparks — The newest ballpark in the Major Leagues, the retractable roof stadium was opened in 2012. The stadium features bright colors everywhere, a night club in the outfield and bulletproof aquariums behind home plate.

The newest ballpark in the Major Leagues, the retractable roof stadium was opened in 2012. The stadium features bright colors everywhere, a night club in the outfield and bulletproof aquariums behind home plate.

24. Angel Stadium, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Angel Stadium Best MLB Ballparks

24. Angel Stadium, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Angel Stadium Best MLB Ballparks — "The Big A" opened in 1966 as a fully enclosed multi-purpose stadium. The park underwent comprehensive renovations in 1997, including opening up the stadium and installing rocks, trees and geysers beyond the wall in left-center field.

"The Big A" opened in 1966 as a fully enclosed multi-purpose stadium. The park underwent comprehensive renovations in 1997, including opening up the stadium and installing rocks, trees and geysers beyond the wall in left-center field.

23. Minute Maid Park, Houston Astros

Minute Maid Park Best MLB Ballparks

23. Minute Maid Park, Houston Astros

Minute Maid Park Best MLB Ballparks — Minute Maid is notable for several quirks, including a large hill that's in play in deep center field and a train that moves back and forth behind the left field wall. Opened in 2000 and originally named Enron Field, the short porch in left field makes it a haven for right-handed hitters.

Minute Maid is notable for several quirks, including a large hill that's in play in deep center field and a train that moves back and forth behind the left field wall. Opened in 2000 and originally named Enron Field, the short porch in left field makes it a haven for right-handed hitters.

22. Turner Field, Atlanta Braves

Turner Field Best MLB Ballparks

22. Turner Field, Atlanta Braves

Turner Field Best MLB Ballparks — The stadium was constructed for the 1996 Olympic Games and converted into a baseball facility before the 1997 season. With the Braves building a new stadium that's projected to be ready in 2017, "The Ted" will likely be torn down only 20 years after being built.

The stadium was constructed for the 1996 Olympic Games and converted into a baseball facility before the 1997 season. With the Braves building a new stadium that's projected to be ready in 2017, "The Ted" will likely be torn down only 20 years after being built.

21. Chase Field, Arizona Diamondbacks

Chase Field Best MLB Ballparks

21. Chase Field, Arizona Diamondbacks

Chase Field Best MLB Ballparks — The only ballpark the Diamondbacks have called home, it's notable for being the first retractable roof stadium in the U.S. It's also famous for its pool in right-center field that occasionally fields home runs.

The only ballpark the Diamondbacks have called home, it's notable for being the first retractable roof stadium in the U.S. It's also famous for its pool in right-center field that occasionally fields home runs.

20. Nationals Park, Washington Nationals

Nationals Park Best MLB Ballparks

20. Nationals Park, Washington Nationals

Nationals Park Best MLB Ballparks — The baseball-only facility was opened in 2008 to replace the multi-purpose RFK Stadium. The outfield was left open to provide views of the Capitol building and the Washington Monument. It was the first LEED-certified green stadium in the U.S.

The baseball-only facility was opened in 2008 to replace the multi-purpose RFK Stadium. The outfield was left open to provide views of the Capitol building and the Washington Monument. It was the first LEED-certified green stadium in the U.S.

19. Citi Field, New York Mets

Citi Field Best MLB Stadiums

19. Citi Field, New York Mets

Citi Field Best MLB Stadiums — Citi Field was built to replace the long-lamented Shea Stadium as the home of the Mets. The exterior of the stadium was designed to honor Ebbets Field, the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The field's dimensions were originally set up to favor pitchers, and it still plays that way even though the fences were moved in before the 2012 season.

Citi Field was built to replace the long-lamented Shea Stadium as the home of the Mets. The exterior of the stadium was designed to honor Ebbets Field, the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The field's dimensions were originally set up to favor pitchers, and it still plays that way even though the fences were moved in before the 2012 season.

18. Miller Park, Milwaukee Brewers

Miller Park Best MLB Ballparks

18. Miller Park, Milwaukee Brewers

Miller Park Best MLB Ballparks — The home of the Brewers features the only fan-shaped retractable roof in the U.S. Opened in 2001, the stadium famously has a large yellow slide beyond the left field wall that mascot Bernie Brewer slides down after Brewers' home runs and victories.

The home of the Brewers features the only fan-shaped retractable roof in the U.S. Opened in 2001, the stadium famously has a large yellow slide beyond the left field wall that mascot Bernie Brewer slides down after Brewers' home runs and victories.

17. Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia Phillies

Citizens Bank Park Best MLB Ballparks

17. Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia Phillies

Citizens Bank Park Best MLB Ballparks — Opened in 2004 to replace Veterans Stadium, Citizens Bank was built directly adjacent to Philadelphia's NFL and NBA venues. Despite the left field wall being moved back after the 2005 season, it's one of the most hitter friendly stadiums in the Major Leagues.

Opened in 2004 to replace Veterans Stadium, Citizens Bank was built directly adjacent to Philadelphia's NFL and NBA venues. Despite the left field wall being moved back after the 2005 season, it's one of the most hitter friendly stadiums in the Major Leagues.

16. Busch Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals

Busch Stadium Best MLB Ballparks

16. Busch Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals

Busch Stadium Best MLB Ballparks — The third iteration of Busch Stadium has been home to the Cardinals since 2006. The outfield was left open-ended to provide views of the downtown St. Louis skyline, including the Gateway Arch. The Ballpark Village entertainment complex is located across the street and opened before the start of the 2014 season.

The third iteration of Busch Stadium has been home to the Cardinals since 2006. The outfield was left open-ended to provide views of the downtown St. Louis skyline, including the Gateway Arch. The Ballpark Village entertainment complex is located across the street and opened before the start of the 2014 season.

15. Comerica Park, Detroit Tigers

Comerica Park Best MLB Ballparks

15. Comerica Park, Detroit Tigers

Comerica Park Best MLB Ballparks — The Tigers' home ballpark opened in 2000. The dimensions are pitcher friendly and go as deep as 420 feet to center field. The field is notable for having a strip of dirt from that connects the pitchers' mound to home plate, a feature commonly found in parks built in the early 20th century.

The Tigers' home ballpark opened in 2000. The dimensions are pitcher friendly and go as deep as 420 feet to center field. The field is notable for having a strip of dirt from that connects the pitchers' mound to home plate, a feature commonly found in parks built in the early 20th century.

14. Yankee Stadium, New York Yankees

Yankee Stadium Best MLB Ballparks

14. Yankee Stadium, New York Yankees

Yankee Stadium Best MLB Ballparks — The new park replaced "The House That Ruth Built" as the home of the Yankees in 2009. Many of the design features of the old Yankee Stadium were incorporated into the new stadium, including the frieze along the top of the park, the short porch in right field and Monument Park beyond the outfield wall.

The new park replaced "The House That Ruth Built" as the home of the Yankees in 2009. Many of the design features of the old Yankee Stadium were incorporated into the new stadium, including the frieze along the top of the park, the short porch in right field and Monument Park beyond the outfield wall.

13. Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati Reds

Great American Ballpark Best MLB Ballparks

13. Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati Reds

Great American Ballpark Best MLB Ballparks — One of the most hitter friendly parks in baseball, the home of the Reds was opened in 2003. A 35-foot wide gap was opened in the stands between home plate and third base that provides views of the city skyline for fans in the park. Beyond the right field bleachers is the Ohio River, which provides the border between Ohio and Kentucky.

One of the most hitter friendly parks in baseball, the home of the Reds was opened in 2003. A 35-foot wide gap was opened in the stands between home plate and third base that provides views of the city skyline for fans in the park. Beyond the right field bleachers is the Ohio River, which provides the border between Ohio and Kentucky.

12. Safeco Field, Seattle Mariners

Safeco Field Best MLB Ballparks

12. Safeco Field, Seattle Mariners

Safeco Field Best MLB Ballparks — The Mariners opened Safeco Field in the middle of the 1999 season, moving across the street from the Kingdome. Safeco has a retractable roof that provides a covering for the field but doesn't actually enclose the stadium. While still known as a pitcher's park, the fences were moved in before the 2013 season to make it more hitter friendly.

The Mariners opened Safeco Field in the middle of the 1999 season, moving across the street from the Kingdome. Safeco has a retractable roof that provides a covering for the field but doesn't actually enclose the stadium. While still known as a pitcher's park, the fences were moved in before the 2013 season to make it more hitter friendly.

11. Petco Park, San Diego Padres

Petco Park Best MLB Ballparks

11. Petco Park, San Diego Padres

Petco Park Best MLB Ballparks — The Padres moved from Qualcomm Stadium to Petco Park in 2004. The ballpark was built around the Western Metal Supply Co. building, which was renovated and sits just beyond the left field fence. There is also a park area located beyond the fence in right center field where fans can set up a picnic and watch the game.

The Padres moved from Qualcomm Stadium to Petco Park in 2004. The ballpark was built around the Western Metal Supply Co. building, which was renovated and sits just beyond the left field fence. There is also a park area located beyond the fence in right center field where fans can set up a picnic and watch the game.

10. Rogers Centre, Toronto Blue Jays

Rogers Centre Best MLB Ballparks

10. Rogers Centre, Toronto Blue Jays

Rogers Centre Best MLB Ballparks — Originally known as the SkyDome, the stadium has hosted the Blue Jays since 1989. The retractable roof stadium was built right next to the CN Tower, one of the tallest structures in the world. Attached to the stadium is a hotel that features rooms with a view of the field from beyond the center field wall.

Originally known as the SkyDome, the stadium has hosted the Blue Jays since 1989. The retractable roof stadium was built right next to the CN Tower, one of the tallest structures in the world. Attached to the stadium is a hotel that features rooms with a view of the field from beyond the center field wall.

9. Target Field, Minnesota Twins

Target Field Best MLB Stadiums

9. Target Field, Minnesota Twins

Target Field Best MLB Stadiums — The Twins moved into the open air stadium in 2010. The right side of the outfield was left open to provide fans a view of the Minneapolis skyline. On cold nights, there is a deck in left field that can support a bonfire.

The Twins moved into the open air stadium in 2010. The right side of the outfield was left open to provide fans a view of the Minneapolis skyline. On cold nights, there is a deck in left field that can support a bonfire.

8. Kaufman Stadium, Kansas City Royals

Kaufman Stadium Best MLB Stadiums

8. Kaufman Stadium, Kansas City Royals

Kaufman Stadium Best MLB Stadiums — Kaufman Stadium became the second ballpark to host the Royals when it was opened in 1973. Originally equipped with Astroturf, the stadium installed a grass surface in 1995. The waterfalls and fountains beyond the outfield fence catch some of the longer home runs hit.

Kaufman Stadium became the second ballpark to host the Royals when it was opened in 1973. Originally equipped with Astroturf, the stadium installed a grass surface in 1995. The waterfalls and fountains beyond the outfield fence catch some of the longer home runs hit.

7. Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox

Fenway Park Best MLB Ballparks

7. Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox

Fenway Park Best MLB Ballparks — The oldest Major League park, Fenway opened just a week after the sinking of the Titanic. Its most famous feature is the "Green Monster", the 37-foot wall in left field with a manually operated scoreboard at its base. The park's right field foul pole, at only 302 feet from home plate, is the shortest outfield distance from home plate in baseball.

The oldest Major League park, Fenway opened just a week after the sinking of the Titanic. Its most famous feature is the "Green Monster", the 37-foot wall in left field with a manually operated scoreboard at its base. The park's right field foul pole, at only 302 feet from home plate, is the shortest outfield distance from home plate in baseball.

6. Coors Field, Colorado Rockies

Coors Field Best MLB Ballparks

6. Coors Field, Colorado Rockies

Coors Field Best MLB Ballparks — Despite opening less than 20 years ago, Coors Field is now the third-oldest stadium in the National League. Even with deep dimensions to all fields, the thin Denver air makes it one of the most favorable parks for hitters. All of the seats in the 20th row of the upper deck are a different color from the rest of the seats in the park, signifying the one-mile elevation mark.

Despite opening less than 20 years ago, Coors Field is now the third-oldest stadium in the National League. Even with deep dimensions to all fields, the thin Denver air makes it one of the most favorable parks for hitters. All of the seats in the 20th row of the upper deck are a different color from the rest of the seats in the park, signifying the one-mile elevation mark.

5. Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs

Wrigley Field Best MLB Ballparks

5. Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs

Wrigley Field Best MLB Ballparks — The oldest National League park, Wrigley has hosted the Cubs since 1916. The park's most distinctive feature is the ivy-covered brick wall in the outfield. With a limited number of bleachers beyond the wall in left and right field, fans can sit on the rooftops of buildings across the street from the stadium and still have a view of the action on the field.

The oldest National League park, Wrigley has hosted the Cubs since 1916. The park's most distinctive feature is the ivy-covered brick wall in the outfield. With a limited number of bleachers beyond the wall in left and right field, fans can sit on the rooftops of buildings across the street from the stadium and still have a view of the action on the field.

4. AT&T Park, San Francisco Giants

AT&T Park Best MLB Ballparks

4. AT&T Park, San Francisco Giants

AT&T Park Best MLB Ballparks — Originally named Pacific Bell Park, the Giants moved into their new home by the bay in 2000. The park features a 24-foot wall in right field situated directly in front of McCovey Cove. On the other side of the park is an 80-foot Coca-Cola bottle with playground slides inside it.

Originally named Pacific Bell Park, the Giants moved into their new home by the bay in 2000. The park features a 24-foot wall in right field situated directly in front of McCovey Cove. On the other side of the park is an 80-foot Coca-Cola bottle with playground slides inside it.

3. Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore Orioles

Oriole Park at Camden Yards Best MLB Ballparks

3. Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore Orioles

Camden Yards Best MLB Ballparks — Camden Yards was a revelation when it was opened in 1992. It was the first of the "retro-style" ballparks that became a burgeoning trend for new ballparks built in the following decades. The most notable feature is the B&O Warehouse building located just beyond the right field wall.

Camden Yards was a revelation when it was opened in 1992. It was the first of the "retro-style" ballparks that became a burgeoning trend for new ballparks built in the following decades. The most notable feature is the B&O Warehouse building located just beyond the right field wall.

2. Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodger Stadium Best MLB Ballparks

2. Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodger Stadium Best MLB Ballparks — Located at the base of Chavez Ravine just outside downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium holds the largest capacity of any Major League ballpark. Outside of the HD screens and LED Displays installed in the last ten years, the stadium remains relatively unchanged from when it was opened in 1962.

Located at the base of Chavez Ravine just outside downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium holds the largest capacity of any Major League ballpark. Outside of the HD screens and LED Displays installed in the last ten years, the stadium remains relatively unchanged from when it was opened in 1962.

1. PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates

PNC Park Best MLB Ballparks

1. PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates

PNC Park Best MLB Ballparks — Built in 2001, PNC Park is the gem of the "retro-style" ballparks built in the early 2000s. The park is built alongside the Allegheny River, and long home runs that clear the bleachers in right field can reach the water. Fans get a view of the Pittsburgh skyline and the Roberto Clemente Bridge that spans the river.

Built in 2001, PNC Park is the gem of the "retro-style" ballparks built in the early 2000s. The park is built alongside the Allegheny River, and long home runs that clear the bleachers in right field can reach the water. Fans get a view of the Pittsburgh skyline and the Roberto Clemente Bridge that spans the river.

Walter Bergeson is a writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on twitter @WalterBSports or add him to your network on Google

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