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THE BASEBALL STADIUM INSIDER

A Comprehensive Dissection of All Thirty Ballparks, the Legendary Players, and the Memorable MomentsBy Matt Lupica

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2012 Matt Lupica
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4620-8366-4

Contents

Acknowledgments................................................................ixPreface........................................................................xiEast Region....................................................................1Citi Field Home of the New York Mets..........................................3Citizens Bank Park Home of the Philadelphia Phillies..........................13Fenway Park Home of the Boston Red Sox........................................27Nationals Park Home of the Washington Nationals...............................43New Yankee Stadium Home of the New York Yankees...............................53Oriole Park at Camden Yards Home of the Baltimore Orioles.....................69PNC Park Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.......................................85Great Lakes Region.............................................................101Comerica Park Home of the Detroit Tigers......................................103Miller Park Home of the Milwaukee Brewers.....................................119Progressive Field Home of the Cleveland Indians...............................133Rogers Centre Home of the Toronto Blue Jays...................................149Target Field Home of the Minnesota Twins......................................163U.S. Cellular Field Home of the Chicago White Sox.............................177Wrigley Field Home of the Chicago Cubs........................................193South Central Region...........................................................211Busch Stadium Home of the St Louis Cardinals.................................213Great American Ballpark Home of the Cincinnati Reds...........................231Kauffman Stadium Home of the Kansas City Royals...............................247Minute Maid Park Home of the Houston Astros...................................263New Marlins Ballpark Home of Miami Marlins....................................279Rangers Ballpark in Arlington Home of the Texas Rangers.......................287Tropicana Field Home of the Tampa Bay Rays....................................301Turner Field Home of the Atlanta Braves.......................................317West Region....................................................................331Angel Stadium Home of the Los Angeles Angels..................................333AT&T Park Home of the San Francisco Giants....................................345Chase Field Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks..................................363Coors Field Home of the Colorado Rockies......................................377Dodger Stadium Home of the Los Angeles Dodgers................................393O Co Coliseum Home of the Oakland Athletics...................................409PETCO Park Home of the San Diego Padres.......................................425Safeco Field Home of the Seattle Mariners.....................................439Conclusion.....................................................................451Bibilography...................................................................453

Chapter One

Citi Field

Home of the New York Mets

When the doors to Shea Stadium closed following the 2008 season, the Mets had left behind a ballpark filled with plenty of great moments. From the Amazin' Mets and their magical, astonishing World Series championship run in 1969, to images of Jesse Orosco throwing his glove in the air following a 1986 World Series victory over Boston, there was plenty of history that had made its mark.

The introduction of Citi Field was not without some indifference, with fans upset over obstructed sight lines present and too much emphasis of the Brooklyn Dodgers and their rich history over that of the one created by the National League's Mets. Despite it all, Citi Field represents a new era in New York Mets history and has fast become known for its reputation as being a pitcher's park.

Plans to replace Shea Stadium officially got under way in the 1990s when management unveiled their first ideas in 1998 of having a retractable roof and removable grass field; that is, one that would slide out into the parking lot and allow for other events to be hosted at the facility. The price tag for that proposal was exceptionally high, and the team scrapped it in favor of a far more conservative approach. Relocation was also on the top of the list and other potential spots included Mitchell Field and Belmont Park in Nassau County, Long Island, Sunnyside Yard in Queens and West Side Yard in Manhattan.

New York City Mayor and avid baseball fan Rudy Giuliani had a hand in the stadium situation and shortly before leaving office, had a tentative agreement for both the Yankees and Mets to construct new facilities. With $1.6 billion dollars on the table, an arrangement was proposed in which city and state taxpayers would pay for half the construction while teams would be allowed to keep all the parking revenue generated from the lots present. When Michael Bloomberg assumed Mayoral responsibilities, he triggered an escape clause, citing the fact that it cost too much money for the city to construct two brand new ballparks.

After all was said and done, the Mets got their wish when plans for Citi Field were part of a bid for the 2012 Olympic games. Although the city failed in their efforts to host the games, it kick started the project Mets management had long been hoping for. The official model of Citi Field was unveiled March 18, 2006 and construction began four months later in July.

The ballpark was finished well ahead of opening day 2009, and fans attending games at Shea Stadium in its final year had the opportunity to see Citi Field take shape right from the comfort of their own seats with construction taking place beyond the outfield walls. Another noteworthy accomplishment in getting a new home: The overall agreement included a forty-year lease that prevents the team from departing New York through the year 2049.

Dissecting Citi Field

Citi Field became the new crown jewel of Flushing, New York when it debuted just in time for the 2009 season, and since its inception into the league fans have flocked to the stadium and have been treated to one of the games best structures.

AUDITORIUM

Those looking to wow potential clients and hoping to create an experience like no other, the Auditorium and Business Center at Citi Field can help accomplish that goal. With a capacity of 150 theater-style seats, state-of-the-art amenities and a stage, this spot can be rented out on non-game days. Other services include Wi-Fi, printers, copiers, fax machines and ports to charge electronic devices.

BRIDGES

When one thinks of Major League ballparks and bridges, the first location that comes to mind is the Clemente Bridge at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. At Citi Field, a replica bridge serves as a connection point for the right and center field walkways. The idea of incorporating this into the mix was to drive home the Mets link with New York's five boroughs, helping to serve as a symbolic tribute to its surroundings.

CAESARS CLUB

Searching for incredible views? Want to kick back and enjoy a relaxing drink? Maybe you're hoping to recreate a taste of home and relax on a couch? All of that can be accomplished at the Caesars Club,...