The 25 Coolest Minor League Ballparks in America
By Jack Erwin | Aug 5, 2011 | 5:34 pm | Permalink
Here's what you like about baseball: beer, food, and a chance to cop a feel in the stands. Only problem? Here's what you don't like: upwards of $2,000 for one ticket—ONE TICKET—at major league games (don't even get us started on $12 beers). The solution? Minor league ball. The grass, the open air, the crack of the bat, the old fart sitting next to you whining about "the gloves are too big nowadays!", the young fart sitting next to you whining about "wins are a meaningless stat!"—everything's the same as an MLB game, it's just about a thousand times more low key and a million times less expensive. You don't even have to leave the city (well, not in New York or Philly) to go to one. Let us put you onto the best, the Coolest Minor League Ballparks in America.
Research assistance provided by the SSSL.
henry c August 8th, 2011 at 10:22 AM
i am so proud that my hometown has the best stadium in the minors....it is a beautiful one....... buffalos talking proud!!!!!!!!!!!!! and were not just known for the snow!!!!!!!!!!
DanRodriguez August 8th, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Good work on the list. Thanks. I agree with many choices but never would've figured Buffalo to be No. 1. A point to mention is Evansville is where the movie A League of Their Own was filmed.
Nick August 8th, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Maybe ten years ago I would go with this and I do like the park a lot but I have to thing Frontier Field in Rochester is better. But hey I ain't complaining. It is a great park still.
Dayton's Finest August 8th, 2011 at 03:04 PM
I really think you guys should have included my hometown Dayton Dragons on this list. Most people aren't too familiar with our minor league team, but we did set the professional record for consecutive sellouts with 815. That means we've sold every seat there since it opened in 2000. We have a steady stream of talent that comes through here with 51 Dragons playing in the MLB to date. Also, the stadium is very beautiful and has a great atmmosphere. Food prices aren't too ridiculous and the customer service at the ballpark is the best bar none. The in-between innings entertainment is entertaining too and you get a great view of some of Dayton's classic buildings. A lot of great looking ballparks on the list though.
rico August 8th, 2011 at 03:17 PM
How Huntington Park isn't in the top 5 - or even on the list - is beyond mind-boggling. It's by far the most fan-friendly ballpark I've ever been too, including any major league stadium. That omission instantly takes away any credibility from this list.
iceman61460 August 8th, 2011 at 03:33 PM
Like Henry, I'm pretty proud of my ballpark makeing number 1 also. I've been a season ticket holder since day 1 and in my opinion this filed has been the Jewel of downtown for many years. I've been in some major league parks (Marlins, Rays and Brewers in particular) that cannot hold a candle to our field
Jackson August 9th, 2011 at 08:12 AM
I can't believe Frontier Field in Rochester NY was left off this list. Gorgeous stadium.
Pete August 9th, 2011 at 02:29 PM
Nicely done; however, the Chattanooga Lookouts play in the Southern League, not the Carolina League.
Quad Cities Queen August 9th, 2011 at 02:37 PM
You are totally right about Modern Woodmen Park! We take our family there every weekend, and it is a totally cool park. Retro on the outside, modern on the inside, a great play area for the kids and a huge new all-glass room on the suite level overlooking the field. The River Bandits are so fun and family-friendly, and the ballpark is first-rate!
Quags August 9th, 2011 at 02:46 PM
No Frontier Field! That certainly should have been on this. Fantastic ballpark in Rochester, NY. Also no Durham Bulls? I mean, they're pretty classic. Almost as bad as leaving BBC off the top street wear list.