Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com has posted his annual “The Ballpark Year in Pictures” covering all the big baseball stadium stories of 2020. Read more and view photos here.
Category Archives: Ballpark Visits
2020 – The Ballpark Year in Pictures
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Stadium Issues
A Look at the Lone World Series Ballpark
As the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays prepare to meet in Game 1 of the 2020 World Series on Tuesday night, Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com has posted his annual comparison of the two ballparks — albeit with a COVID twist. Yes, because of the global pandemic. it’s just two MLB teams, and one ballpark — Globe Life Field. Read more here. View World Series game schedule here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Conference & Events
The Field of Dreams Game that Would Have Been
Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com was all set to cover the “MLB at Field of Dreams Game” in Dyersville (IA), when MLB headquarters cancelled the event. Because he already put together an article for USA TODAY previewing the game and ballpark built at the famous movie site, he has graciously posted it here. Enjoy!
Designing and building a new ballpark at the iconic Field of Dreams movie site is what baseball fantasies are made of. While we won’t see the inaugural game played today, we’re keeping the ballfield in anticipation of next year’s planned event.@MLB @BaAMProductions @BrightView pic.twitter.com/pJs6601A4g
— Populous (@Populous) August 13, 2020
Joe Mock Granted Near-Exclusive Access to Fanless Christening of Globe Life Field
Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com was one of the few granted access to Globe Life Field, as the Texas Rangers christened their new ballpark with no fans in the stands. Mock’s original reporting appeared in USA TODAY Sports Weekly. Read story and view photos here.
The @Rangers opened beautiful @GlobeLifeField Friday, but no fans could attend. Read about the fan-less atmosphere, with thoughts from the gameday coordinators and broadcasters. https://t.co/3hAg4thdDJ pic.twitter.com/qGdGQQJzlI
— Joe Mock (@baseballparks) July 27, 2020
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Design & Construction, Market & Location
2019 – The Ballpark Year in Pictures
Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com has posted his annual “The Ballpark Year in Pictures” covering all the big baseball stadium stories of 2019. Read more and view photos here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Stadium Issues
Las Vegas Ballpark Named 2019 ‘Ballpark of the Year’
Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin (NV), the new home of the Las Vegas Aviators (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League), is the winner of BaseballParks.com’s award for the 2019 Ballpark of the Year. Read story here. Read full ballpark review here. It’s hard to believe, but this is actually the 20th anniversary of this prestigious honor, which site-founder Joe Mock will bestow in person on Saturday prior to the Aviators’ game.
Filed under Awards & Recognition, Ballpark Visits
Ballpark Visit ALERT: Segra Stadium (Fayetteville, NC)
Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com was in Fayetteville (NC) recently to tour Segra Stadium, the new $40.2-million ballpark for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Single-A, Carolina League). Mock’s in-depth review checks in at 6,900 words and over 35 photographs covering everything from the ballpark design to fan amenities and concessions. Read review and view photos here.
Just posted! My in-depth review of Segra Stadium, home of the @WoodpeckersNC. Read the full story of how the franchise wound up in Fayetteville, and how their cozy park was designed by @Populous. https://t.co/4kEQJIKnlK pic.twitter.com/P6SVki6Jph
— Joe Mock (@baseballparks) May 6, 2019
I love when trains go past @SegraStadium pic.twitter.com/cDDZIbvjV6
— Benjamin Hill (@bensbiz) May 3, 2019
Filed under Ballpark Visits
Rockers Open New Park, Mascot Gets a Name
The High Point Rockers (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) held their inaugural home opener on Thursday, May 2, at the new BB&T Point in front of a reported crowd of 5,000. Read more here. View photo gallery here.
Sooooo… last night was pretty cool, right @RockersBaseball @sametcorp @ForwardHP @BBT @HighPointU @ElliottSidewalk???
📸: Russell Williams pic.twitter.com/DV96qYTKsp
— City of High Point (@CityofHighPoint) May 3, 2019
We're pleased to officially announce your Rockers mascot…HYPE!! pic.twitter.com/D7LU6amNP4
— High Point Rockers Baseball (@RockersBaseball) May 2, 2019
Mock Tours, Reviews Hodgetown
Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com was in Amarillo (TX) recently to tour Hodgetown, the new $45.5-million ballpark for the Amarillo Sod Poodles (Double-A, Texas League). Mock’s in-depth review and 32 photographs cover everything from the ballpark design to fan amenities and concessions. Read review and view photos here.
Have you checked out our in-depth review of Amarillo’s Hodgetown? It’s the home of the @SodPoodles! https://t.co/EaBKHrALkb @Populous pic.twitter.com/PWha6NLdrT
— Joe Mock (@baseballparks) April 25, 2019
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Mock Tours, Reviews New Vegas Ballpark
Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com was in Summerlin (NV) recently to tour the new $100-million ballpark that opened last week for the Las Vegas Aviators (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League). Mock’s in-depth review checks in at 5,800 words and three-dozen photographs covering everything from the ballpark design to fan amenities and concessions. Read review and view photos here.
Don't miss our brand-new review of Las Vegas Ballpark! Loads of info and lots of photos you won't see anywhere else. https://t.co/Qzni5Oqcyv @AviatorsLV @thelvballpark @HOKSportsRecEnt pic.twitter.com/mpQgFuoUnv
— Joe Mock (@baseballparks) April 15, 2019
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Ballpark Visit ALERT: CoolToday Park (North Port, FL)
Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com recently visited CoolToday Park, the new spring-training home for the Atlanta Braves in North Port (FL). Mock’s in-depth review checks in at 6,000 words and 26 photographs covering everything from the ballpark design to fan amenities and concessions. Read review and view photos here.
Here's what I think about the @Braves' new spring training facilities. My brand-new review of @CoolTodayPark features 26 photos you won't see anywhere else! @pendulum_kc https://t.co/ZxRId1nLQz pic.twitter.com/nlzn66uPR7
— Joe Mock (@baseballparks) April 1, 2019
Filed under Ballpark Visits
Spring Training – Cactus League Tips
Spring training is about to start once again. Thousands of fans of all ages will flock to metro Phoenix baseball stadiums to get their baseball fix — along with a nice dose of gorgeous weather. Read more here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits
Mock Tours, Reviews Sod Poodles’ Palace
Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com was in Amarillo (TX) recently to tour the new $45.5-million ballpark currently under construction for the newly minted Amarillo Sod Poodles (Double-A, Texas League) — a franchise relocating from San Antonio (TX) in time for the 2019 season. Read review and view 13 photos here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Stadium Issues
Dodger Stadium is Cooperstown West?
Dodger Stadium is crawling with history (we’ll skip over last night’s history) — in the halls winding around the home and visitor locker rooms, on the concourse outside the press box, lining the walls of the press box itself, on the retired number plaza with the astounding view . . . it goes on and on. Read more here.
Benjamin Hill Shares Favorite MiLB Food Items for Each Level of Play
MiLB.com reporter Benjamin Hill takes a look at his favorite ballpark foods at each level of Minor League Baseball during the 2018 season. Read more and view photos here.
What's the best food in the Minors?😋 @bensbiz narrowed it down level-by-level after visiting every ballpark.
👉 https://t.co/ZAbO79ai15 pic.twitter.com/yps8qRaapR
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) October 25, 2018
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Food & Beverage
Comparing the 2018 World Series Ballparks
As the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox prepare to meet in Game 1 of the 2018 MLB World Series on Tuesday, Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com has posted his annual comparison of the two ballparks we’ll see in this year’s Fall Classic. Read more here. View World Series game schedule here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits
Mock Lists His Personal Top 100 Ballpark Thrills
It wasn’t easy, but Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com has dug deep into his personal memory database to compile a list of his 100-biggest moments at the ballpark. Read more here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Rankings & Attendance
Ballpark Visit ALERT: Coca-Cola Field (Buffalo, NY)
Eric and Wendy Pastore from DigitalBallparks.com recently visited Coca-Cola Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons (Triple-A, International League). Read more and view photo gallery here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits
Ranking the 30 MLB Parks by Neighborhoods
The Chicago Tribune’s Colleen Kane, Mark Gonzales and Paul Sullivan have ranked all 30 MLB ballparks based on their neighborhood surroundings. Read more here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Rankings & Attendance
Ballpark Visit ALERT: MiLB.com’s Benjamin Hill Wraps Up Midwest Ballpark Tour
MiLB.com reporter Benjamin Hill has posted on his blog over 5,000 words and numerous photos of his recent tour of five ballparks in the Midwest, including the homes of the Lake County Captains (Single-A, Midwest League) (Story 1 and Story 2), Lansing Lugnuts (Single-A, Midwest League) and the 2018 Midwest League All-Star Game, Fort Wayne TinCaps (Single-A, Midwest League), Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A, International League), and Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Single-A, New York-Penn League).
Filed under Ballpark Visits
Mock Visits Rosemont’s Impact Field (FULL REVIEW)
Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com recently visited the new Impact Field, home of the first-year Chicago Dogs (Independent Professional, American Association). We provided a link to Mock’s initial photos right after the visit, and we are pleased to report that the full review has now been posted. Read full review and see photos here.
Ballpark Visit ALERT: Impact Field (Rosemont, IL)
Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com visited the new Impact Field, home of the first-year Chicago Dogs (Independent Professional, American Association, over Memorial Day weekend. While we expect a full report soon from Mr. Mock, you can view a few photos here.
There's a lot to like at Impact Field. Fantastic food, reasonable prices and a great game-day atmosphere. @TheChicagoDogs pic.twitter.com/OoxP8SFU6W
— Joe Mock (@baseballparks) May 27, 2018
Filed under Ballpark Visits
Baseball America Ranks the Top-10 MiLB Ballparks
Three years ago, Baseball America took a crack at ranking the best ballparks in the minor leagues. Now, they’ve given it another go. They sent surveys to broadcasters and scouts across the country and asked them for their take on the subject. Read more here.
Ballpark Visit ALERT: SRP Stadium (North Augusta, GA)
Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com recently visited SRP Park, the new home of the Augusta GreenJackets (Single-A, South Atlantic League) in North Augusta (SC). Mock’s in-depth review checks in at 7,000 words with three-dozen photographs covering everything from ballpark design to fan amenities and concessions. Read more and view photos here.
MLB Returns to Puerto Rico, Mock Talks Impact of Hurricanes
As the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians prepare for a two-game series tonight (4/17) and tomorrow (4/18) at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico, Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com provides us with a telling glimpse into the ballpark preparations in the seven-month aftermath of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria that ripped through the island this past September. Read more here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Community & Giving, Conference & Events
Ranking All 30 MLB Ballparks
As we close in on Major League Baseball’s Opening Day on Thursday, March 29th, Bizball LLC owner and Forbes contributor Maury Brown ranks all 30 MLB ballparks to get our baseball juices flowing. Read more here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Rankings & Attendance
Mock Takes In-Depth Look at #1 Ed Smith Stadium
In compiling information to draft articles for the USA TODAY Spring Training Preview, Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com partnered with data-mining firm ReviewTrackers to look at all 23 spring-training ballparks. Surprisingly, Ed Smith Stadium, the spring-training home of the Baltimore Orioles, came in at #1 for overall fan experience. Intrigued to dig deeper, Mock talked with baseball architect Janet Marie Smith, Orioles’ Executive VP John Angelos, Manager Buck Showalter, pitcher/broadcaster Jim Palmer, and designer David Schwartz. The complete rundown and interviews/quotes are available here.
MLB.com Releases Grapefruit League Guide
MLB.com has posted a guide to the Grapefruit League ballparks. If you have never been to spring training, we highly recommend a trip to Florida and/or Arizona, particularly if you are suffering in the winter months up north. The weather is usually perfect, the beer is cold, and the laid back atmosphere will give you that relaxing baseball peace of mind. Read more here.
Happy 20th! BaseballParks.com Celebrates Milestone
It has been 20 years since our industry colleague Joe Mock launched BaseballParks.com. In a piece penned today, Mock reminisces about the challenges of the early Internet days, talks about the many wonderful industry people he’s had the opportunity to engage over the past two decades, and even slips in a couple entertaining shots at “scoundrels” and a copy cat. Read more here.
Filed under Awards & Recognition, Ballpark Visits, Fun & Atmosphere
Ballpark Visit ALERT: Grainger Stadium (Kinston, NC)
Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com recently visited Grainger Stadium, home of the Down East Wood Ducks (Single-A, Carolina League). Read more and view photos here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits
Ballpark Visit ALERT: Jim Perry Stadium (Buies Creek, NC)
Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com recently visited Jim Perry Stadium, the temporary home of the Buies Creek Astros (Single-A, Carolina League) until the soon-to-be-renamed franchise departs for their new digs in Fayetteville (NC). Read more and view photos here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits
Ballpark Visit ALERT: The Depot at Cleburne Station (Cleburne, TX)
Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com recently visited The Depot at Cleburne Station, the brand-new home of the first-year Cleburne Railroaders (Independent Professional, American Association). The ballpark was designed by Populous. Read more and view photos here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits
Bosse Field Video
Enjoy this Bosse Field video posted by the Evansville Otters (Independent Professional, Frontier League):
We Go To Bosse Field from johnflattop on Vimeo.
Filed under Amenities & Features, Ballpark Visits, Fun & Atmosphere
Ballpark Visit ALERT: Suplizio Field (Grand Junction, CO)
Graham Knight of BaseballPilgrimages.com has posted a review of his ballpark visit to Suplizio Field, home of the Grand Junction Rockies (Rookie, Pioneer League). Read more and view photos here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits
Ballpark Visit ALERT: Dunkin’ Donuts Park (Hartford, CT)
Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com recently visited Dunkin’ Donuts Park, the long-awaited new home of the Hartford Yard Goats (Double-A, Eastern League) in Hartford (CT). Mock’s in-depth review weighs in at a whopping 7,500-words and four-dozen photographs covering everything from ballpark design to fan amenities and concessions. Read more and view photos here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits
Ballpark Visit ALERT: SunTrust Park (Cobb County, GA)
Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com recently visited SunTrust Park, the new home of the Atlanta Braves in Cobb County (GA). For those who have not yet visited the state-of-the-art facility, Mock takes you there with over 9,000 words and 60 photographs covering everything from ballpark design to fan amenities and concessions. Read more and view photos here.
Mock Reviews Joker Marchant Stadium and Steinbrenner Field Renovations
Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com takes a look at the “sweeping renovations” at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland (FL) and George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa (FL) that were completed in preparation for the 2017 spring-training season. Read more and view photos here.
Ballpark Visit ALERT: The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches (West Palm Beach, FL), Part II
Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com makes a post-completion return to the new spring training facility in West Palm Beach (FL) for the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals. Read more and view photos here. As you might recall, Mock visited the complex in December while it was still under construction. Read more and view photos here.
Filed under Amenities & Features, Ballpark Visits, Stadium Issues
Revolutionary Salt River Fields
Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com takes look at Salt River Fields — the impressive baseball complex near Scottsdale (AZ) that revolutionized MLB spring training. An edited version of Mock’s article appeared in the USA TODAY Spring Training Preview on Feb. 22, 2017. Read more and view photos here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Ballpark Visit ALERT: The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches (West Palm Beach, FL)
Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com takes an exclusive, sneak peek look at the new spring training facility in West Palm Beach (FL) for the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals. Read more and view photos here.
Filed under Ballpark Visits, Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
