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.
Tag Archives: Joe Mock
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
Mock Talks Bubble Baseball
In this article penned for USA TODAY Sports Weekly, Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com provides us with an in-depth look at the “bubble” MLB playoffs that are now underway. Read more here. View playoff schedule here.
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
The Legacy of the Late President of the Colorado Rockies
Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com has penned a wonderful profile about the late President of the Colorado Rockies, Keli McGregor. Mock became fascinated by McGregor because of what he meant to development to Coors Field and Salt River Fields. The timing of the article was to coincide with the 10th anniversary of his untimely passing on April 20, 2010. Read more and view photos here.
Filed under Human Interest
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
Comparing the 2019 World Series Ballparks
As the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros prepare to meet in Game 1 of the 2019 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 Uncategorized
A Sneak Peek of Globe Life Field
Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com was recently given an exclusive tour of Globe Life Field — the new home of the Texas Rangers. Mock’s in-depth rundown of the progress of stadium construction includes 19 photographs. The new field is scheduled to host its first game on March 23, 2020, when the Rangers play an exhibition against the St. Louis Cardinals. Read article and view photos here.
Filed under Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Final Homestand Begins, Reliving Memories at Globe Life Park
The Texas Rangers are starting their final homestand at Globe Life Park, their home for the past 26 seasons. Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com interviewed longtime members of the Rangers family to learn their favorite memories of the ballpark. Their thoughts are in this article, originally penned for USA TODAY Sports Weekly. Read more here. He also provided a timeline of the biggest events in the ballpark’s history. Read more here.
Filed under Human Interest, Stadium Issues
Ballpak Visit ALERT: Routine Field (Franklin, WI)
Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com recently visited the new Routine Field, home of the first-year Milwaukee Milkmen (Independent Professional, American Association). Mock sums up his visit with this quote of approval:
“But whether it’s Wow or Whoa, Routine Field is anything but routine. It warrants a visit the next time you’re in the Milwaukee area.”
Filed under Uncategorized
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
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
Aviators Open New Ballpark in Front of 11,036, Introduce Mascots
The Las Vegas Aviators (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) opened their new ballpark in Summerlin (NV) Tuesday night in front of a crowd of 11,036. They also introduced two new mascots — Spruce the Goose and Mr. Aviator. Read more and watch news report here. Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com is in Vegas to experience the stadium, so we expect some great professional coverage from his visit. Stay tuned!
We’re the two best friends that anyone could have! 😉⚾️✈️ pic.twitter.com/ufpJ8D0IA2
— Spruce the Goose (@SpruceLV) April 10, 2019
I'll have a lot more to say about the color scheme here at @theLVballpark, but for now, the orange on the underside of the roof is brilliant. @AviatorsLV pic.twitter.com/dFmW6Jr7Cg
— Joe Mock (@baseballparks) April 10, 2019
Filed under 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
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
Mock in Town for Sod Poodles, Ballpark Tour
Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com was in Amarillo (TX) last week for the big unveiling of the Sod Poodles (Double-A, Texas League) and tour the new $45.5-million ballpark currently under construction for the now-prairie dog-themed franchise relocating from San Antonio (TX) in time for the 2019 season. Read more and view photos here.
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
Las Vegas Ballpark Construction Update – PHOTOS!
Construction on the new ballpark in Summerlin (NV) for the soon-to-be-renamed Las Vegas 51s (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) is progressing nicely. Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com has posted six construction photos on his Facebook page. Click on graphic or link below to view photos:
Filed under Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
Ballpark Visit ALERT: Atlanta Braves’ New Spring-Training Complex (North Port, FL)
Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com has just released a 21-photo essay from his exclusive tour of the Atlanta Braves’ new spring-training complex currently under construction in North Port (FL). Read more and view photos.
Filed under Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
SRP Park Named 2018 ‘Ballpark of the Year’
SRP Park in North Augusta (SC), the new home of the Augusta GreenJackets (Single-A, South Atlantic League), is the winner of BaseballParks.com’s award for the 2018 Ballpark of the Year. Read press release here. Read full ballpark review here. Mock compares the new 2018 parks here for USA Today Sports Weekly.
An actual, real award, unlike the other guys!
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
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.
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.
A Ballpark Update from BaseballParks.com
As we close in on the start of the 2018 baseball season, Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com takes a look at the ballparks that will soon be appearing on the baseball scene. Read more and view photos here.
2017 Ballpark Year in Review
Our friend Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com has provided a round-up of the biggest ballpark stories of the past 12 months in his annual “Ballpark Year in Pictures.” Indeed, it was a fascinating year in the world of baseball stadiums, and Joe does a wonderful job of looking back at the big stories that made news in 2017. Read more here.
Filed under Stadium Issues
Comparing the World Series Ballparks
As the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros prepare to meet in Game 1 of the 2017 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 Uncategorized
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
A New Way to Rank MLB Ballparks
Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com talks with Max Schleicher from the start-up firm in Chicago called ReviewTrackers. Max explains that the company, among other things, analyzes online reviews of products and services to assess “customer service insights.” Using the company’s data collection and analysis capabilities, there is now a new way to rank MLB ballparks. Read more here. See ReviewTrackers’ MLB stadium ranking here.
Filed under Rankings & Attendance
Mock Reports on MLB Little League Classic in Williamsport
Joe Mock of BaseballParks.com is in Williamsport (PA) to report on the MLB Little League Classic for USA Today. Mock takes a look at how MLB readied 91-year-old BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, home of the Williamsport Crosscutters (Single-A, New York-Penn League), for the big league event. Read more here. View gallery of MLB Players Weekend custom caps and jerseys here.
Dunkin’ Donuts Park Named 2017 ‘Ballpark of the Year’
Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford (CT), the long-awaited new home of the Hartford Yard Goats (Double-A, Eastern League), is the winner of BaseballParks.com’s award for the 2017 Ballpark of the Year. Read press release here. Read full ballpark review here.
Filed under Awards & Recognition, Design & Construction, Stadium Issues
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: 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.
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