Year in Review: Best of 2024
From MLB ballparks to the grassroots of Single-A, there was no shortage of excitement in the inaugural year of the Ballpark Review. I started this blog in aim to create a plaform for baseball fans looking to explore new ballparks. Grading each stadium I have visited on a standard 0-100 scale, I share the best and worst within each ballpark, breaking it down into three categories, location/ scenery/amenities, food, and entertainment.
With 2024 coming to an end, this caps off the first of many chapters in this quest. Throughout the year, I visited 14 ballparks across six different states and two countries! Those 14 parks included four MLB stadiums, five Triple-A, two Double-A, and three Single-A.
Below is a compiled list of noteworthy awards that I felt have a somewhat significant impact on the fan experience. Each corresponding award is couple with a ballpark I visited this year that exemplified the best of each category.
Best Overall MLB Ballpark: Progressive Field (Cleveland Guardians)
The location and scenery surrounding the ballpark was done very nicely and the food is memorable and creative making it a worthwhile visit if you are in the area.
Best Overall Triple A Ballpark: Fifth Third Field (Toledo Mud Hens)
While it is a little small for a Triple A park it does a great job showcasing the long history of baseball in Toledo, dating the team back to 1986.
Best Overall Double A Ballpark: Canal Park (Akron RubberDucks)
The food is nothing short of spectacular and you are in for some quality entertainment, all in the confines of a beautiful ballpark in a great location.
Best Overall High A Ballpark: Day Air Ballpark (Dayton Dragons)
The ballpark has a unique personality as it sits in a great location with quality ballpark classics as well as a decent dose of quality entertainment.
Best Scenery: PNC Field (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders- Triple A)\
Nestled in the foothills of Montage Mountain, PNC Field offers some of the best views of any minor league ballpark while having a secretive identity, hidden within the northern Pennsylvania mountains.
Best Amenities: NBT Bank Stadium (Syracuse Mets- Triple A)
Renovated in 2021, NBT Bank Stadium offers a variety of ways to enjoy the game. From adult areas such as the 315 Bullpen Bar, large group spaces in the Metropolitan Club and Salt City Deck, and outfield berms for families and kids, there's something there for everyone to enjoy.
Best Location: Fifth Third Field (Toledo Mud Hens- Triple A)
Located in downtown Toledo, the area is very fan-friendly and filled with quality restaurants to enjoy before or after the game.
Best Food: Canal Park (Akron RubberDucks- Double A)
If you are looking for some quality ballpark eats, you can look no further than Canal Park. Chicken & Waffle Sandwiches, Pineapple Teriyakron Bowl, WAKR Hawaiian Burger are just some of the extraordinary food options that are sure to make your mouth water. If you are feeling extra hungry or have a group, you might want to consider 'The Screamer' which is 21 scoops of ice cream topped with chocolate syrup, bananas, whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherries on a brownie base.
Most Kid-Friendly: Four Winds Field (South Bend Cubs- High A)
Four Winds Field is packed with family-friendly areas which includes picnic tables, a kid-zone with a splashpad, along with berm seating.
Best Beer and Booze: NBT Bank Stadium (Syracuse Mets- Triple A)
NBT Bank Stadium is packed with great options for beer and booze lovers. The park has multiple bar areas overlooking the field along with a brewery within the concourse, 'The Hops Spot'.
Craziest Polytechnics: Progressive Field (Cleveland Guardians)
Fireworks illuminate the Cleveland sky after a Guardians home run or win.
Coolest Mascot: "Scooch" NBT Bank Stadium (Syracuse Mets- Triple A)
Not really sure what Scooch actually is, some refer to him as a bear, others say he's just 'Scooch'. Regardless, Scooch is definitely a unique mascot!
And just like that, we are heading onto 2025 with bigger and better things to look forward to! Stay tuned in the coming months as I will release a 2025 outlook where I will share ballparks I plan to visit in 2025 along with general updates within minor league baseball!
Happy New Year, see you all in 2025!
