The Swimming Pool at Chase Field.

Image Credit: Nick Bastian (CC BY-ND 2.0)

There are 30 Major League Ballparks and the beauty of visiting all 30 in person is that they are all so different. There are many features at every ballpark that could have made this list. Some of the more popular being the fountains at Kauffman Stadium, the swimming pool at Chase Field (pictured above), the train atop Minute Maid Park, the Green Monster at Fenway Park or the hideous home run sculpture at Marlins Park. However, From This Seat wanted to honor the hidden gems at ballparks across the country that may not get the recognition of those others. See if your favorite ballpark made our list.

 

Photo of the Stringray tank at Tropicana Field. Home of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Image Credit: Artic Whirlwind (CC BY-ND 2.0)

5. Stingray Tank at Tropicana Field. Home of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Nicknamed the "Rays Touch Tank", this 10,000 gallon tank just over the right field fence features live cownose rays. Fans are welcome into the area on game days, admission is free and they're allowed to feed them for $5 if they so choose. The rays were caught in the nearby Tampa Bay waters and the exhibit is maintained by the Florida Aquarium. When a Tampa Bay Rays player hits a home run ball into the tank during a game, $5000 is given to charity; half to the Florida Aquarium and half to the player's favorite charity. See, there is stuff worth seeing at Tropicana Field.

 

Photo of the mini golf course at Kauffman Stadium. Home of the Kansas City Royals.

Image Credit: Mike Engel - Facebook

4. Sluggerrr's Mini Golf Course at Kauffman Stadium. Home of the Kansas City Royals.

The first feature of Kauffman Stadium that often comes to mind is the beautiful outfield fountains which have been there for as long as I can remember. But Sluggerrr's Mini Golf Course was a neat addition when the Royals organization gave Kauffman Stadium a facelift five years ago. No, it isn't an 18 hole mini golf course but we thought the 5-hole kids putt putt area at Kauffman Stadium was as thoughtful as it gets. What other ballpark has this? This entire area of the stadium is an action packed area for children and is complete with a batting cage area, playground, carousel and arcade. For adults, there is the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame which is also onsite and in the outfield area. 

 

 

Photo of The Beach at Petco Park. Home of the San Diego Padres.

Image Credit: Peyri Herrera (CC BY-ND 2.0)

3. The Beach/Sandbox at Petco Park. Home of the San Diego Padres.

Petco Park is one of those MLB ballparks that just doesn't get much press league wide. But if you have children and love baseball, consider sitting in the bleacher area in dead center field. The bleachers don't have backs to them and will really remind you of ampitheatre seating but your kids will love you for it. That's because this ballpark features a massive sandbox area where kids can play, build sandcastles and be field level with some of their favorite players. The ticket prices for this area won't break the bank and it's a fun day in the California sun. Almost as cool is the picnic/lawn seating area, also in center field, where couples can bring their blankets and enjoy the game. 

 

 

 

Photo of Shea Bridge at Citi Field. Home of the New York Mets.

Image Credit: Rosss/Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)

2. The Shea Bridge at Citi Field. Home of the New York Mets.

As you could have guessed, the Shea Bridge at Citi Field pays tribute to William A Shea and the old Shea Stadium, former home of the New York Mets where they played from 1964-2008. The bridge stands in right center field and offers a beautiful panoramic of the entire ballpark when traveling through. There is a seating area in the vicinity known as the "Shea Bridge Terrace" but it's reserved for groups only. The bridge is also an excellent place to stand to watch the game with your buddies. 

 

 

 

Photo of the Rogers Centre from a room at the Renaissance hotel. Home of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Image Credit: Adam Jefferson (CC BY-ND 2.0)

1. The Renaissance Hotel at the Rogers Centre. Home of the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Renaissance has always been an excellent hotel brand but the Renaissance in downtown Toronto takes the cake. The entire hotel has been built into the Rogers Centre and beneath Toronto's CN Tower. The hotel features 70 rooms the overlook the baseball field. If you'll notice in the photo, fans are able to slide open the windows to watch the game and take in all of the sounds of being at the ballpark. If you're interested in reserving one of these 70 rooms, ask for a "Stadium View Room" when making your reservation. The Rogers Centre is another ballpark in Major League Baseball that just doesn't quiet get the love that it deserves. 

 

As previously stated, all 30 Major League ballparks have something cool to offer the average fan. See them all for yourself and don't skip one - you don't know what you're missing!

 

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