Stadium by the bay is a great spot for baseball
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COMMENT: > What is your favorite Major League Baseball park?
Thursday, May 08, 2008
NEW YORK — There is a reason Shea Stadium's mailing address is Flushing, N.Y. The place smells like a cesspool and, in fact, it is shaped like a toilet bowl.
This weekend is the last time the Cincinnati Reds play at Shea, and when they blow it up after this season I'd like to be first in line to push the plunger.
Extras
Get latest headlines via RSS feedsIt is painted a gawdy dark blue, there are exposed wires under the press box tables and not one series goes by that I don't get my feet tangled in three blue wires, two green wires and one red one, all knotted together.
I fear that one day a rat will walk across my foot. Don't laugh. That happened to me in the old Astrodome — a rat about the size of cat.
The clubhouse has exposed plumbing in the ceiling. The public address system is so loud you have a splitting headache by the third inning, but the volume is necessary to drown out the low-flying aircraft inbound to LaGuardia.
Every other park in the National League is a gem, even ancient Wrigley Field because, well, it is a national treasure and one can overlook its many foibles.
So, since you asked (and even if you didn't), here are my five favorite National League baseball parks:
1. AT&T Park, San Francisco. The view of San Francisco Bay over the right-field wall is breathtaking, enough to distract you from bad baseball. The high brick wall in right with its viaduct design is gorgeous, so much that it overrules the hideous, giant Coca-Cola bottle above the left-field stands.
2. PNC Park, Pittsburgh. Almost a twin to AT&T Park and also has a wondrous view of the downtown skyline and the Roberto Clemente Bridge. The Allegheny River awaits mammoth home runs behind the right-field stands and the park nuances overrule the sad sight of mostly empty seats every night.
3. Coors Field, Denver. Love the rock pile in center field, the painted line high in the right-field seats that marks 5,280 feet of altitude (the mile-high demarcation). And you have to love a park that has its own microbrewery in the right-field corner.
4. Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles. Built in the early 1960s, it remains one of the prettiest, best-kept parks in baseball. On smogless days, the view of the San Gabriel Mountains is spectacular. The place is so clean you can eat sushi off the floor (and some fans do by the seventh inning). They avoided rampant advertising in the place until recent years, but it still remains subtle.
5. Minute Maid Park, Houston. Any baseball stadium with a roof turns me off, but Minute Maid has enough to overcome that. Built where a train station once stood, they have an old-fashioned steam locomotive loaded with oranges in the coal tender that runs atop the high viaduct wall in left field. There is Tal's Terrace, a portion of deep center that runs uphill, the way Cincinnati's old Crosley Field used to be. It's named after Astros executive Tal Smith, who began his baseball career with the Cincinnati Reds in 1957 in Crosley Field and had the terrace put in place in Minute Maid.
Great American Ball Park? Is there a worse eye-sore than that oversized mock riverboat sitting on top of the black batter's eye in center field, squatting there like it made a wrong turn on the Ohio River and beached itself?
Contact this reporter at hmccoy@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Comments
By Chuck
May 16, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
My Top 5: 1) Tiger Stadium (1st row upper deck RF grandstands, no better seat in ANY park ever) 2)Jacobs Field 3)Kauffman Stadium 4)Fifth-Third in Toledo (Every seat only $8, and walk-up tickets for actual seats every game…imagine that) 5)Ballpark in Arlington. GABP is decent. I like the intimacy of the ballpark, every seat is really clost to the action. Bleachers are fun too.
By HM
May 11, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
The HM Clownass is sinking, Hal is trash.
By William
May 10, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
PETCO Park in San Diego. From a fans point of view this park has no bad seats. Of course I will never forget my first big league game at the L.A. Coliseum, that one belonged to the Reds.
By Truth
May 10, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
Wrigley is my favorite park in the NL. I’ve been to Shea many times and it doesn’t smell any worse than any other park in the majors. If someone thinks it smelled bad when they were there, they need to tell their friends or family whom they went to the game with to improve their personal hygiene!
By Nick
May 10, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
I haven’t been to Coors Field or Minute Maid. I also haven’t been to Chase Field, but I have been to all of the other National League Parks. Shea is the worst, and there is not even a close second. Yes, it does smell of garbage. Of those where I have been to games, my Top-5 in the NL: 1. Petco. 2. AT&T. 3. Busch. 4. Wrigley. 5. PNC. The worst: 1. Shea. 2. Dolphin. 3. Miller. 4. Citizens and 5. GABP
By BJ
May 10, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this
The bitter moronic bile McCoy wrote could easily have been written by any punk kid with a 2 cent attitude. If this is emblematic of the writing that got him voted into the Hall of Fame then they certainly must have lowered their standards to get him in on a pity vote.
By AnGeLa
May 9, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
wrigley field in chicago is #1 in my book. puts gabp to shame.
By Adam W.
May 9, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
I haven’t been to Shea, but if you read ballpark reviews from most people who have been to all 30, they’ll rank Shea at or near the bottom. I’d also wager that Hal, a Hall of Famer, is much better at his craft than the tools that are on here trashing him because he dared to criticize the ballpark that their favorite team plays in. Wrigley is the best NL park, I’ve been to, with PNC a close second. GABP is very average.
By Phil B
May 9, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
I must take umbrage to Mr. McCoy’s characterization of Shea Stadium. His comments reflect a fallacious view of ballparks which casts them as mythical temples situated at the peak of Mount Olympus. A stadium with imperfections is cast as a “toilet bowl.” Has Mr. McCoy forgotten that Shea Stadium was the first built for baseball and football? That O.J. Simpson rushed for his 200th yard at Shea in 1973? The heroic World Series Clinchers of 1969 and 1986? Shea Stadium now, Shea Stadium forever.
By BenD
May 9, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Don’t anyone make the mistake of thinking many people read this article because they wanted to read Hal McCoy. I never heard of Hal McCoy before. The reason I read this was because it was linked to and talked about by Metsblog, the #1 blog for Mets fans, which took issue with McCoy’s tasteless trashing of Shea. It’s one thing to call the place a dump. It’s another to lie and say the place smells like a cesspool. I’m sure there are many places at GAB that smell like a “cesspool.”
By Fisch
May 9, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Mike, D-bags like you can “flyover” all you want, we don’t want you here anyway. Hal McCoy is one of the premiere writers in the game. I mean, why else are you reading his material in the first place? You often seek out a “hack” so you can post on his work? I would think that in a “real city” you would have better to do with your time. Do us a favor and find something else, please. Shea is a dump, just like Riverfront was until we upgraded. Why else are you building a new park?
By d-town
May 9, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
This article is as good as 5 ways to fix the reds. Hal fits right in with Ludwig and Brennamen. Crotchety old farts that think nothing is as good as the old days. I wish the 2 new stadiums in Cincy would have came with new media. No wonder national perception of Cincy is so bad, our local writers can’t even say something positive.
By Mike
May 9, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Nice, thorough reporting, Hal. Rudimentary research would show that it’s illegal to implode buildings in NYC. Hence, there will be no “blowing up” nor a “plunger” for you to press. Reporting standards may be fairly lax for a paper in a 5th rate “city,” but have some pride in your work. Hack! You’re just bitter, which is understandble. Reporting on a AAA-level team in an armpit of a miniscule “city” in the middle of flyover country must be difficult. Isn’t GABP the worst of the new parks?
By West Coast Reds Fan
May 9, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
If any of you National Leaguers have a chance to watch an American League game aside from the annual waste of time against the Indians, check out Kauffman (Royals) Stadium in K.C. Once they went to a grass infield the place is perfect. Great town, too. Too bad the team is awful, but they bring up good talent every year. That’s more than I can say for the Reds.
By sun deck lover
May 9, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Also, it does smell there. You’ll have that when you crowd 10% of the world’s population into one city. If you don’t believe it, go to PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
By sun deck lover
May 9, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
For all of you pissed off Mets fans, first let me say I’m sorry (that you are Mets fans). Second, Hal is not the reason newspapers are dying, he is one of the people keeping it alive with his 36 years of insight and laughing at himself. Third (still with me?) it is not poor journalism just because he has an opinion that you don’t agree with. If you pay attention, he made fun of the Reds park too. I have been to Shea, it sucks. Not your fault, just happened. So did most of the stadiums of the era
By Pete Rose
May 9, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Long live the big Shea Stadium. You’re a hack, Hal.
By Jerry
May 9, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Crosley Field & Hal McCoy: The Best!
By Christopher
May 9, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Shea Stadium is no different than any of the other cookie-cutter parks of the 60’s and 70’s. Are you sure that smell isn’t your own body-odor Hal?
Last time I checked, Shea was shaped like a horse-shoe. What kind of toilet are you using?
Dodger Stadium in the top 5? Seriously? I’ve been to 22 MLB parks in my lifetime, and Dodger Stadium was easily one of the most over-rated stadiums of them all. Other than the beautiful weather, there was nothing remotely unique about it.
By James
May 9, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Andrew, what the hell do you know about journalism?
By Jerry
May 9, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Hal, your the best! Don’t pay attention to the idiots.
My favorite Ball Park is Crosley Field. You actually felt you were at the game with the players not watching from a long distance. The terrace, the screen in left & bleachers in right.The scoreboard with the clock on top and the sign “Hit this sign and win a free suit.” Can you imagine? Homeruns over the screen would hit the bakery across the street. Truckers going by on I-75 would honk their horns to old Waite Hoyte. That was awesome!
By Andrew
May 9, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
I’ve been going to Shea since I was a kid. It does not smell like a cesspool in any way, shape or form.
“Gawdy” is not a word, journalist.
What kind of bizarro toilet do you have, that you think Shea’s shaped like a toilet bowl?
The PA system is no louder than that of any of the other ballparks I’ve been to (Yankee Stadium, Citizens Bank Park, the Vet, Camden Yards).
Please try to never again write such a stupid, uninformed story.
By RobbieB
May 9, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Hal, take it easy on Shea there…okay buddy! You may be offending some of us Met fans. Just like that old dump Three Rivers that you keep a warm place in your heart for so does Shea for us Met fans. For one of the oldest teams in baseball you sure have had your fair share of crappy stadiums yourself. You would think for a team that dates back to the 1880’s that your team and park would of been one of the crown jewels of the sport…hope a rat gnaws off your toes at Shea tonight.
By HuberTucky
May 9, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Dodger Stadium is a class act. It’s old but its appeal is timeless. What a beautiful setting Chavez Ravine offers. And surprising how quickly we got in and out with what we expected to be dreadful LA traffic. Hey, 5/3 Field for the Dayton Dragons is an awesome little place on it’s own…one of the best experiences I ever had at a ball park. Neat place ya got there Dayton…it’s a home run (unlike those silly water canon laser fountains). Also saw Jr. hit several homers at the crappy old Kingdome
By Jim M.
May 9, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
One of the nicest parks is Petco in San Diego. It is clean, the sight lines are clear all over the park, and it is unique in that an old manufacturing building is incorporated into the park out in left field. Nice place. Shea? I have horrible memories of the animals gone wild back in the days of the Big Red Machine. The Mets clinched the playoffs, but in so doing the fans went berserk, pushing toward the Reds dugout. Johnny Bench had to rescue Pete Rose from first as the game ended.
By HuberTucky
May 9, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Also lived in Phoenix when the D’Backs started up. Nothing like sitting high up in right field and dining on linen tablecloths at a top-notch restaurant. Problem there for me is a lot of very shallow people on their cell phones. Nice luxury boxes for office parties, however. And Wrigley…Lived in Chicago and LOVED games there except on the raw days when the cold winds were slicing in from Lake Michigan. I miss old Crossley Field and the great food and smells and close access to players.
By Ryan
May 9, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Mets fans have always struck as the types of fans that would like a place like Shae.
By HuberTucky
May 9, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Lived in Denver when the Rockies started up and enjoyed Mile High just because there were up to 80,000 of the fairest, most enthusiastic fans in the word there. They were so greatful to have Major League ball that they’d cheer a great play from either team. Very fair and appreciative fans. Must agree that Coors Field is awesome.
By HuberTucky
May 9, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Lived in Denver when the Rockies started up and enjoyed Mile High just because there were up to 80,000 of the firests, most enthusiastci fans in the word there. They were so greatful to have Major League ball that they’d cheer a great play from either team. Very fair and appreciative fans. Must agree that Coors Field is awesome.
By Darren DeVivo
May 9, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Hey, Hal…watch it regarding Shea. Mets fans love their old park and will dearly miss it when it is taken down after this season (it won’t be blown up). How could you knock Shea when you had a true concrete toilet of a stadium for so many years, Riverfront/Cynergy . When you are from Cincinnati, you shouldn’t be knocking anything! The Reds are going to get torched this weekend in the big Shea! (By the way, Hal, the stadium is blue because the Mets main color is blue.)
By Ryan
May 9, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
I have been in Shea stadium, and Hal is not lying. That is a terrible stadium, overlooking a wonderful parking lot and a obnouxious big apple that pops up after a homerun. The stadium has a certain run down, trashy type feel to it. Has the same smell as the subways. Terrible.
By Metsfan
May 9, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
As a New Yorker and Mets fan, I take great offense with your saying Shea smells like a cesspool. Of course, it does not, Mr. McCoy. But even if it did, I’d much rather watch the Mets play there than watch a team that is playing like a cesspool with a 14-21 record. It must suck to have to cover such a team. Get over your provincialism, Mr. McCoy. And your junior high rudeness.
By Brian
May 9, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
I like Chase Field in Phoenix. When the roof and side panels are open you don’t even realize that you are in a ballpark that has the rood option. The pool in right field is fun too. Dodger Stadium is a classic. Reminds me of all the great NL West showdowns the Reds had there. As for “Rounding 3rd and heading for home” being cheesy thats just plain wrong. Joe embodied Cincinnati baseball and seeing that phrase on his “ball orchard” reminds of us happy nights listening to the radio.
By JFW_Mets
May 9, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
This is some highly professional journalism right here; and people wonder why newspapers are dying.
By Angel
May 9, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
There is one more year left for Shea, why bother writing this article? Shea is still better than that plain RIverfront Stadium, or should I say Cynergy Field or was that Three Rivers? Maybe it was Veterans Stadium. At least Shea has some personality to it.
By Joe
May 9, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
GABP is not that bad. It’s a great improvemnet on cookie cutter Riverfront. But it’s too bad the neat skyline was not taken advantage of. Players say that GABP has the best hitters background, but do we need such a big black space in center? Other parks have it, but much smaller. Also the right field stands are too square looking; no unique architectual design. As baseball’s oldest franchise, I was hoping for a retro park which we didn’t get. As ball parks go, Dayton’s 5th Third is a real gem.
By KH for Prez
May 9, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Shea is a great ball park. You can suck it.
By joe
May 9, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
sheas the best ballpak u fag
By gj
May 9, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
san diego has the best ball park by far. then san fran!!!
By Steve
May 9, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
I’m suprized no one has mentioned Jacobs Field in Cleveland. That is a very nice ballpark.GABP looks like a hodge podge of ideas put together with no symmentry. I think the riverboat is actually an improvement over the lame batter’s eye by itself in CF. Faux brick looks cheap on the outside buildings and is a huge disappointment.I LOVE the red seats all around. I like the sun/moon deck. But really, I blame Bob Bengal-house and Jon Allen for so called “value engineering” aka on the cheap!
By Mark
May 9, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
The new Nationals park in Washington! Great views from all seats, great scoreboard, good vendors with food and drink to suit everybody, and a short walk to the subway. A great place for a few relaxing hours in the summer sun.
By Brian Baute
May 9, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Of the current parks I’ve been to, here’s my ranking
PNC/Pittsburgh Fenway/Boston Wrigley/Chicago Camden/Baltimore Safeco/Seattle Coors/Denver Turner/Atlanta Petco/San Diego Great American/Cincinnati SkyDome/Toronto New Comiskey/Chicago (but I was there before the big renovation)
I really want GABP to be among the best, and it’s gotten better the past few years. But there’s a long way to go for it to even be in the top 10.
By 6
May 9, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Reds fans are just looking for something to complain about. It’s not not the GABP that’s the eyesore. It’s the REDS themselves.
By Dustin
May 9, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
I can somewhat agree with Hal. GABP is just too boring for me. But it is better than those cookie cutter stadiums (Riverfront). What makes Riverfront “nice” was the history that accured there: 75 and 76 World Series’, Pete’s record breaking hit, 1990’s World Series, etc. Maybe when GABP gets some history (Griffey’s 600, etc.)to it it may be a nice stadium. But just from a spectators point of view there are better places to see a game.
By Dustin
May 9, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
I can somewhat agree with Hal. GABP is just too boring for me. But it is better than those cookie cutter stadiums (Riverfront). What makes Riverfront “nice” was the history that accured there: 75 and 76 World Series’, Pete’s record breaking hit, 1990’s World Series, etc. Maybe when GABP gets some history (Griffey’s 600, etc.)to it it may be a nice stadium. But just from a spectators point of view there are better places to see a game.
By Jeff
May 9, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Hal- I’m puzzled, I can’t believe that the Reds organization didn’t get your opinion and drawings that you sent in? Oh, wait a minute, I forgot, you’re just a sports writer!
Every stadium has something that represents their city. Ours is a Steamboat; deal with it everyone!
By Harvey
May 9, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
I love the Reds, Always have. I don’t care where they play as long as they put a good team on the field. I like the new park but it’s hard to take a family with the high prices. Okay, if you want to take down the boat and put up Charlie Hustle and the Big Red Machine. It’s Baseball, if you love it how about a Dragons game? Can’t afford these other cities!!!
By Mike
May 9, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
GABP is a major disappointment. This was built under John Allen who could not keep Reds baseball in Sarasota either. Im sure Bob Castellini would have done something different if he had the chance. GABP is the worst new park built in the last 15 years. There are great new parks in SF, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Baltimore, Denver, Houston. Great old parks are Wrigley, Fenway, and Dodger Stadium. When the Yankees and Mets open their new stadiums GAPB will be near the bottom in getting favorite votes.
By Darryl Meier
May 9, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Outside Crosley (right up to the players), Riverfront with its smelly turf and GABP (Sat in the last row on $5.00 night), the only other stadium I have been to was Safeco in Seattle. With its Black w/Green outlines, the stadium was easy to get around in for us first timers on the West Coast, to see a night game. We spent $255 on food, beer and three tickets four rows from the field. Got to see Ichiro. Man he’s fast!
By Doco
May 9, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
The only other 3 I’ve been to are Coors, Comerica, and Wrigley. Obviously all 3 heads and shoulders above GABP. But if all we’re complaining about at GABP is the steamboat and catch phrases it’s still a damn good park. What really makes it lack the character of other parks is how dull it is. All white steel and white concrete. No brick, no stone, no color. It’s still a good place to watch a game.
By Michael
May 9, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
I like the Rockies Coors field….I watched the Reds play there several times when I was stationed in Colorado! GABP is not bad either.
By sun deck lover
May 9, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
I have been to 12 different ballparks(counting Plant City, Sarrasota, and Louisville) and watched the Reds play in most. I have not been to San Fran, which everyone seems to agree is best in the league, but Pittsburgh is the best all-around. I also have to agree that Shea is the worst I’ve been to other than Cleveland Municiple. As far as atmosphere goes,Wrigley hands down. GABP might not be pretty, but it has the best/closest seats anywhere for watching baseball. That’s what it’s for,right?
By seriously?
May 9, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this
PNC Park, really? I thought it looked almost identical to Great American Ballpark. I also liked Houston’s new stadium when I was there a couple years ago. Hpwever, new is not always better and like one intelligent blogger wrote, you only really worry about the park if you’re watching a winner on the field. However, we Chicago fans enjoy our team win or lose and the awesome park too.
By seriously?
May 9, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this
I am 100% biased, but I have been to many parks around the country and none can touch Wrigley. There are no substitutes.
By Eric
May 9, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
Sorry Hal,
I’ll answer the question that was asked, Camden Yards in Baltimore is my favorite so far. Wonderful atmosphere and the best food!
By Bob
May 9, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this
Hal is talking about the loud PA system at Shea. If Thom B. gets any louder and cockier trying to be the second coming of Dad, they’ll have to turn up the volume on the PA. It is sicking with all the fake exumberance. If these guys had been 6’2”, Cincinnati wouldn’t have held them.
By Jim
May 9, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this
Who gives a crap about stadiums, try explaining why Corey Patterson is still on the team and still starting on a regular basis. Andy Phillips is batting over 300 in Louisville. Dusty was high on Phillips during spring training, now I am just wondering if he is high all the time to keep Patterson on the roster, put him on waivers, when no one claims him that will be an example of just how high others in baseball rate him.
By Bill Kelly
May 9, 2008 6:05 AM | Link to this
Maybe I am overcome with nostalgia but the friendly confines of Wrigley Field will always be my favorite.
By boxter
May 9, 2008 5:59 AM | Link to this
GABP is not what I thought it was going to be. I’ll give it 5 more years and or will be as run down and smelly as Riverfront was. The “rounding third and heading home” on the side of the building is cheesy and stupid. The riberboat in center is stupid. The fireworks barely claer the tops. Only ball park with sun field in left. I guess that was so they could build that riverboat. Any time you have to charge $200.00 for seats, you are not a fan freindly stadium.
By Wolverine
May 9, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this
Forget the parks for a moment. They’re pretty to look at when your team is losing, but I’ll take the 1990 surprise Reds in old “cookie cutter” Riverfront. They won! I go for the game. Right now, I’ll bet that A’s fans aren’t complaining about their dilapidated stadium while they’re watching a good team on the field. What would a true Reds fan want? A good team might go a bit better than a view of Kentucky.
By Jon S.
May 8, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
GABP could have so much to offer put all you get to look at is the dirty river and the beautiful Covington Skyline. Having the outfield opening up to the city would have been much better. The boat is lame in the outfield. The park just doesn’t have a good feel to it. Sad that they could have produced a gem yet we get this for the next 20+ years.
By TryGeorgeGrande
May 8, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Who the hell is Tom J?
What a ridiculous statement—Marty Brenneman is “rarely negative”? That is the most ludicrous statement anyone could make. You are a smoking something. Brenneman is as arrogant, as his chip off the old blockhead!
If Marty thought any higher of himself—he’d be on something!
By George
May 8, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
I actually like Shea as a spectator. It has a very exciting feel. I probably wouldn’t if it was where I have to work everyday, but it’s a big New York show: loud, energized and has a bit of a dangerous feel. Fun in my book.
By LAW
May 8, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
I’ve been to many parks in recent years, and here are my humble findings: 1.) Miller Park, circa 2001 (Milwaukee) retractable roof is a plus. 2.) Oriole Park at Camden Yards, circa 1992 (Baltimore) 3.) PNC Park, circa 2001 (Pittsburgh) 4.) Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, circa 1994 (Texas Rangers) 5.) Comerica Park, circa 2000 (Detroit) Haven’t been to Philly, San Diego, Atlanta, or St. Louis since the newer parks have been built, but I hear they’re nice. I’m not a fan of GABP.
By Vivster
May 8, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
I know Hal only did National League parks, but Camden Yards is very beautiful. They messed up GABP when they didn’t put Astroturf near the steamboat that should have been the “Big Red Machine” in center field
By Joe
May 8, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Hal McCoy the hall of famer? No not really, and neither is Marty. Winners of the J.G. Taylor Spink and Ford C. Frick awards are Hall of Fame HONOREES, not inductees into the hall of fame. Seriously, what would we do without Hal and Marty? Get the next person that came a long.
By Jim
May 8, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Hal, Patterson, Arroya, Valentin, Hattiberg, Ross have not paid for themselves since Spring Training. Get rid of the dead weight. It is still early. Please let Dusty Baker know that if he doesn’t get to moving on this, he is going to be the next Wayne Krivsky and bravo to Bob Castellini for trying to give us a winner.
By Jim
May 8, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
My wife and I have been to spring training for ten years. We go to a lot of REDS games home and away. We have come to the conclusion that the people making the decisions about the players are no judge of talent. Patterson, Arroya, Fogg, Ross, Hattiberg, and Valentin are six players that have not paid for themselves since spring training. It goes without saying, that we are very sick of these players not contibuting to winning. Hal, who can we complain to about having such an inferior team?
By Brad
May 8, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Not being a fan of GABP implies hatred for the Reds? That’s hilarious.
Downtown Cincinnati has a beautiful landscape and skyline, and the architects and planners missed a chance to capitalize on these surroundings—and that is just a the tip of the iceberg. Search the web for any objective ranking of MLB ballparks and you will consistently see GAPB ranked lower than many of the other new ballparks.
Still, it’s better than Riverfront/Cinergy.
By Dan
May 8, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Tom J.
Sometimes the truth hurts! I totally agree with Hal’s assessment of PNC Park in Pittsburgh. It is beautiful! His assessment of GABP is accurate! What is that thing? Is it really a mock riverboat?
By Tom J.
May 8, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Hal McCoy the hall of famer…Marty Brenneman tells it how it is, but but is rarely negative when he does it. He has really perfected this and turned it into an art, which Hal could never match. Just to slam GABP is appalling as a Reds fan and a season ticket holder. I’ve read several other things written by Hal that were negative also. Why does he cover the Reds if he doesn’t like them?