Some are filled with history. Others have a unique charm. Some have that classic baseball appearance. A few are just plain quirky. There are even several that were used as the setting for memorable movies. Many are adorned with large statues commemorating some of the great athletes who competed there. On the walls of the upper deck hang reminders of championships won and the numbers of retired players who excelled during their time in the Big Leagues. The stadiums of the thirty Major League Baseball teams have drawn the attention of fans for generations. No small number of people have made a point of visiting all thirty stadiums — a rite of passage, of sorts, for true fans of the sport. Baseball stadiums seem to have some magical charm.
Many years ago, when I first composed a “Bucket List” for my life, I included Fenway Park in Boston and Wrigley Field in Chicago on my list of places I would like to visit before I die. Both are historic venues which have hosted America’s game for well over one hundred years. I’ve never been to either stadium, but I was always envious of Red Sox and Cubs fans because their stadiums had charm, history, and a bit of quirkiness. The San Francisco Giants played their home games at Candlestick Park, a cold, concrete monstrosity that lacked any sense of charm.
In April 2000, after forty years of games at Candlestick Park, the San Francisco Giants moved into their new home at 24 Willie Mays Plaza in the China Basin area of The City. After a regrettable series of name changes, the stadium is now known as Oracle Park. The structure, in my humble opinion, is the most beautiful venue for sports in the entire country. Perched alongside what has come to be known as McCovey Cove, Oracle Park offers attendees spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay, including the two-part Bay Bridge, which connects The City to Oakland, home of the Oakland Athletics of the American League.
Attending a Giants’ game at Oracle Park is an absolute delight. I’ll admit that I don’t get to too many games, but thanks to my sister, Cathy, who generously shares her partial season tickets with her family and friends, I usually get to a couple of games each season. Cathy’s seats are located in the lower section of the upper deck, just above the first base line. The perspective on the game is incredible, and the east-southeast view out onto San Francisco Bay is absolutely breathtaking. Even when the events on the field are dismal, as they sometimes are, the view makes the trip to the ballpark well worth the effort.
I no longer have any sports stadiums on my Bucket List. I’ve been to Oracle Park. I’ve seen the signature Coca Cola bottle beyond the left field fence. I’ve sat on the replica San Francisco cable car beyond the center field fence. And I’ve seen home run balls splash into McCovey Cove beyond the right field wall. For me, visiting any other venue would come up short in comparison.
