Cleveland- Jacobs Field Review

Jacobs Field

Year Built: 1994

Capacity: 43, 515

Surface: Grass

Cost to Build:

$175 million

Overall Grade: B-

Return Someday: Yes

Cleveland ROCKS!!! We went to the Jake in 2007, now called Progressive Field. It was one of the best family atmosphere's that we have seen in a ballpark. Jacobs Field was pretty cool to see. The franchise is one of the older teams in MLB and the fans show their constant devotion for this team. I actually have a lot of respect for this franchise and their devoted fans. The fans were friendly, the stadium workers were friendly, and the food options were good. The stadium is kinda bland looking. The seats were comfortable. The national anthem was sung by the Bare Naked Ladies rock group. Heritage Park was neat to see, as the Tribe honored their historical past. You could hear the drum beating in the crowd. It was a great midwest summer afternoon and the Indians won. I recommend checking out the Jake, if you've never been, and bring the kids!

Chicago- Wrigley Field Review

Wrigley Field

Year Built: 1914

Capacity: 41, 118

Surface: Grass

Cost to Build:

$250,000

Overall Grade: A+

Return Someday: Yes

Go Cubs go...What can I say about Wrigley Field? Being in this ballpark actually brought a grown man to tears. I got really choked up in disbelief that I was actually in Wrigley Field. I am not ashamed of telling my readers that I got teary eyed. This is the 2nd oldest ballpark in the majors and I was actually there staring at the ivy covered outfield walls that I had only seen on WGN throughout my lifetime. Wow, what an experience.

Right before we walked into the ballpark, there was a statue of the late great broadcaster Harry Caray. There was a barber shop quartet singing and you could smell the Italian sausage and peppers being grilled up. Wrigleyville is the surrounding area and it is like a party atmosphere everywhere inside the stadium and outside. not to mention the cool rooftop bleachers on the houses across Addison Avenue.

The original wooden seats were really neat to see and pretty comfortable to sit in. The food was good. The stadium staff were very friendly, the ballpark had a nice family atmosphere. In addition, there were a lot of college aged kids just chillin' and looking to hook up with potential dates. This is history. If you've never been...GO!

Chicago- U.S. Cellular Field Review

U.S. Cellular Field

Year Built: 1991

Capacity: 40, 615

Surface: Grass

Cost to Build:

$267 million

Overall Grade: C+

Return Someday: Maybe

I went to Chicago in 2007 and visited both MLB ballparks in the windy city. We took the train from our hotel to the southside of shy town to catch a White Sox game. Unfortunately our seats were in the upper level, which restricts you from traveling to see everything that it is in the lower levels. There is a secret to get to the lower levels if you dare. Just tell the ushers that deny you access that you want to go to the Majestic custom t-shirt shop, which is located on the bottom level. This worked, even though we weren't lying, because we got a couple of matching shirts to commemorate our trip, and we got to see the rest of the stadium. The stadium workers were friendly but not overly friendly. The food options were pretty standard. The stadium was pretty generic looking overall. I did like the pinwheels in the outfields that light up when the Sox hit a homer. There are statues of historic players on the main concorse that demonstrates the franchise's rich history. I even took a photo next to the original pudge's statue. Not sure if I would ever return someday, maybe if the Yankees were in town and I happened to be in Chicago.