Baseball America, one of the nation’s leading baseball resources, has ranked Parkview Field the fifth best ballpark in Minor League Baseball. The home of the TinCaps tops the list of all Single-A venues and is the only Midwest League park among the top 20.
Baseball America surveyed more than 100 minor league general managers, radio announcers, league observers, and others involved in the game about the best ballparks in the sport to help create a top 25 ranking as well as the top venues in each league.
“Baseball America has been one of the key leaders in our industry for a long time,” said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. “To be included in their Top 5 is an amazing honor for us.”
Since opening in 2009, Parkview Field has been a hit with fans, players, and coaches alike. After drawing a record 411,000-plus fans last season, the Downtown Fort Wayne ballpark has had its highest attendance yet through 18 games this year.
“A variety of seating options sets Parkview Field apart,” Baseball America wrote. “The menu is also diverse, with in-house concession offerings ranging from the outrageous (including a variety of apple-themed desserts) to the practical (gluten-free options are available).”
“It feels major league,” a surveyor told Baseball America. “The field is the best in the Midwest League, the setting is glorious in Downtown Fort Wayne, and the entire facility just sparkles. They do a terrific job, from clubhouse to stands to press box.”
Of the four ballparks ranked ahead of Parkview Field, three (Charlotte, Birmingham, and El Paso) opened in 2014, while the fourth (Memphis) underwent major renovations in 2014. Those four parks had an average price tag of $68 million. By comparison, Parkview Field cost $31 million to build.
“We continue to appreciate the support of the entire region,” Nutter said. “Our great fans are the true reason Parkview Field is a special place.”
Baseball America’s Best Ballparks in the Minors
1. BB&T Park – Charlotte Knights (Triple-A) – Opened 2014
2. AutoZone Park – Memphis Redbirds (Triple-A) – Opened 2000
3. Regions Field – Birmingham Barons (Double-A) – Opened 2014
4. Southwest University Park – El Paso Chihuahuas (Triple-A) – Opened 2014
5. Parkview Field – Fort Wayne TinCaps (Single-A) – Opened 2009
6. Victory Field – Indianapolis Indians (Triple-A) – Opened 1996
7. Durham Bulls Athletic Park – Durham Bulls (Triple-A) – Opened 1995
8. MCU Park – Brooklyn Cyclones (Single-A) – Opened 2001
9. Isotopes Park – Albuquerque Isotopes (Triple-A) – Opened 2003
10. FirstEnergy Stadium – Reading Phillies (Double-A) – Opened 1951
Click here for the full list. <http://www.baseballamerica.com/majors/best-ballparks-minors/>
Baseball America’s Top Ballparks in the Midwest League
1. Parkview Field – Fort Wayne TinCaps
2. Fifth Third Field – Dayton Dragons
3. Dow Diamond – Great Lakes Loons
Recent National Honors for the TinCaps and Parkview Field
· Top 5 Ballpark in Minor League Baseball (2015) – Baseball America
· No. 1 Minor League Ballpark Experience (2014) – Stadium Journey
· Minor League Team of the Year (2014) – Ballpark Digest
· Best New Food Item, BIG APPLE (2014) – Ballpark Digest
· Single-A Sports Turf Manager of the Year, Keith Winter (2014) – Minor League Baseball
