Minute Maid Park...someone explain this

[RSgal]

The hill with the flagpole in center field is ridiculous enough as it is. But why is it not a home run when the ball hits the pole about 20 feet from the ground? Richie Sexson wasn't please...and I don't blame him.

[vpkozel]

Originally posted by RSgal
The hill with the flagpole in center field is ridiculous enough as it is. But why is it not a home run when the ball hits the pole about 20 feet from the ground? Richie Sexson wasn't please...and I don't blame him.

It is a throwback to the way that old parks used to be. The monuments in Yankee Stadium were in play at one time, and I think that the old Colt 45's stadium used to have a bank and flags in it - that is why they chose that for Houston.

Richie Sexson should relax - he knew the rules before he started the game, so don't bitch about it after one of them comes back to bite you in the ass. I hate when people do that shit. I mean I REALLY FUCKING HATE IT!

[two-six]

Originally posted by vpkozel
and I think that the old Colt 45's stadium used to have a bank and flags in it - that is why they chose that for Houston.


ahh, it makes sense now. and to think, i thought they put it there just to blow out knees and achilles tendons

[RSgal]

Originally posted by vpkozel


It is a throwback to the way that old parks used to be. The monuments in Yankee Stadium were in play at one time, and I think that the old Colt 45's stadium used to have a bank and flags in it - that is why they chose that for Houston.





Well that explains it! Thanks vp.

I still think it's a gay ass design, but at least now I know it wasn't completely random.

[law1ng2b]

depends on the way the club writes the park's ground rules too. for example, Bank One in PHX has some portions of the fence that look to be in play, but if it hits them it is a homerun. The Metrodome's ceiling speakers are in play...a ball that hits them can fall into fair terrirory. But if you hit the walkway scaffolding at Tropicana Field, it is a homerun no matter where it lands.

i don't mind it...i think it adds some character to the parks. otherwise, they should make every ballpark exactly the same.

[uncc86]

Originally posted by law1ng2b
i don't mind it...i think it adds some character to the parks. otherwise, they should make every ballpark exactly the same.

you mean you didn't care for the early 70's baseball played in Three Rivers, Riverfront, the Vet, Fulton County and Busch Stadiums????:laugher: :laugher: :laugher:

I have to agree with you about the character aspect to each park. Its always been part of the game.

The incline in CF of Enron Field (sorry, I'm old school) is a copy of what used to exist in Crosley Field in Cincinnati.

Old Tiger Stadium in Detroit had a flag pole in CF (of course it was 440 feet from home) and once or twice a season it came into play. The teams knew it could happen and just dealt with it. Also, there was an overhang in RF. In other words, the lower level of RF was 325 feet away while the upper level was 310-315 feet (depending on who you talked to).

The outfield wall in Arizona is weird....even the Dback announcers seem confused when the querks of the wall come into play.

Outfield walls and things physically attached to the field are one thing but stadium ceilings being in or out of play are worthy of debate and criticism...............this is an outdoor game and SHOULD be played outdoors.

[Yuck]

character's cool, but it does make it seem like pinball.

[T_Schroll]

The monuments in Yankee Stadium used to be in play. That had to be the deepest centerfield ever.

[uncc86]

Originally posted by T_Schroll
The monuments in Yankee Stadium used to be in play. That had to be the deepest centerfield ever.

http://www.baseball-statistics.com/Ballparks/SF/Polo.htm

After the Polo Grounds closed, Yankee Stadium (with the monuments in play) was the deepest CF.

When they redid the park (mid-70's ??), the old stadium in Motown took over.

These days...........its hard to tell.........parks change too often.

[T_Schroll]

1. Astroturf-inflated stats and killed a lot of careers with injuries

2.cookie cutter stadiums from the '70's-eliminated character from the ballyard

3.the DH-made strategy secondary,prolonged too many careers that should have been over, and helped drive up salaries for hasbeens and never was ballplayers

4.Domed stadiums-the only sports that should be played indoors are basketball and hockey.

[sds70]

Originally posted by uncc86


http://www.baseball-statistics.com/Ballparks/SF/Polo.htm

After the Polo Grounds closed, Yankee Stadium (with the monuments in play) was the deepest CF.

When they redid the park (mid-70's ??), the old stadium in Motown took over.

These days...........its hard to tell.........parks change too often.

Yankee Stadium was remodled in 1974-75 . . . Yanks played at Shea Stadium during that time . . NFL Giants played their 'home' games at the Yale Bowl in New Haven (my old backyard :) . . . I didn't realize they were there at the time though since I was only a kid at the time :( :( . . )