OK, so you’ve already given your dad that customized necktie embellished with your photograph on it, now you have a little down time while your dad is out getting acquainted with the new gas grill your mom gave him. Before your family sits down to eat, now’s your chance to read up on Beachhouse.com’s picks for the top baseball parks to visit….maybe next Father’s Day, instead of giving him some cheap cologne that smells like Robert Downey Jr. trying to cover up after a bender, you can spare your dad the hassle of faking that he loves your gift and give him something he will truly enjoy – tickets to a baseball game and some quality bonding time with you…and a couple of ball park brews never hurt anybody – emphasis on couple.
Wrigley Field is one of the oldest and most notorious fields in the United States. Despite the field’s notoriety, the Chicago Cubs haven’t exactly made a name for themselves – unless you count the fact that they have never won the World Series, and now that the Red Socks have won theirs, the Cubs are officially the worst cursed team in the league. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy yourself at the home of Ferris Bueller’s infamous day off, deep dish pizza and organized crime.
If your dad likes the finer things in life, he’d love to be treated to a day at the on-the-water Oracle Park in San Francisco, California. Some of baseball’s greatest call this park home, including Willie Mays, Willie McCovey and all time home run leader, Barry Bonds. The park has every amenity your dad could ask for and all kinds of classic and not so expected stadium food – the crab sandwiches and Cuban cuisine (in honor of Orlando Cepeda – former Giant) are some of the fan favorites. And if your dad is the kind to get a little out of hand after a couple brewskies, it won’t faze this crowd – they’re used to scandals (Steroids anyone?). Find beach houses for rent in California.
It may seem biased to have more than one California stadium on this list, but if you lived here, you’d know why we’re biased. Even though the National League West is quite possibly the weakest division in sports, the Petco Park and ambiance of the surrounding cityscape’s is unparalleled. It’s always sunny and there’s plenty to do – so if the team ain’t winning, go surfing or get tipsy with the college kids.
One of the most loved (and hated) franchises in all of sports, the Yankees have a brand spankin new stadium to call home. They left their monument to baseball history behind them and started this season with a new coach. Besides being the most winningest team in the history of baseball, they have, arguably, the most loyal fans in the game…so you and your dad, foam fingers and pin-stripes in place, will fit right in.
Fenway Park is the oldest stadium in the US, making it a perfect place for a dad who loves the classics. With 2 recent championship titles under their jockstrap, the Red Sox are one of the most intimidating teams to compete with and one of the most exciting teams to watch. Not for the faint of heart or dad’s with young kids (and virgin ears) Sox fans are hard drinking and curse like sailors…they’re also overwhelmingly passionate about their team. After the game’s over there’s still plenty to do in one of the oldest city in America – so buy a pint, start dropping your r’s and you’ll fit right in.