The All-American game of baseball has inspired numerous people to visit not only the Major League stadium nearest them, but to set out on a quest to visit all the American ballparks. Here is an example of a possible road trip, which includes nine (9) of these parks. My trip begins in Chicago where the Chicago White Sox of the American League and the Chicago Cubs of the National League play their home games.
Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs, is one of the oldest and most storied ballparks in the United States. The image of the ivy-covered walls in the outfield has captured the imagination of fans since 1914. Wrigley Field is found north of the dowtown, off Rte 41.
US Cellular Field is the new home of the Chicago White Sox. It is located just south of the city center.
After your stay in Chicago, travel east on I-90 to Cleveland, Ohio, home of the Cleveland Indians, of the American League. The distance from Chicago to Cleveland is about 335 miles, a six-hour ride with no traffic problems. The Indians’ home park is called Progressive Field and is conveniently located in downtown Cleveland, just minutes from the city’s major attractions.
The next leg of your trip will bring you to the "Steel City" of Pittsburgh, PA, home of the Pirates. To get to Pittsburgh from Chicago, take I-80 East to I-76 East. PNC Park, built in 2001 is located alongside the Allegany River and provides excellent views of the city’s impressive skyline. Pittsburgh is only about 130 miles from Cleveland.
After your visit, head west on I-70 and pick up I-71 South in Columbus, to reach Cincinnati, home of the National League Cincinnati Reds. Great American Ball Park is located in the downtown area, along the Ohio River. The Cincinnati Reds were the first major league franchise, although this park is fairly new, built in 2003. Cincinnati is 287 miles from Pittsburgh, about a five (5) hour ride.
From here, take I-71 south to Louisville, KY and then I-64 West to St Louis, MO, home of the National League’s St Louis Cardinals. The "new" Busch Stadium opened in 2006 and is, again, located in the downtown area, not far from the celebrated Gateway Arch. The driving distance on this leg of the trip is approximately 340 miles, another six (6) hour ride.
To get to Kansas City, MO, the next ball park on this loop, take I-70 West across the state, a distance of 252 miles. Kauffman Stadium was built in 1973 and features a huge fountain in center field. The Kansas City Royals, an American League club, plays its home games here.
Now head north, on I-35, for the longest drive of the road trip, 552 miles, to reach Minneapolis, MN, home of the Minnesota Twins. Your trip should take about nine (9) hours, but Target Field, the Twin’s new ball park, is worth the ride. It is located in downtown Minneapolis with great views of the city’s skyline.
The last ball park on this road trip is in Milwaukee, WI, the home of the Brewers of the National League. To get here, take I-94 East right into Milwaukee, a distance of 332 miles. Miller Park is located west of the city center, just off I-94.
To complete the loop and return to Chicago, simply take I-94 East for only about 90 miles. You have experienced America’s game in nine different venues!
Total distance covered: approximately 2200 miles.
