It鈥檚 a new golden era for outdoor baseball鈥攐ne in which Major League ballparks go out of their way to evoke a sense of place. Some do this by bringing the outside in. Safeco Field, home to the Seattle Mariners, features exposed steelwork鈥攁 nod to the freight trains that rumble nearby. Others, including the following, take full advantage of their proximity to natural amenities such as parks and waterways.聽
PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates
Why you鈥檒l love it: Because you can hang out on a rental from and wait for to plop into the Allegheny River (or, better yet, into your glove). After you snag one, paddle across the to Point State Park and tour the 18th-century fort that was used during the French and Indian War.
If you go to the game: Order a burger from and a Penn Pilsner from Beers of the Burgh鈥攂oth in section 110.
AT&T Park, San Francisco Giants
Why you鈥檒l love it: Like PNC, is a haven for kayakers, who sit in McCovey Cove beyond the outfield, praying for a long ball to head their way. If you鈥檙e visiting from out of town, can hook you up with a boat (bring a loud, waterproof AM Radio and a wind jacket鈥攖his is San Francisco Bay, after all).
If you go to the game: Download the app (available on iOS7 devices) and test out the stadium鈥檚 new iBeacons鈥擝luetooth-enabled gadgets that automatically send your phone exclusive deals, video highlights from the game and other extras.
PETCO Park, San Diego Padres
Why you鈥檒l love it: Typically, only the players get to enjoy the green space at the game, but at in downtown San Diego, fans can pay $5 to watch their boys of summer from the 鈥淧ark at the Park鈥� behind center field. The three-acre grassy berm features a picnic area, a little league field, and great views of the action.
If you go to the game: Check out the century-old Western Metal Supply Co. building that was incorporated into the stadium design and today houses the team store, rooftop seating, and other amenities.
Target Field, Minnesota Twins
Why you鈥檒l love it: Because you can pedal to the game on a two-wheeler from , the Twin Cities鈥� lauded bike-sharing program. Rent a cruiser at one of the multiple stations across the Twin Cities, head to in downtown Minneapolis; park at the 2nd Avenue and 6th Street station.
What to do at the game: Order a goat burger at Food Network star/hometown hero Andrew Zimmern鈥檚 new in section 119.
Coors Field, Colorado Rockies
Why you鈥檒l love it: For one, , gateway to the Rocky Mountains (fans facing left field are treated to great views of the range on clear days). Plus, it鈥檚 about a mile from an REI flagship store with a climbing wall.
What to do at the game: Visit the , where the famous Belgian-style witbier was invented.