Should all Baseball parks have standard dimensions?

Question

Every other sport has standard dimensions for their playing field; i.e: 100 yard football fields, etc.... It's ok to design a unique ballpark, but make the field dimensions standard instead of having a "hitters" park or a "pitchers" park. To add to that, I know having the fans close to the field makes it more fan friendly, but move the fans slightly away from the field of play and you won't have the Bartman's or Jeffrey Mayers in Baseball.

Answer 1

Nice idea, but it will never happen.

I disagree for many reasons.

Good point tho, as it makes for an interesting trivia type question.

Answer 2

1 - Agree. A lot of baserunning is "knowing when not to go." 2 - Disagree. I think pitcher's parks benefit smaller market teams, because it neutralizes some of the lineup advantages, and forces the game into a pitching and defense contest. But I'm a Red Sox fan, and they can afford to get both pitching and hitting. 3 - Disagree. It's easier to win with a good farm system, because it facilitates trades. 4 - Disagree. I don't think there is an advantage in head-to-head competitions. Either both teams have the DH, or don't. 5 - Agree. I think many HRs come off pitchers making location mistakes. Teams ought to be able to score runs even when the pitcher is not making mistakes. 6 - Agree. While there may be better measures of hitters and pitchers available, I think it still means something for a hitter to lead his team in W, R, or RBI. 7 - Disagree. Someone on the roster will be an emergency catcher, or you can use a position player to pitch if the worst happens. 8 - Disagree. I read somewhere that one of the wealthiest owners in baseball owns the Pittsburgh Pitates. I think it's shameful that owner doesn't put some of his profit back into the team. 9 - Disagree. I can't imagine not being able to look at stats like BABIP, UZR, strand rates, etc. 10 - Disagree. The only reason is that I can imagine a commissioner doing a worse job. Good question.

Answer 3

Come to Fenway Park and watch a game. It will change your mind. You are so close to the field and players and actually feel a part of the game.
I think every park should have it's own uniqueness as it's fun for other fans to visit and experience something different.
The fans like being part of the game. That is why they pay the money. If every park was the same it would take away the tradition feeling of the game.
Plus, it's funny watching other players try to play a ball in a park they don't know well. It all about enetertainment.
Thanks.

Answer 4

It's a good question. And I know what you mean. Places like Minute Maid Park in Houston really irk me. But I also love Fenway Park and it has odd dimensions.

Answer 5

You can control the park dimensions, but you can't control how the ball carries in each park. Altitude, temperature, humidity and/or wind determines how the ball carries and ultimately make each one a "hitters" or "pitchers" park.

Answer 6

Yes, all fields should be standard but don't
move the fans or you'll take all the fun away.

Answer 7

Part of the beauty of baseball is the different set-ups in the different cities. Teams can tailor their rosters according to their field. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

If you ever came to truly understand baseball, you will come to understand that.

Answer 8

Every park should have it's unique design, it has been that way since the invention of the game so why change now?

Answer 9

NO!

Both teams play each game on the same field that is all that matters!

Answer 10

it's a good concept, but as with auto racing, variety makes the sport more interesting. if you have a guy who can hit a home run at every park, isn't it more interesting to see him go up against the green monster?