Old Ballparks That Still Capture the Magic of Baseball
- Team Stadium Vagabond
- Apr 8
- 7 min read
Baseball has been around for a long time, and its history runs deep. While not everyone may be a fan of the sport, most people can appreciate just how much tradition and legacy it holds. Major League Baseball officially started in 1903, but its story began even earlier with the formation of the National League in 1876.
One of the coolest things about baseball is the stadiums. Some old ballparks are more than just places to watch a game—they're filled with stories, memories, and old-school charm. Walking through these historic stadiums feels like stepping back in time. Generally, the older the stadium, the more character it has—assuming it's been kept in good shape.
In this post, we're highlighting ten old MLB ballparks still in use in Major League Baseball.
These Historic Ballparks aren't Just old—They're Iconic
Fenway Park (Boston, Massachusetts)
Fenway Park isn't just the oldest Major League ballpark—it's one of the most iconic sports venues in the world. Since opening in 1912, it's been the home of the Boston Red Sox and the backdrop for legendary baseball moments, from Babe Ruth's early days to dramatic modern playoff runs.
What sets Fenway apart is its charm. Tucked into Boston's Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, the stadium's quirky design—like the towering 37-foot "Green Monster," Pesky's Pole, and the oddly shaped center field known as "The Triangle"—adds to its mystique and personality.
The historic baseball stadium has undergone several major renovations, including after fires in the 1920s and '30s, and a major upgrade in the 2000s that preserved its vintage feel while modernizing amenities. It has hosted 10 World Series and welcomed a range of events—from football and hockey games to concerts and political rallies.
Today, Fenway is more than an old baseball field —it's a living piece of baseball history. Whether you're perched atop the Green Monster or soaking in the energy from the grandstands, every visit feels like stepping back in time.
Wrigley Field (Chicago, Illinois)
Wrigley Field, nestled in Chicago's Wrigleyville neighborhood, is a timeless gem of baseball history. Opened in 1914 as Weeghman Park, it originally hosted the Chicago Federals before the Cubs took over in 1916. In 1926, after William Wrigley Jr. bought the team, it was renamed Wrigley Field.
Known for its vintage charm, the ballpark features a hand-operated scoreboard, ivy-covered outfield walls, and the iconic red marquee at Clark and Addison. It was the last Major League stadium to install lights, finally hosting night games in 1988.
Though renovations over the decades—like the upper deck in the 1920s and modern updates in the 2010s—have added Jumbotrons and upgraded seating, the park's historic character remains front and center.
Beyond baseball, Wrigley hosted the Chicago Bears for nearly 50 years, and events ranged from boxing matches to ski jumps. But it's the baseball legends—Ernie Banks, Sammy Sosa, and the Cubs' long-awaited 2016 World Series title—that define its legacy.
Wrigley is more than one of the old ballparks — it's a community landmark and a must-visit for fans who love the game's history and heart.
Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles, California)
Perched in the hills of Chavez Ravine, Dodger Stadium has been the home of Los Angeles baseball since 1962. It's the oldest Major League ballpark west of the Mississippi and the third-oldest overall, yet it still feels fresh and iconic.
Built during the Dodgers' transition from Brooklyn, the stadium was a bold move, offering stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains and downtown LA. Its pastel-colored seats and clean, mid-century design make it instantly recognizable.
Over the years, Dodger Stadium has hosted ten World Series, two All-Star Games, and countless unforgettable moments—from Sandy Koufax's brilliance to Kirk Gibson's legendary 1988 walk-off. It's also welcomed concerts, soccer games, and Olympic events.
Thoughtful renovations have modernized the fan experience without sacrificing the old ballpark's classic feel. Whether it's a summer night game or a high-stakes playoff, Dodger Stadium delivers timeless baseball with a laid-back California vibe.
Angel Stadium (Anaheim, California)
Opened in 1966, Angel Stadium—affectionately known as "The Big A"—is the fourth-oldest baseball stadium still in use in Major League Baseball and has been home to the Los Angeles Angels for nearly 60 years. It's a Southern California staple, blending classic baseball charm with laid-back West Coast vibes.
Originally built with a clean, symmetrical design, the stadium was expanded in the '80s to host the NFL's Rams, then scaled back in the '90s to restore its baseball roots. That renovation added the "California Spectacular"—a rock formation and geyser feature beyond the outfield fence—and brought back a more intimate feel.
The ballpark's most iconic feature is the 230-foot-tall "Big A" sign with a glowing halo, which lights up after every Angels win. It's hosted multiple All-Star Games, memorable playoff runs, and the franchise's 2002 World Series triumph.
With palm trees in the distance and Disneyland just down the road, Angel Stadium is all about relaxed, family-friendly baseball. It might not be flashy, but it is full of soul and summer memories.
Oakland Coliseum (Oakland, California)
Opened in 1966, the Oakland Coliseum—officially the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum—has been the longtime home of the Athletics. It may not have the gloss of newer parks, but its gritty, no-frills vibe fits the spirit of Oakland and its loyal fans.
Built as a multi-purpose stadium, the Coliseum's large, circular design once accommodated both the A's and the NFL's Raiders. That dual use gave rise to some of its quirks—like the infamous infield dirt during football season, a uniquely Oakland signature.
This is where the A's won three straight World Series titles in the 1970s and where legends like Rickey Henderson and Reggie Jackson became icons. The stands are known for their rowdy, creative energy—drums, chants, and a whole lot of heart.
Though the stadium has aged and relocation rumors loom, the Coliseum remains a rare throwback to an earlier era of baseball. It's not about luxury—it's about memories, loyalty, and pure Oakland grit.
Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)
Opened in 1973, Kauffman Stadium—aka "The K"—has been the Royals' home for over 50 years and remains one of MLB's most picturesque parks. Its iconic outfield fountains bring a touch of elegance to the heart of the Midwest, setting it apart from the start.
Uniquely built for baseball (not as a multi-use facility like many of its era), The K offers clean sightlines, an easygoing atmosphere, and a layout tailor-made for fans. Major renovations in 2009 added modern flair—like a massive HD scoreboard and updated amenities—without losing the park's timeless charm.
From George Brett's pine tar incident to the Royals' 2015 World Series triumph, The K has hosted its share of unforgettable moments. Whether you're watching fountains dance during a night game or savoring KC BBQ in the stands, this is a ballpark with heart, history, and a whole lot of Midwest soul.
Rate Field (Chicago, Illinois)
Opened in 1991 as Comiskey Park II, Guaranteed Rate Field has carried the Chicago White Sox legacy into the modern era. Just across from the original Comiskey, this South Side stadium blends tradition with updates that reflect the city's gritty, passionate baseball culture.
Initially built with a classic '90s design, this old stadium saw major renovations in the 2000s—steeper upper decks, a revamped outfield concourse, and more food options—all aimed at bringing fans closer to the action. Its centerpiece remains the exploding scoreboard in center field, a bold tribute to the team's Bill Veeck-era flair.
It may not have Wrigley's ivy or Kauffman's fountains, but Guaranteed Rate Field has its own identity: sharp sightlines, die-hard fans, and an unfiltered South Side vibe. From fireworks nights to Crosstown rivalry games, it's a ballpark that brings the heat—no gimmicks, just baseball.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore, Maryland)
Opened in 1992, Oriole Park at Camden Yards changed the game—literally. Built on a former rail yard near Baltimore's Inner Harbor, it pioneered the retro ballpark trend, blending classic design with modern comfort and inspiring a new era of stadium architecture.
Its charm lies in the details: the iconic B&O Warehouse beyond right field, exposed steelwork, asymmetrical dimensions, and an atmosphere that feels both timeless and intimate. Open concourses and excellent sightlines make for a great fan experience, while nods to Orioles history, like the statue garden and home run markers along Eutaw Street, anchor it in tradition.
Whether you're chasing a crab cake or watching the sun dip behind the skyline during a summer game, Camden Yards delivers a uniquely Baltimore vibe. It's not just one of the old ballparks — it's a blueprint for how a stadium can feel like home.
Progressive Field (Cleveland, Ohio)
Opened in 1994, Progressive Field brought a new era of baseball to downtown Cleveland. Originally called Jacobs Field—still "The Jake" to locals—it quickly became a fan favorite, famously selling out 455 straight games from 1995 to 2001 during the team's '90s resurgence.
Designed with fans in mind, this old baseball field features open sightlines, skyline views, and touches that reflect Cleveland pride, like Heritage Park for franchise legends and a food scene packed with local flavor. Renovations have added social spaces and modern amenities while preserving the ballpark's original charm.
From playoff drama to fireworks nights, Progressive Field offers the perfect balance of classic baseball energy and updated comfort, right in the heart of the city.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles, California)
Before Dodger Stadium opened, the Dodgers played their first five seasons in LA at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, starting in 1958 after their move from Brooklyn. Meant to be a temporary home, it still witnessed major history, most notably, the team's first LA-based World Series title in 1959. Games 3–5 of that Series were held at the Coliseum, including Game 5, which drew a record-breaking 92,706 fans—the largest World Series crowd ever.
Though they lost that game to the White Sox, the Dodgers clinched the title two days later in Chicago. By then, the Coliseum was already a legendary venue, having hosted the 1932 Olympics and later Super Bowl I in 1967. It's now set to headline the 2028 Summer Olympics, marking its third time as the Games' main stage. Temporary or not, the Coliseum left a permanent mark on Dodgers history and LA sports culture.
Conclusion
From century-old legends like Fenway and Wrigley to retro classics like Camden Yards and The K, these ballparks are more than just places to catch a game—they're living monuments to baseball's past and present. Each of these old ballparks tells its own story, filled with unforgettable moments, passionate fans, and timeless charm. In an era of constant change, these old stadiums remind us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.
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