Summer means a lot of things.  But what is better than going to the ballpark and enjoying a game in the sun (we hope) with a cold one and a hot dog?  Not many things top that.  We in The Capital Region are lucky because there are so many great ballparks to go to within a close distance.  Here are my Top 5 based on price, experience and proximity.

  1. Frontier Field, Rochester, NY.  Home of the Rochester Red Wings, the oldest baseball franchise out there.  Frontier tickets are extremely cheap and the park is so nice you feel like you are at a Major League stadium.  You can sit on the grass area or in the stands.  Be sure to have a Rochester classic garbage plate and enjoy some of the best Labatt Blue on tap.  The food choices are incredible.  And the gift store is top-notch.  Tickets are cheap too, just $7.00 on the low end and $11.00 on the high end.  Driving distance:  3 1/2-4 1/2 hours.
  2. Fenway Park.  For the pure reason that it is the oldest, most classic ballpark in baseball.  Prices are not that bad as long as you don't go 10 times a year.  It is a matter of if you can even get a ticket because of Red Sox Nation's pure obsession with the team.  Decent seats are between $40-$62.  And Boston usually runs specials.  But you get what you pay for.  It is Fenway Park, after all.  Driving distance: 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours.
  3. Yankee Stadium.  Some may laugh, but you can get good tickets for $22 dollars.  I did for Old Timers Day 2013.  Two draft beers (24 ounces) cost $12, comparable to two brews at a bar with a tip for each drink.  And it is fan-friendly.  Plus, it is New York and you are seeing the Yankees, baseball's biggest draw because of the love-hate factor.  Driving distance:  2/12-3 1/2 hours.
  4.  Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.  Home of the New York Penn League Tri-City Valley Cats.  Tickets are cheap, ranging from $5.50-$11.50 depending on when you buy them.  Food is reasonable.  And with minor league ballparks you can take the family and not get set back for weeks.  Plus, you can see growing prospects in the Houston Astros system, a very good growing farm system.  Driving distance:  15-60 minutes from all over The Capital Region.
  5. Citi Field.  The Mets aren't great but the ballpark is.  Fair prices and a great look of an old ballpark yet new ballpark.  Tickets are incredibly affordable as well.  You can actually sit top level with tons of room and a solid view for $9!

Don't forget to try and win a trip to any ballgame in the country this Summer with 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio here:  http://1045theteam.com/enter-here-to-see-any-baseball-game-in-the-country/.

Enjoy the games!

By:  Mike Lindsley, "Mid-Day with Mike," 1-4, Yankees pre/post game host on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.  Follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/mikelsports.

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