Northern New England Ballparks

Today, we'll look at some ballparks I have visited in the northern part of New England.
 
Centennial Field, Vermont Expos/Lake Monsters: One of the oldest minor league ballparks in existence, Centennial was built in 1922 and looks it. The ballpark has a ricketty old charm that extends to the wooden seats, the concrete bleachers in short left and right field and the dead-ball era distances to the outfield fences. With the walls at respectable distances of 330 to left, 405 to center and 325 to right, and the young, just drafted ballplayers getting their first pro experience in the short-season New York-Penn League, I don't think I have seen more than five home runs hit in the the dozen or so games I have attended. Despite the age of the facility, it is utterly charming and seeing a game there is a fun experience and a great way to end a day in Burlington. 
 
MerchantsAuto.com Stadium, New Hampshire Fisher Cats: At the opposite end of the spectrum is this practically brand-new facility in Manchester, serving as home to the Blue Jays AA affilate. Opened in 2005, Merchants Auto.com Stadium (that is an awful name, and it was recently renamed Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, which isn't an improvement) has all the modern amenities: wide plastic seats with cupholders and plenty of leg room, a big concourse with great concessions choices, a pub in left field sponsored by Sam Adams and even a hotel in center field like the Rogers Centre (must be a Blue Jays thing). There is even a small area containing artifacts from the Ted Williams Hitters Hall of Fame. Great place to watch a game.


Hadlock Field, Portland Sea Dogs: Another fun place to watch a ballgame, this great Maine ballpark boasts it's own version of the Fenway Park Green Monster. Hadlock Field regularly draws big, enthusiastic crowds, and did even before the Sea Dogs changed their team affiliation from the Marlins to the Red Sox.