By Chad Jennings, Stephen J. Nesbitt and C. Trent Rosecrans
No major-league ballpark holds extra followers than Dodger Stadium. Its 56,000 seats mix high-wattage celebrities with nameless diehards to create certainly one of baseball’s loudest, most intense atmospheres. It’s intimidating. Particularly in October.
Simply not for Jurickson Profar.
Residence crowds all the time have their say within the playoffs, and after a wild-card spherical by which dwelling groups typically struggled, the postseason depth lastly bubbled over in good methods and dangerous on Sunday.
In Los Angeles, Profar robbed a house run and taunted the Dodgers trustworthy, hopping up and down in left discipline earlier than revealing the ball safe in his glove. The San Diego Padres had been on their solution to a rout. Dugouts chirped. Followers delayed the sport’s conclusion by throwing objects on the sector.
“It’s undoubtedly wild out right here,” Padres proper fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. mentioned. “However on the similar time, it’s a superb setting for baseball.”
Throughout the nation at Residents Financial institution Park, the Philadelphia Phillies rallied, and rallied, and rallied once more, turning the house crowd’s audible frustration to feel-it-in-your-bones euphoria. “Momentum on this place is the whole lot,” reliever Matt Strahm mentioned. “You may’t clarify it in phrases. You simply need to really feel it. Once we get them going, it will get us going.”
However which playoff ballpark will get going the most? Because the division collection shift to the second stops, we ranked the home-field environments of the eight remaining playoff groups.
The Phillies and Dodgers are the one returners from final yr’s rating. They had been first and second, respectively. How do the playoff environments at Residents Financial institution Park and Dodger Stadium stack up in opposition to the opposite six? Right here’s our rating.
Venue | Opened | Capability | 2024 Att. | 2024 W/L |
---|---|---|---|---|
Comerica Park |
2000 |
41,083 |
22,942 |
43-38 |
Memorable postseason second: In Sport 4 of the 2006 ALCS, with the Tigers attempting to comb the Oakland A’s, Magglio Ordoñez homered within the sixth inning to tie the sport. Within the ninth, Ordóñez got here to the plate once more with two on and two outs. A’s nearer Huston Road delivered, and Ordóñez clobbered a three-run, walk-off dwelling run to left. Comerica Park quaked. Three years after dropping 119 video games — and greater than a decade since their final successful season — the Tigers had gained the pennant.
Our take: In truth, it’s exhausting to know what to anticipate when Comerica Park hosts its first postseason recreation since Oct. 5, 2014. The Tigers didn’t draw properly for many of this season — their common dwelling attendance ranked twenty third within the majors — however then they noticed dwelling crowds commonly swell previous 40,000 in September. If Tigers followers ship the Guardians fleeing in concern in Sport 3, we’ll replace these rankings to mirror that.
The town and fan base have embraced the Gritty Tigs. Comerica Park has roared in postseasons previous, and Tigers followers have been champing on the bit to go wild as soon as once more behind this younger, thrilling and underrated roster.
We might discover a video for every of those ballparks extolling its glorious playoff setting. However somebody needed to be ranked final. That’s how these items go. Take coronary heart, although, Tigers followers: The groups we ranked seventh and eighth in final yr’s rating wound up collectively within the World Sequence.
7. Cleveland Guardians
Venue | Opened | Capability | 2024 Att. | 2024 W/L |
---|---|---|---|---|
Progressive Area |
1994 |
34,830 |
25,703 |
50-30 |
Memorable postseason second: Earlier than you dismiss Cleveland as simply one other sleepy metropolis in the midst of the nation, strive remembering Nov. 2, 2016, when Rajai Davis — choking up on the bat — homered in Sport 7 of the World Sequence and Progressive Area shook to such a level it should have rattled John D. Rockefeller’s bones. Even LeBron James misplaced his thoughts. It was a monumental second (however two innings later it was the Chicago Cubs — not the Cleveland Indians — ending a championship drought).
Our take: These folks have been by quite a bit. The Determination. The Shot. The Browns. They deserve higher, and in the event that they sense a possibility to get it, they’re going to indicate up. The Guardians haven’t gained a World Sequence since 1948. They’ve come shut 3 times prior to now twenty years — Albert Belle and Jim Thome, Klubot and Mr. Smile — and now they’ve José Ramírez and Emmanuel Clase main the cost. The Guardians had the sixth-best document this season, however the third-best document at dwelling. They’ve loved a significant home-field benefit, particularly in entrance of a hungry crowd that’s been ready to have a good time. Outfielder Lane Thomas, who joined the Guardians by way of commerce in July, known as Sport 1 “electrical.” “Every thing I had thought and extra,” he mentioned.
If the Guardians win a hoop, Progressive Area will make the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame really feel like a people pageant. (Let’s have in mind, although, that Cleveland had home-field benefit within the 2016 World Sequence and 2017 ALDS and misplaced each.)
Venue | Opened | Capability | 2024 Att. | 2024 W/L |
---|---|---|---|---|
Citi Area |
2009 |
41,922 |
28,757 |
46-35 |
Memorable postseason second: There’s all the time nerves when a staff comes dwelling down 2-0 in a collection, and it’s even worse when the guests take a lead within the first inning of Sport 3. Mets followers didn’t have to fret lengthy in Sport 3 of the 2015 World Sequence as David Wright hit a two-run homer within the backside of the primary inning to present the Mets a lead. New York would go on to win, 8-3, with Wright driving in 4. It was the one recreation the Mets would win in that World Sequence, but it surely gave them hope — and a second to recollect. (In addition they keep in mind Matt Harvey going again out for the ninth inning of Sport 5, however let’s not discuss that.)
Our take: It’s robust to not evaluate the 2 New York stadiums when each opened in the identical yr, and there are execs and cons in favor of each. The Citi Area crowd is nearer than at Yankee Stadium, and though there was a sure historical past and allure to the previous Shea Stadium, the brand new place is simply a lot nicer. If the group on the Mets’ watch get together at Citi Area for Pete Alonso’s homer in opposition to the Brewers is any indication of what it’s going to be like for an actual recreation, Citi Area goes to be a madhouse for Sport 3 in opposition to the Phillies.
CITI FIELD IS ELECTRIC! pic.twitter.com/Wzbb224CUW
— Metsmerized On-line (@Metsmerized) October 4, 2024
This ballpark can get wild, and if the Mets hold going — they’ll be dwelling for 2 of the ultimate three video games of this collection in opposition to the Phillies — the home-field benefit of Citi Area goes to get stronger and stronger, shifting them larger and better up this record. And, at this level, there’s no telling what Mets magic can accomplish.
Venue | Opened | Capability | 2024 Att. | 2024 W/L |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kauffman Stadium |
1973 |
37,903 |
20,473 |
45-36 |
Memorable postseason second: There’s hardly a baseball fan within the state of Missouri who doesn’t know the title Don Denkinger. Cardinals followers curse his title, and Royals followers, properly, they’re grateful. With the Royals dealing with elimination in Sport 6 of the 1985 World Sequence, Denkinger known as Jorge Orta secure when replays — earlier than they had been used to right calls — confirmed he was clearly out. In fact, Cardinals followers who blame Denkinger conveniently neglect it was simply the primary out, Jack Clark dropped a simple fly ball, Darrell Porter had a handed ball and Orta was really compelled at third within the inning. The Royals gained Sport 6 after which beat the Cardinals in Sport 7 (with Denkinger behind the plate).
Our take: We’re about to see the primary playoff recreation at Kauffman Stadium in 9 years, for the reason that Royals took the primary two video games of the 2015 World Sequence at dwelling after which completed the job in Queens. It’s an virtually completely completely different roster for the Royals, however the power is identical. Bobby Witt Jr. is a famous person. Vinnie Pasquantino is beloved. Salvador Perez is a franchise icon. And the rotation is about pretty much as good as anybody’s.
The Royals had the fifth-lowest dwelling attendance in MLB this season, forward of solely the White Sox, Rays, Marlins and A’s. They is perhaps a shocking choose at No. 5. However the proof of idea was laid in 2014 and 2015. The playoffs are a unique beast.
“What are you watching?”
Oh, simply 9 minutes and 41 seconds of Kauffman Stadium playoff crowd pops. #Royals pic.twitter.com/4X2BlTo4gP
— Jack Johnson (@JohnyJ_15) August 27, 2024
Kauffman Stadium gives one thing few different locations do, and that’s ample room within the parking zone for tailgating. Simply because the Chiefs have top-of-the-line home-field benefits in soccer, the Royals will profit from a rowdy crowd assembling within the parking heaps earlier than a playoff recreation. With the current historical past of the Chiefs’ success, it’s simple to neglect that Kansas Metropolis has been a baseball city.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
Venue | Opened | Capability | 2024 Att. | 2024 W/L |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dodger Stadium |
1962 |
56,000 |
48,657 |
52-29 |
Memorable postseason second: We included Kirk Gibson’s iconic dwelling run with final yr’s record. Nobody would tire of that video. However as an alternative let’s return to the one World Sequence the Dodgers have gained at Dodger Stadium: 1963. In Sport 1, dealing with a Yankees lineup led by Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, Sandy Koufax struck out 15 in a complete-game win. He went the gap once more in Sport 4 to finish the sweep. The 2 full video games — 18 innings, three runs — earned Koufax a World Sequence MVP.
Our take: It began out playfully Sunday when Profar sonned 50,000 Dodgers followers. It ended with a tense delay as beer rained onto the warning observe. It was not Dodger Stadium’s most interesting second. (It was, nevertheless, a testomony to the Padres’ potential to get beneath the pores and skin of their opponents and the opposing crowd.) Setting Sunday apart …
There’s no different setting like Dodger Stadium. The ballpark is huge, sprawling and picturesque. When crammed to the brim in October, it’s deafening. Tommy Edman knew that earlier than being traded to the Dodgers this summer season. He misplaced a wild-card recreation at Dodger Stadium just a few years in the past. “Each time I’ve come right here after I was with St. Louis, I all the time observed how loud it was,” Edman mentioned. “It’s good to be on this aspect of issues.” So, Profar might have single-handedly knocked Dodger Stadium down a spot on this rating Sunday, but it surely’s nonetheless a particular setting for postseason baseball.
3. New York Yankees
Venue | Opened | Capability | 2024 Att. | 2024 W/L |
---|---|---|---|---|
Yankee Stadium |
2009 |
46,537 |
40,862 |
44-37 |
Memorable postseason second: The Yankees have gained 27 championships, however just one within the present ballpark. On Nov. 4, 2009, they clinched No. 27 at dwelling in a recreation began by Andy Pettitte and closed by Mariano Rivera. Derek Jeter had three hits and Hideki Matsui went deep. They had been practically a decade faraway from the late Nineties, but it surely was a championship nonetheless rooted in that iconic dynasty. Nice playoff moments come and go, however for the Yankees, the one moments that matter include rings.
Our take: This model of Yankee Stadium doesn’t have the historical past of its predecessor, but it surely was constructed with a Yankees-esque sense of grandiosity. What it lacks in quirks and character it makes an attempt to make up for with measurement and quantity. In October, that’s what issues. The place is raucous when the followers have one thing to cheer and a purpose to imagine. Aaron Decide can try this. Juan Soto can try this. Gerrit Cole can try this. (The Bleacher Creatures already are doing their greatest to woo Soto to remain within the Bronx).
If these Yankees get scorching, their ballpark will reply in a method that expects — and even calls for — greatness. And the place will be brutal on opposing gamers.
“There’s virtually like a white-out really feel to it as a result of there was a lot white within the stands,” Yankees supervisor Aaron Boone mentioned. “I undoubtedly suppose our guys fed off it just a little bit (in Sport 1), and I want to suppose (it) had a consider us successful the ballgame.”
2. Philadelphia Phillies
Venue | Opened | Capability | 2024 Att. | 2024 W/L |
---|---|---|---|---|
Residents Financial institution Park |
2004 |
42,792 |
41,527 |
54-27 |
Memorable postseason second: As a result of we wrote about Roy Halladay’s no-hitter within the 2010 NLDS in final yr’s article, we flip this time to Brad Lidge. There are two outs in Sport 5 of the 2008 World Sequence. Eric Hinske at bat. Tying run at second. Right here’s Harry Kalas’ name: The 0-2 pitch. Swing and a miss! Struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 world champions of baseball! Brad Lidge does it once more and stays excellent for the 2008 season — 48-for-48 in save alternatives. And let the town have a good time!
Our take: We ranked the Phillies first final yr, however as a result of the blurb included just a few previous Philly fan tropes it drew immense reader suggestions. So immense, in reality, that we wrote a complete story about it. That kinder, gentler fan base ran the gamut of feelings in Sport 2: from booing Nick Castellanos to going bananas when he walked it off.
Once you name him dad, it means just a little extra. ❤️ #NLDS pic.twitter.com/Pbr03XAJmY
— MLB (@MLB) October 6, 2024
That’s the factor in Philly, man. It’s a jam-packed ballpark with all eyes locked in on the pitch, whether or not that’s a waste slider Castellanos waves at or a sweeper he hits to the moon. The eagerness in Philly is unmatched. As first base coach Paco Figueroa put it: “F— it.’ It’s Philly? You already know what I imply?” Dropping Residents Financial institution Park to No. 2 could also be an unpopular transfer, but it surely’s much less about Philly’s setting struggling than in regards to the different guys’ displaying out.
1. San Diego Padres
Venue | Opened | Capability | 2024 Att. | 2024 W/L |
---|---|---|---|---|
Petco Park |
2004 |
42,000 |
41,118 |
45-36 |
Memorable postseason second: Petco Park opened in 2004, but it surely didn’t host a successful playoff recreation till Oct. 1, 2020 — when there have been no followers allowed within the ballpark. The sport itself was epic, that includes a season-saving comeback that noticed each Tatis (21 on the time) and Wil Myers homer twice. “I really feel like we’re again to ‘Slam Diego,’” Tatis mentioned afterward. The Padres went on to win the collection the following night time. It was a tremendous second that didn’t shine fairly as brightly with out the total home-field expertise.
Our take: Go away it to Tatis to supply a glimpse of what a full Petco Park can do. In Sport 1 of the Wild Card Sequence, the still-just-25-year-old homered on the primary pitch he noticed to present the Padres a 2-0 lead earlier than they’d even made an out. The ballpark went nuts, prefer it had been ready a number of years to have a good time a house run like that.
FERNANDO TATIS JR. HITS THE FIRST HOME RUN OF THE 2024 #POSTSEASON 🚀 pic.twitter.com/XFqQ06zWTT
— MLB (@MLB) October 2, 2024
So, we have now a brand new No. 1, simply in time for the fiery Dodgers-Padres collection to move to San Diego. Are we being prisoners of the second? Maybe.
However San Diego is having one heck of a second.
Padres overcame a 5-0 deficit in entrance of 47,559 followers, the most important crowd in Petco Park historical past pic.twitter.com/hPmyZvPf9S
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) July 31, 2024
The Padres had been the one dwelling staff to win within the Wild Card Sequence. They swept the Atlanta Braves, and Padres followers left little doubt that they imagine this roster — which the group has been constructing for years — has the products to make a deep run. Petco Park was even popping for an away recreation, as hundreds of followers confirmed up Sunday to observe on the large display screen because the Padres tied the NLDS in Los Angeles.
The Padres haven’t been to the World Sequence since 1998, they usually’ve by no means gained a championship. The followers cramming Petco Park are primed to do their half to carry dwelling a hoop. And that title chase hits a excessive level in Sport 3 on Tuesday. “I can’t wait,” Profar mentioned on MLB Community, then couldn’t resist trolling the Dodgers another time. “However we don’t throw any stuff on the sector. San Diego followers, we don’t try this. We simply cheer.”
(Prime photograph: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Photographs)