Memorial Stadium comes in low on MWL ballpark’s list

CEDAR RAPIDS - Baseball America Magazine revealed its list of top ballparks in the minor leagues last week, with BB&T Ballpark in Charlotte, N.C. at the top. The Charlotte Knights are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.

BA surveyed 'more than 100 minor-league general managers, radio announcers, league observers and others involved in the game” to compile its list. Number five overall, and number one in the Midwest League, is Fort Wayne's Parkview Field.

The stadium is in downtown Fort Wayne and cost $31 million to construct in 2009. By contrast, Veterans Memorial Stadium was built in 2002 for $16.9 million.

'A variety of seating options sets Parkview Field apart. Fans can pick from the 'Treetops Rooftop Party Area” on top of the convention center in right field, a tiered picnic area in right field, the home run porch atop the left-field wall and the '410 Club” built in the batter's eye beyond center field,” Baseball America wrote. 'The menu is almost as diverse, with in-house concession offerings ranging from the outrageous (including a variety of apple-themed desserts) to the practical (gluten-free options are available).”

'It feels major league,” a Midwest League observer told BA. 'The field is the best in the Midwest League, the setting is glorious in downtown Fort Wayne, and the entire facility just sparkles. They do a terrific job, from clubhouse to stands to press box.”

Veterans Memorial Stadium was ranked 14th out of 16 ballparks in the Midwest League. The only stadiums ranked lower were Clinton's Ashford University Field and Beloit's Pohlman Field.

Third-year Cedar Rapids Kernels Manager Jake Mauer was incredulous when informed that.

'You're kidding?” he said. 'That's a joke. I think this is the best (stadium) in our division. They do a nice job at Wisconsin, and they do a nice job at Quad Cities. But from the (playing) surface to the facilities, there isn't anything better than what we've got here. No doubt.”

Mauer was asked about some of the league's ballparks.

'Fort Wayne is nice, Dayton is nice,” he said. 'Fort Wayne has a nice playing surface, too. Dayton's surface is just average, I'd say. I'd call BS on that one, too. All the tickets are sold, but that's not butts in the seats.”

Here is the entire Midwest League list:

1. Parkview Field (Fort Wayne)

2. Fifth Third Field (Dayton)

3. Dow Diamond (Great Lakes)

4. Fifth Third Ballpark (West Michigan)

5. Four Winds Field (South Bend)

6. Fox Cities Stadium (Wisconsin)

7. Cooley Law School Stadium (Lansing)

8. Dozer Park (Peoria)

9. Classic Park (Lake County)

10. Community Field (Burlington)

11. Modern Woodmen Park (Quad Cities)

12. Fifth Third Bank Ballpark (Kane County)

13. Bowling Green Ballpark (Bowling Green)

14. Veterans Memorial Stadium (Cedar Rapids)

15. Ashford University Field (Clinton)

16. Pohlman Field (Beloit)

Local/Area Players In Professional Baseball

- Chad Christensen (C.R. Washington H.S.): Outfielder has played in 28 games for high-Class A Fort Myers (Twins) and is hitting .259 with a home run, nine RBIs and four stolen bases.

- Jon Keller (C.R. Xavier H.S.): Threw 2 1/3 hitless innings in his last outing for high-A Frederick (Orioles).. Is 1-3 with a save and 4.63 earned run average in 10 appearances.

- Derrick Loveless (Solon H.S.): Outfielder hitting .238 in 30 games for high-A Dunedin (Blue Jays). Has two homers and 10 RBIs in 101 at-bats.

- Colin Rea (Cascade H.S.): Continues great start to season for Double-A San Antonio (Padres). Is 1-1 in seven starts with 1.13 ERA. Has allowed just 32 hits in 47 2/3 innings and has struck out 43.

- Scott Schebler (C.R. Prairie H.S.): Outfielder has played in 32 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City (Dodgers), and is hitting .219 with six homers and 13 RBIs.

- Justin Toole (University of Iowa):Infielder hitting .250 in 23 games for Double-A Akron (Indians), with 13 RBIs in 72 at-bats.

- Jake Yacinich (University of Iowa): Shortstop is on the disabled list with a shoulder injury for low-A Burlington (Angels). Hitting .295 in 21 games with eight RBIs.

l Comments: (319) 398-8259; jeff.johnson@thegazette.com