Imagine a towering fly ball soaring through the air, seemingly destined to clear the fence for a game-winning home run. But instead of landing in the bleachers, it dies just short, caught easily by the outfielder. This scenario, while common in baseball, can be dramatically influenced by one often-overlooked factor: elevation. Major League Baseball stadiums aren’t all created equal, especially when considering their height above sea level. We’re not just talking about a few feet; the difference in elevation between the highest and lowest stadiums can have a significant impact on how the game is played.
In this context, “elevation” simply refers to a stadium’s height above sea level. It’s a subtle but crucial aspect of the baseball landscape, influencing everything from the flight of the ball to the stamina of the players. The air is thinner at higher altitudes, reducing air resistance and allowing batted balls to travel farther. It also affects the way pitchers’ curveballs break and the overall conditioning of the athletes. This article aims to explore the fascinating world of MLB stadiums by elevation, providing a ranking and delving into the implications of these altitude differences on the game we love.
Ballparks Ranked by Height Above Sea Level
Before we get started I want to explain how we’ve built the data. The elevation information used in this article has been compiled from official stadium records, reputable online databases dedicated to MLB information, and cross-referenced with geographical data sources. While the exact measurement point within each stadium might vary slightly (field level versus concourse), the data provides a consistent and reliable comparison across all parks.
Let’s begin the countdown. We will start at the very top, then work our way down to sea level!
Coors Field
First on our list is Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. Located in the “Mile High City” of Denver, its base sits approximately five thousand two hundred eighty feet above sea level. This stadium is known for its hitter-friendly environment, and its beautiful mountain backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Chase Field
Next is Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix. This state-of-the-art stadium rises about one thousand eighty feet above sea level. Chase Field provides a unique baseball experience, particularly with its retractable roof, making it great from the brutal Arizona sun.
Truist Park
Moving onward, we find Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. Situated in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, it rests around one thousand feet above sea level. This ballpark, opened in two thousand seventeen, is celebrated for its fan-friendly amenities and classic design elements.
Globe Life Field
Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas is next, holding the home of the Texas Rangers. Reaching just over five hundred twenty-five feet above sea level, this venue is well known for a mix of contemporary amenities and traditional baseball experiences.
Busch Stadium
Then, we arrive at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, residing near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. It holds a modest four hundred fifty-five feet above sea level. Busch Stadium offers an immersive experience for fans, capturing the essence of St. Louis’s rich baseball tradition.
Great American Ball Park
Great American Ball Park, home to the Cincinnati Reds, measures about four hundred ninety feet above sea level. Great American Ball Park provides a setting where baseball’s legacy meets modern-day excitement. This park is nestled along the banks of the Ohio River.
Progressive Field
Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians, stands about seven hundred and ten feet above sea level. It offers unique skyline views that create an urban charm.
Kauffman Stadium
Next is Kauffman Stadium, where the Kansas City Royals play. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, it is at just over seven hundred fifty feet above sea level, and is celebrated for its water spectaculars and beautiful outfield.
Target Field
Our next stadium is Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins. Target Field sits about eight hundred and fifteen feet above sea level, and is located in Minneapolis, offering scenic city views that enhance the baseball experience.
Oracle Park
Another team to note is Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. Oracle Park resides at just over twenty-four feet above sea level and is celebrated for its scenic views of the San Francisco Bay. Its location makes it easily one of the most iconic baseball locations in the United States.
Dodger Stadium
The next stadium on our list is Dodger Stadium, the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Situated in the heart of Los Angeles, California, it sits at around four hundred feet above sea level. It offers fans stunning views of downtown LA and the surrounding hills.
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium in New York is a classic. It measures at around twenty-six feet above sea level, offering an immersive experience for fans as they soak in the atmosphere of the Big Apple.
Fenway Park
Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, is near sea level. It has a rich history and unique charm, and also stands at approximately fifteen feet above sea level. The stadium offers a quintessential baseball experience with its iconic Green Monster.
Citi Field
Citi Field, also in New York, is home to the New York Mets. This stadium has just over twenty feet above sea level. Citi Field offers modern amenities and a design that pays homage to the history of New York baseball.
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs, is near sea level as well. It is about six hundred feet above sea level and is known for its ivy-covered outfield walls. Wrigley Field provides a nostalgic setting for baseball fans.
Rogers Centre
Rogers Centre, home to the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto, Canada, is at about two hundred fifty feet above sea level. The stadium offers fans modern comforts, and the opportunity to watch baseball north of the border.
Nationals Park
Nationals Park, where the Washington Nationals play, is located in Washington, D.C. It’s about seventy feet above sea level, offering fans scenic waterfront views.
Citizens Bank Park
Our next stadium is Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. This park is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and sits at over one hundred twenty feet above sea level. It combines modern amenities with tributes to the city’s baseball history.
PNC Park
PNC Park, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offers beautiful views of the city skyline and the Allegheny River. Home to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the stadium is around seven hundred twenty feet above sea level.
T-Mobile Park
T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners, is near sea level as well. The stadium is about forty feet above sea level and it offers fans beautiful views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound.
American Family Field
Next is American Family Field, home to the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The park sits at roughly six hundred and seventy feet above sea level, offering fans a great baseball atmosphere.
Marlins Park
Marlins Park, home to the Miami Marlins, is near sea level. The park offers a unique baseball experience with its modern design.
Comerica Park
Comerica Park, located in Detroit, Michigan, is home to the Detroit Tigers. It is about six hundred and thirty feet above sea level and is known for its Ferris wheel. Comerica Park gives a fun ballpark atmosphere for fans.
Minute Maid Park
Minute Maid Park, where the Houston Astros play, is about forty feet above sea level. Minute Maid Park gives fans a comfortable experience.
Angel Stadium
Angel Stadium, home to the Los Angeles Angels, is near sea level as well. The stadium provides a classic baseball experience with beautiful California sunshine.
The chart above illustrates the range of elevations across Major League Baseball stadiums. It is important to note the impact the elevation has on the game itself.
Elevation’s Sway on the Action
The primary effect of elevation on baseball is due to the thinner air at higher altitudes. Air resistance is reduced, which means batted balls encounter less drag and can travel significantly farther. This is why Coors Field, with its high elevation, is notorious for being a “hitter’s park,” where home runs fly out at an alarming rate. Studies have consistently shown that balls hit at Coors Field travel farther and have a higher likelihood of becoming home runs compared to balls hit with the same exit velocity and launch angle at sea-level stadiums.
This difference isn’t just anecdotal; it’s backed by science. A baseball experiences drag as it moves through the air, slowing its velocity and shortening its distance. At higher elevations, the thinner air reduces this drag, allowing the ball to maintain more of its speed and fly farther.
Pitching’s Plight in the Sky
While hitters generally rejoice at the prospect of playing in high-elevation stadiums, pitchers often dread it. The thinner air not only affects batted balls but also impacts the movement of pitches, particularly breaking balls like curveballs and sliders. These pitches rely on air resistance to create their spin-induced movement. At higher elevations, the reduced air resistance diminishes the break on these pitches, making them less effective.
Pitchers playing in high-elevation stadiums often find it more difficult to control their pitches, as the lack of air resistance makes it harder to grip the ball and impart the desired spin. Many pitchers adapt by throwing more fastballs, which are less affected by air resistance, but this can make them more predictable and vulnerable to hitters.
Hitting High: An Advantage in Altitude
The offensive advantages in high-elevation stadiums are undeniable. Hitters often see an increase in their batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage when playing in these environments. Not only do batted balls travel farther, but the reduced break on pitches can also make it easier for hitters to make contact.
While some might argue that high-elevation stadiums create an unfair advantage for hitters, it’s essential to remember that hitting a baseball is one of the most difficult things to do in sports, regardless of the environment. Furthermore, teams playing in high-elevation stadiums often face the challenge of adjusting to different playing conditions when they travel to sea-level parks.
Fairness, Balance and Strategy in the Sky
The question of whether high-elevation stadiums provide an unfair competitive advantage is a long-standing debate in baseball. Some argue that the increased offensive output in these stadiums distorts statistics and makes it difficult to compare players across different eras and environments. Others argue that it’s simply part of the game and that teams must adapt to the unique conditions of their home ballpark.
Teams playing in high-elevation stadiums often adopt specific strategies to maximize their chances of success. They may prioritize power hitters in their lineup, knowing that home runs are more likely to occur. They may also focus on acquiring pitchers who throw hard and rely less on breaking balls. Additionally, they may emphasize conditioning and training techniques to help their players cope with the effects of altitude.
Conclusion: Elevation’s Everlasting Effect
The range of elevations across Major League Baseball stadiums is a testament to the diverse geographical landscape of North America. From the mile-high altitude of Coors Field to the sea-level parks along the coasts, each stadium presents unique challenges and opportunities for players and teams.
The impact of elevation on the game is undeniable, influencing everything from ball flight and pitching effectiveness to player stamina and team strategy. While the debate over fairness and competitive balance may continue, one thing is certain: elevation is a significant factor in shaping the MLB experience. Elevation is but one piece of a larger puzzle, contributing to the unique character and appeal of each stadium and to the broader story of Major League Baseball. It’s a game of inches, and sometimes, a game of altitudes.
