Being a huge baseball fan I have trekked across the country trying to get to as many ballparks as possible. For me, one of the attractions of baseball, aside for the game itself, are the epic cathedrals in which these teams play. There is something magical about walking through the turnstile(s), making your way up the ramp or stairs, and seeing the inside of the park for the first time. Taking in the colors, sounds, ambiance, and architecture, creates an almost euphoric adrenaline for fans, and feelings that are difficult to replicate.

Although it may not be the same thing as experiencing these stadiums in real life, MLB ‘14: The Show developers do a very good job of recreating each of these impressive structures, including some of the finest details that is associated with each park. Of course everyone has their own set of favorite baseball locales, but these five stadiums happen to be my favorite to play at in MLB ‘14:The Show.

PNC Park - Pittsburgh Pirates (NL)

Opening in 2001, this ballpark became an instant classic, and a favorite among fans and players alike. With unique dimensions, a beautiful skyline backdrop, and a warm inviting feel to it, PNC is one of my favorite ballparks to play in MLB ’14. The park includes a short porch in right field, a deep alley in left-center, and a nice centerfield batters eye to help pick up the ball rather easily while at the plate. PNC Park is a fixture on almost everyone’s list of favorite parks, and it is no different for me. That is why it is one of my top five stadiums to play at in the game.

Wrigley Field – Chicago Cubs (NL)

The second oldest ballpark in the Majors, Wrigley is celebrating its 100th Birthday this year, and in many ways still looks and feels like it did decades ago. From the hand-operated scoreboard, the ivy on the outfield walls, to fans sitting on wooden bleachers in the outfield, Wrigley has a very distinct, old-fashion feel to it. However, it does lack modern amenities and can be very difficult to hit the ball once the afternoon shadows start creeping in from the 3rd base side. Even with that said, there are very few stadiums that are purely saturated with the history of the game quite like the one that sits on the corner of Clark and Addison – and that is why we consider it one of my favorites in MLB ‘14:The Show.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards – Baltimore Orioles (AL)

Many attribute the boom of the retro-style ballpark construction to the Orioles, and they would be correct. Camden Yards opened in 1992, and much like the Pirates PNC Park, Camden became an instant classic, and still is to this day. There is something about seeing the warehouse loom over the right field backdrop, and the overall stadium architecture blends in perfectly with the Inner Harbor neighborhood. We also feel the need to mention beautiful center field view, that is shadowed by the Baltimore Skyline. Whether playing in the stadium during the day, or at night, it is always a treat to play in Oriole Park at Camden Yards in MLB ‘14:The Show.

Kauffman Stadium – Kansas City Royals (AL)

The Royals have occupied Kauffman Stadium now for 42 years, and while there have been many changes over that time, it still remains one of the most picturesque parks in the Majors. The ballpark includes many unique features such as the 104 foot crown topped HD scoreboard in center field, and the cascading waterfalls in the outfield. Kauffman Stadium is truly one of the few parks in MLB ‘14 that will have you losing focus at the plate, while you take in all the park has to offer. The fans are right on top of you in the outfield, and the walls are just short enough to make for some interesting opportunities in regards to robbing home-runs. All of these things combined is why Kauffman is one of my favorite stadiums in the game.

AT&T Park – San Francisco Giants (NL)

After moving from the wind tunnel known as Candlestick Park in 2000, the Giants have enjoyed playing in one of the best ballparks in the Majors. From the Coke bottle and glove the hovers over the left field bleachers, the enormous video screen in center, or the most prominent feature the park has, its 24-foot wall in right field. The wall’s height was built specifically that high to honor former Giants star Willie Mays, who, you guessed it, wore the number 24. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention McCovey Cove beyond the right field wall. The section of San Francisco Bay that was named so for former Giants star Willie McCovey, and is famous for its “splash hits.” All of this combined is what makes AT&T Park one of the best in the game to play.

SCEA SD does a great job recreating almost all of the stadiums in their MLB series, and I am sure that others will have their own set of five favorite ballparks to play at, but for us, these are the five that we look forward to playing at the most.

What are you favorite ballparks to play in?