I am wholly uninterested in attaching letter or numerical grades to each ballpark I visit. The hierarchy in The List is more interesting to me, because that can easily adapt as I visit more ballparks.

The types of things I take into consideration in forming an opinion are as follows. As always, this is highly subjective and likely to change and evolve:

• Physical plant: forget the inspiring view or gritty downtown setting, what’s it like to actually watch a game in the place?
• Ticket pricing & availability: Do you have to commit six months in advance and cash in stock options (Fenway) or can you walk up and buy seats behind the dugout day of game (Kansas City)?
• Food: Edibility, local flavor, pricing, quality, accessibility
• Fans: Will the guy or gal next to you be able to tell you when their star right fielder will be coming off the DL, or will your question be met with glassy eyes (or even worse, annoyance that you’ve interrupted their beer drinking)?
• Ballpark Tour: Knowledge of guides and reach throughout ballpark.
• Welcoming: Do you feel like a valued guest?
• Mascot: This is totally subjective. I love an active mascot like the Mariner Moose, but still adore Mr. Met.
• Getting there: Driving or public transportation, how hard is it and how much will you pay to do it?
• Originality/Traditions: What’s at this place that you can’t find anywhere else?
• Setting: Downtown or in the middle of a suburban parking lot, they all have their pros and cons.
• Overall atmosphere: What does it feel like to watch a game there?