Do you consider yourself a diehard baseball fan? Are you the kind of fan that doesn’t just follow the stats and scores for today’s games, but has a real appreciation for the history of baseball and all its great players through the years?
If so, then there’s no doubt you probably enjoy taking your passion to the next level. Maybe you have a room decked out in baseball memorabilia in your home, perhaps you have a collection of baseball jerseys, and maybe you just make it your business to learn all to know about the sport and its history.
Then again, perhaps you are involved in the sport yourself in a coaching capacity. Coaches are there not just to teach kids about the game itself and the rules, but to also give them motivation and inspiration, all of which can be achieved through these helpful tips. As a coach, you are truly able to take your love of the game to the next level.
So, what if you’ve checked off all the above and yet you still want to take that hobby and passion and push it a little further? If this sounds like you, then it may be time to create a bucket list of destinations that are absolute must-sees for diehard baseball fans such as yourself. Here’s a look at eight destinations that should be on your list.
Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, N.Y.
Any diehard fan of the sport is probably well aware of where the Baseball Hall of Fame is located, and its importance. The hall has been designed to pay homage to all the baseball greats and legends over the years. It’s here where you’ll find the earliest baseball jersey, Cy Young’s ball from his 500th win, Babe Ruth’s famed bat from his 60th home run, and so much more. Each year there is an induction ceremony where new legends are added to the hall.
Field of Dreams, Dyersville, Iowa
Pretty much every baseball fan out there has seen the movie Field of Dreams, and more than likely owns their own copy of the film. The famous “If you build it, he will come” line is something that all fans understand the meaning of. So why not head to the actual Field of Dreams in Dyersville where the movie filmed. Everything looks just as it did in the movie, right down to the corn in the field and the traditional farmhouse overlooking the field.
Bobblehead Museum, Miami, Florida
If the typical museum isn’t really your speed, or you’ve already visited them all, then you may want to add the Bobblehead Museum in Miami to your bucket list. This fun little museum is home to more than 7,000 collectibles, all bobbleheads, of course. You’ll find that players, broadcasters, and mascots are represented in the collection, and new figures are being added all the time.
Monument Park, Bronx, N.Y.
When it comes to the true baseball legends, many of them have played for the New York Yankees. Players such as Yogi Berra and Babe Ruth have helped to make the game what it is today. With that in mind, a trip to Monument Park in the Bronx should be high on anyone’s bucket list. It’s here you’ll find their numbers and plaques, along with information on the players. They are located just past the center field fences.
Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, Louisville, Kentucky
Have you ever wondered what a bat-making facility must be like? No need to wonder as you can head to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and see for yourself. You’ll be able to see just how bats are made as you tour the factory, and you can check out used bats from some of the greats like Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio. As an added “cool factor”, the front entrance is home to the largest bat in the entire world, which is, in fact, leaning against the building.
Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
There are tons of baseball parks throughout the United States that are well-known and have a lively history, but few can compare to that of Fenway Park in Boston. Originally opened back in 1912, this is the oldest park in the entire league. That stat alone is reason enough to visit. It is, in fact, a piece of living history, still creating great moments to this day. Thanks to its age, it features all kinds of details and features that the big modern parks just don’t have, such as the legendary “Big Green Monster”, which can be found out in the left field.
Babe Ruth’s Gravesite, Hawthorne, N.Y.
New York is home to all kinds of must-see destinations for baseball fans, so while in the state why not make a trip to Babe Ruth’s gravesite, where he was buried in 1948, and show your respects to the player that is deemed “the greatest ever”. During his career, he hit an incredible 714 home runs, which is why he was one of the first players to ever be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Japan
While all of these bucket list destinations can be found here in the United States, we thought it would be cool to throw in one international destination, if you’re looking to go all out. Japan is well-known for its passion and love of all things baseball, in fact, some say the fans may even be more engaged than those here in the United States. Not only that but Japan’s national team is well-skilled and has consistently beat the United States in international games.
If you’re lucky enough to take in a game while in Japan, you’ll get to experience the energy and excitement first-hand.
Destinations that Pay Homage to Your Passion of Baseball
Each of these bucket list destinations will help you pay homage to your love and appreciation of “America’s past-time”. Baseball is a really special sport with a rich and interesting history that you’ll be able to learn more about as you travel to all these destinations.