7 Superlative Minor League Ballparks

For millions of baseball-loving families, summer isn’t complete without catching a minor league ballgame. On the upswing for decades now, minor league ball promises more than the chance of seeing future MLB stars before they get called up to the "big show." Fans cite the laid-back atmosphere, affordable ticket prices, easier parking, and individual charms of the ballparks, no two built exactly alike. Here are seven standouts to visit this summer:

Best Comeback: MCU Park

Heading to the Big Apple this summer? This Coney Island ballpark known for its views of the beach boardwalk and famous Cyclone roller coaster sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Sandy, but it’s been superbly resurrected in time for baseball season. One feature that’s noticeably going, going, gone for the Single-A affiliate of the New York Mets is the all-natural grass field, which was replaced by cutting-edge FieldTurf designed for severe weather. Come for Sunday Funday, when kids are invited down to the field to run the bases.

Most Fun Food: Riverwalk Stadium

Built in a historic train station, this 7,000-seat Alabama ballpark hosts the Montgomery Biscuits, the Class AA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. The biscuit theme is milked to the hilt, with fans yelling “Hey, Butter, Butter!” at opposing batters and hot biscuits being shot from an air cannon into the stands. Hungry? The Chicken Biscuit with Alaga Syrup was once selected by the Travel Channel as a top pick among ballpark food around the country. There’ s a kids’ playground along the third-base line, but nothing can compete with watching the trains zoom by the outfield.

Worthiest of a Road Trip: Metro Bank Park

This gem in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, lies along the route between two blockbuster summer destinations—the Gettysburg battlefield, celebrating its 150th anniversary this summer, and Hershey, a town famous for chocolate and roller coasters. There’s something wonderful about waterfront ballparks, and this one—built on a lovely, 63-acre island in the Susquehanna River with a playground, volleyball courts, picnic areas, and jogging trails—is as pleasing as they come. You can even take a short riverboat cruise before cheering on the Harrisburg Senators, a Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals.

Most Loyal Fans: Fifth Third Field