It’s hard to believe that an old stadium like the Polo Grounds or Exposition Park only had a maximum capacity of 16,000. Most ballparks now hold at least 40,000, with the legendary Wrigley Field and Fenway Park currently on the list of the few major league baseball parks under that capacity. Fenway Park has been around since 1912 and is known for the left field wall dubbed as “The Green Monster” as well as the unique dimensions of the rest of the ball park. Wrigley Field is the second oldest field in baseball and is known for it’s green ivy which is part of the outfield wall.

As the turn of the century began baseball had become more popular, and with that the need for bigger stadiums with more amenities. Before 1950 there were approximately 25 new baseball stadiums that were built, all now seating over 20,000 people and having different dimensions. A couple of the most famous of these historic ballparks was Ebbets Field built in 1913 for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Connie Mack Stadium, built for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1938.

Ebbets Field was partly known for it’s hanging chandelier of twelve baseball bat arms holding twelve baseball lamps as well as it’s marble pavilion, and was the first field Jackie Robinson ever stepped onto. Connie Mack Stadium was known as Shibe Park and was renamed Connie Mack Stadium in 1953. Originally home to the A’s in 1908, this old stadium was originally the first “fireproof” stadium, being made of steel and concrete.

There have been many other innovations in these stadiums since the first fireproof stadium, including the first indoor stadium in 1965. The Houston Astrodome was the first of it’s kind, and thus received the nickname of “the eighth wonder of the world”. The scoreboard was a four story monster called the “Astrolite”, but unfortunately due to seating expansion the scoreboard was replaced by a smaller one in 1988. In 2000 the Astrodome was no longer home to the Astros either, as they now have moved to the newly built Minute Maid Park which was opened in 2000.

The newest of these ballparks of baseball are the two New York parks, the Mets Citi Field and the new Yankee Stadium, both opening in 2009. Citifield features a mini wiffleball field in it’s family entertainment area as well as many dining choices among other amenities. Yankee Stadium is full of tributes to the Yankee teams of old, and in keeping with the new stadium luxuries that now exist, have over 56 luxury suites available for people to watch the game from.

The changes of stadiums since the beginning of baseball have been amazing, but keep in mind that’s why ticket prices aren’t as low as they used to be either.

1945 Peter Hoffman looking at tickets Ticket Manager Polo Grounds Press Photo US $13.88 End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 10:24:14 PDT Add to watch list

05 Throwback Threads Polo Grounds Jim Thome Strike 3/65 US $3.50 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 10:25:11 PDT Add to watch list

Polo Grounds Stadium 11x14 Framed Photo w Postage Stamp US $24.99 End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 10:42:11 PDT Add to watch list

Polo Grounds 1951 1954 1957 Pre-1950s NY New York Giants Baseball 850 Photo/CD US $5.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 11:36:37 PDT Add to watch list

"POLO GROUNDS NOCTURNE" NEW YORK US $29.95 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 11:53:15 PDT Add to watch list

Al Jackson signed 8x10 photo 1962 Polo Grounds action US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 13:03:13 PDT Add to watch list

05 Donruss Polo Grounds 12 Card lot w error Albert Pujols Curt shilling serial # US $51.95 End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 14:06:43 PDT Add to watch list

9/8/1957 Brooklyn Dodgers New York Giants Polo Grounds US $19.99 End Date: Sunday May-20-2012 14:32:41 PDT Add to watch list

Once upon a time, vintage stadium seats were thought of as disposable.  Durable, yes.  But nothing more than a place to plant your bottom as you watched baseball.

Now, they’re considered high end collectibles.

Baseball memorabilia has gained mainstream respect and collecting ballpark seats is among the hottest forms of collecting as well as one of the more practical ways to decorate a rec room, ‘man cave’ or office.

Some don’t necessarily “collect” them.  Fans who just wanted a piece of Yankee Stadium memorabilia to call their own before the wrecking ball arrived gravitated toward the seats where they watched so many great players.  They bought pairs of seats for anywhere from $1200 to $1600 just to preserve their memories of the old ballpark.  It was a far cry from the last time the Yankees offered them up.  That was in 1973 when the team got ready to renovate the House That Ruth Built and fans were carrying them out after the season’s last game or acquiring them for empty Marlboro cigarette packs.

Not all vintage stadium seats that you’ll find for sale are that expensive.  Busch Stadium in St. Louis and Tiger Stadium in Detroit offered them to fans at lower prices.  Minor league stadiums who sell their old seats get far less.

They’re not the most comfortable, of course.  But there’s something about being able to sit in the same place so many fans once did that’s kind of cool.  They don’t really take up much space compared to other pieces of furniture and if they’re properly renovated, they’re very colorful.

Some collectors prefer their seats to be completely original, however.  Same old, chipped paint, original wood.  It lends an air of authenticity, of course, but you’ll want to make sure all of the bolts are still tight!  Unrestored seats from historic ballparks will command a heavy premium on the open market, especially if few have been preserved.  Seats from parks like Ebbets Field and the Polo Grounds are especially sought after and quite rare.  A pair of Fenway Park seats from the original construction in 1912 recently sold for over $5,000.  Pairs of seats will typically bring more than an individual seat.

Many collectors love the seats from the first half of the century that have the ‘figural’ design in the wrought iron below the armrest.  Many old ballpark seats had the team logo or other identifying mark as part of their design.  The New York Giants’ famous “NY” was part of the original Polo Grounds seat design.  Very old Crosley Field seats carried a “C” in the wrought iron.  These seats will sell for much more than later seats without such a design since very few have survived the decades and the demand among collectors and fans is so great.

The type of ballpark seats you like is really personal preference.  The good news is that most post-War type chairs will cost in the hundreds of dollars, not thousands.   Be prepared to pay a significant amount for shipping unless you live close enough to pick them up, but also be prepared to fall in love with baseball all over again once they arrive.

To see vintage stadium seats for sale on eBay, click here.

While some people do it for the opportunity to profit from the items, many more do it for the nostalgia and memories of sporting events that have played such a huge part of history. After all, the base that was used in an actual game at Yankee Stadium becomes more than a mere item – it becomes a part of the history of the stadium itself. The owner of that piece of ballpark memorabilia becomes connected to its history in a tangible way.  Here are some of the more popular ballpark memorabilia that collectors can choose from if building a collection or furnishing a sports or rec room.

One item is a stadium seat.  When old stadiums are refurbished or destroyed, many collectors will purchase the actual seats when they’re salvages. It’s become a popular moneymaker for the teams or stadiums and a hit with fans who love to continue their physical connection to the stadium and its memories by putting it on display in a sports memorabilia room. Having an actual seat from the stadium is a great conversation piece and a very unique when you consider most collectibles are pictures and autographs. You can find links to old stadium seats here at VintageBallparks.com.  Expect to pay at least a couple hundred dollars, sometimes more. Also expect to get an extreme kick out of having one!

Along those lines, a recently popular trend is to get other parts of a baseball stadium when it is demolished. It could be as simple as a vile of dirt from the playing field (the Yankees have sold hundreds of these), a sign that hung inside the old stadium (popular and affordable) or a chair from the locker room. The best way to get these items is when the stadium is first demolished. A quick call to the team’s marketing department will let you know whether you can order an item to ensure it is held for you. If not, these items can be found through the usual collectible outlets like eBay. Those links are here too.

Another great stadium collectible is a special stadium photograph, usually a panoramic shot from days gone by. These photographs are easy to display and provide great ability to view the entire stadium or get a look at how it once looked. The way fans are dressed and their expressions offer a glimpse into the past. Some collectors like to pair these photographs with a die cast stadium replica for a special ballpark memorabilia display.

Another great item, but one that is not as easily found, is a lineup card that was actually used at the stadium. In many cases, these are held for sale by the teams or its charitable arm. Older lineup cards are hard to find, since few were saved. Seeing the players’ names and the details of the game, such as who pinch hit for the pitcher, bring the item to life and give a depth that true fans and collectors enjoy.

A search of eBay and your local collector shops can help you find unique pieces of ballpark memorabilia that are meaningful to you. With a little research, you can find great items that enhance your collection—or start one.

Historic ballparks have a special place in the hearts and minds of baseball fans. They remember going there as kids. Happy memories shared with parents, family and friends. They remember great games and great moments. The smell. The sights. The sounds. Making a list of which ballparks are the best of all-time is subjective, of course, based on your own memories. A Milwaukee baseball fan may put County Stadium on the list. Yankee fans are insulted to think anything else compares. Detroit fans wept when the club left Tiger Stadium. In fact, it took the city years to figure out what to do with it and not offend sensibilities. To a Cubs fan, Wrigley Field has them all beat.

Old stadiums from pro baseball are more personal than virtually any other sports arena. Football has a few long-time favorites, but overall, nothing evokes passion like an old historic ballpark. They’re so beloved, people make them the focus of art. Calendars are made with old photographs. Books are written about them.

There are some old ballparks that do stand above the rest, though. They’re the ones idolized in ‘man caves’ and rec rooms. The ones for which fans make special trips—just to see and experience them.

1. Yankee Stadium: The House That Ruth Built was a glamorous sight when it rose from the ground to house the great Yankee teams of the 1920s. It was a huge palace, fitting for a franchise that became baseball’s gold standard. From the Gehrig-Ruth era, on to DiMaggio, into the Mantle-Maris years and forward to the modern era of Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, the Stadium was center stage. It was a beautiful oasis in a forest of concrete; a place that let city kids know there was more to life than skyscrapers and that mere grass was beautiful when it was freshly cut, properly maintained and patrolled by Joe D. It was baseball’s own Broadway. Passionate fans, pinstripes and a wealth of history make Yankee Stadium the best of all-time. Memories are all that is left now.
2. Wrigley Field: One of the two oldest ballparks still in use, Wrigley Field’s charm extends in a number of directions. There’s the ivy-covered outfield wall, of course, planted by Bill Veeck decades ago. It’s the only place where a ball can truly get lost in foliage while in play. There are the bleachers themselves, where fans park themselves to soak up sunshine and suds. Waveland Avenue running just behind the left field wall, where ballhawks chase home run balls. The rooftop seats across the street. Harry Caray’s connection with fans. The wind blowing out. There is nothing sterile about Wrigley Field. Where else would fans put up with 100+ years without a World Series title?
3. Fenway Park: The other old lady still in use, Fenway Park has been home to Babe Ruth and Manny Ramirez. Carl Yastrzemski. Carlton Fisk’s 1975 World Series homer. Bucky Dent’s 1978 playoff homer that still hurts. Fenway’s left field wall, the fabulous Green Monster is among the most unique features of any ballpark in history. The place is intimate, built for a time when 30,000 fans was a big crowd. Fenway still looks much the same as it did decades ago and so do the Red Sox uniforms, intertwined images through so many summers in New England. Cubs fans have Wrigley. Red Sox fans have Fenway Park.
4. Ebbets Field: It wasn’t a great ballpark, really. It doesn’t exist anymore because Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley couldn’t figure out a way to turn it into a big money maker. Still, Ebbets Field is thought of as the Lambeau Field of baseball. A little park hosting the little team that could. The 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers finally beat the mighty cross-town rival Yankees and won the World Series. It was a neighborhood stadium, where fans were literally neighbors with many of the players. Anyone who grew up in Brooklyn during the 1950s—or any baseball fan who has studied the era—can’t argue about the impact Ebbets Field had on baseball.
5. Tiger Stadium: Gritty. Tough. Dependable. Tiger Stadium reflected the qualities of its city. Detroit loved Tiger Stadium, but in the end it was too old. The history has made it difficult to tear down. Ty Cobb played there, for goodness sake. The right field upper deck overhang was an inviting target for hitters and made Tiger Stadium instantly recognizable to fans watching on TV. The Stadium changed names over the years, but it was Tiger Stadium at the end. Ernie Harwell’s silky voice was the music of summer in that part of the country and his loyal listeners were treated to decades of history at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull.

Product Features

• Online Memorabilia Superstore
• Over 32,000 items
• Authentic Signatures with Certificates of Authenticity
• www.HallOfFameMemorabilia.com

Product Description
The Highland Mint presents Major League Baseball Signature Ballparks featuring your favorite teams home Ballpark with the players facsimile signatures! Each signature Ballpark is featured in a 12″ x 20″ wood frame and each is individually numbered. Limited Edition of 2008 and Officially licensed by MLB and MLBPA.

Click Here To Buy This Product Now

Product Features

• Online Memorabilia Superstore
• Over 32,000 items
• Authentic Signatures with Certificates of Authenticity
• www.HallOfFameMemorabilia.com

Product Description
The Highland Mint presents Major League Baseball Signature Ballparks featuring your favorite teams home Ballpark with the players facsimile signatures! Each signature Ballpark is featured in a 12″ x 20″ wood frame and each is individually numbered. Limited Edition of 2008 and Officially licensed by MLB and MLBPA.

Click Here To Buy This Product Now

Product Features

• Online Memorabilia Superstore
• Over 32,000 items
• Authentic Signatures with Certificates of Authenticity
• www.HallOfFameMemorabilia.com

Product Description
The Highland Mint presents Major League Baseball Signature Ballparks featuring your favorite teams home Ballpark with the players facsimile signatures! Each signature Ballpark is featured in a 12″ x 20″ wood frame and each is individually numbered. Limited Edition of 2008 and Officially licensed by MLB and MLBPA.

Click Here To Buy This Product Now

• Online Memorabilia Superstore
• Over 32,000 items
• Authentic Signatures with Certificates of Authenticity
• www.HallOfFameMemorabilia.com

Product Description
The Highland Mint presents Major League Baseball Signature Ballparks featuring your favorite teams home Ballpark with the players facsimile signatures! Each signature Ballpark is featured in a 12″ x 20″ wood frame and each is individually numbered. Limited Edition of 2008 and Officially licensed by MLB and MLBPA.

Click Here To Buy This Product Now

Product Features

• Beautifully Matted and Framed Image and Coin(s)
• Numbered Certificate of Authenticity from Highland Mint
• Limited Edition
• 21″x13″x3
• Officially Licensed

Product Description
The Highland Mint presents Major League Baseball Signature Ballparks featuring your favorite teams home Ballpark with the players facsimile signatures! Each signature Ballpark is featured in a 12″” x 20″” wood frame and each is individually numbered. Limited Edition of 2008 and Officially licensed by MLB and MLBPA.

Click Here to Buy This Product Now