Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Noah. Noah Wonders, “How do the builders build a baseball stadium?” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Noah!

Do you know what happens when October rolls around? Of course, there are pumpkins everywhere, a chill in the air, and costumes on the shelves. Major League Baseball playoffs are also in full swing — pun totally intended! Let’s head out to the old ballpark to learn about… ballparks!

Many people make early memories at ballparks. Kids often make their first friendships with neighborhood pals at a sandlot. There’s nothing like playing catch with friends at the ball diamond on a summer day!

Many small towns around the United States also have minor league ballparks. They host teams full of minor league players. Most of these players hope to one day play in the big leagues. These ballparks hold a special place in their communities. Folks get to spend time together and cheer for the local team.

Of course, there’s nothing quite like watching a Major League Baseball game at a big league ballpark. Between the crowds, food, and excitement of the game, there’s something magical about a day at the ballpark.

Do you know what happens when the seventh inning rolls around? You’ll hear the opening notes of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” and jump to your feet. It’s time to sing along to the lyrics of its chorus:

Take me out to the ball game, Take me out with the crowd; Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack, I don’t care if I never get back. Let me root, root, root for the home team, If they don’t win, it’s a shame. For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out, At the old ball game.

Today’s big league ballparks offer much more than just peanuts and Cracker Jack. In addition to hot dogs, popcorn and sodas, many modern ballparks offer all sorts of food. There might be pizza, nachos, sandwiches, and even gourmet meals at enclosed restaurants.

Big league ballparks have grown larger over the years. But fans who sit farther away can still catch all the action! Big screen televisions show the game all around the ballpark. These televisions also show instant replays and statistics during the game.

Ballparks have changed over the years. Still, many people treasure their memories of the old-time ballparks. Designers of modern ballparks try to make new stadiums look and feel like ballparks from the old days. They also still have all the modern conveniences people enjoy today.

If you get the chance to attend a Major League Baseball game, do it! Here are a few unique ballparks with features you might want to check out:

  • Boston’s Fenway Park (home of the Boston Red Sox) is home of the 37-foot-tall “Green Monster.”

  • It’s a huge wall in left field.

  • Kauffman Stadium (home of the Kansas City Royals) has a 322-foot fountain and waterfall. It’s called the Water Spectacular. It also holds the largest video board of any big league ballpark.

  • Chase Field (home of the Arizona Diamondbacks) has air conditioning and a pool in the outfield! Fans can rent these spaces to watch the game!

Will you be singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” soon? Would you rather visit a big league park or your local ball diamond? Wherever you go, you’ll surely enjoy America’s favorite pastime with friends and family!

Standards: CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.W.3, CCRA.W.4, CCRA.L.1, CCRA.L.2, CCRA.SL.1

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