The Top 10 MLB Stadiums Built Since 2000

Do you remember the first time that you ever went to a baseball game? When you walked into the stadium and saw that emerald green grass and the beautiful blue sky?

Was it at the old Yankee Stadium or Wrigley Field? Could it have been in Fenway Park or Crosby Field?

One thing is for sure: Baseball over the last 20 or so years has seen many beautiful stadiums, most of which take famous features from old stadiums and blend them into the team culture that is at the new stadium.

This slideshow will showcase some of the best fields made since 2000 and what makes them so special, or what problems (or people) have been the negatives about them.

10. AT&T Park, 2000: San Francisco Giants

Introduced in 2000 as the home of the San Francisco Giants, AT&T Park has been one of the nicest stadiums in this era. With the giant glove and Coke bottle in left field, and McCovey Cove in right, this is definitely a unique ballpark.

The only problems with it have been Barry Bonds—not the Giants' fault—and all of the name changes—Pac Bell Park, SBC Park, and now AT&T Park—but these are the only negatives to this stadium.

9. PETCO Park, 2004: San Diego Padres

With the Western Metal Supply Company building over the field in left field, and a beautiful view into San Diego in center field, PETCO Park is definitely another beautiful place to watch a ballgame.

However, because it doesn't really pop out like a lot of other ballparks during this generation—and how did a pet company buy the rights to this stadium? Anyone?—it is number nine on my list.

8. Miller Park, 2001: Milwaukee Brewers

Miller Park is an extremely unique stadium for the Milwaukee Brewers to play in, with the "fan"-shaped dome and Bernie Brewer's slide.

However, because of the sad accident that killed three workers during construction, which delayed the opening for a year, and since it didn't become the Ebbets Field lookalike that it was supposed to, Miller Park is just eighth on my list.

7. Minute Maid Park, 2000: Houston Astros

With the giant train in left field, the giant window that is behind it, the Crawford Boxes, Tal's Hill, the retractable roof, and the fact that this place used to be Union Train Station, Minute Maid Park is definitely a very special ballpark.

The only problems with it are Tal's Hill, which annoys many center fielders, but is still awesome, and the fact for its first two years, it was known as Enron Field during the company's downfall. Those are the reasons why it's number seven on this list.

6. New Yankee Stadium, 2009: New York Yankees

The brand new Yankee Stadium is the home of the New York Yankees; it cost $1.5 billion. It's an upgrade of the old Yankee Stadium, but it captures the charm of the old stadium.

The only problems with it are that it used New York tax dollars to make the stadium, it is replacing the legendary old Yankee Stadium, and it also is so huge that it makes some fans feel out of the game.

5. Comerica Park, 2000: Detroit Tigers

The home for the Detroit Tigers after they left Tiger Stadium in 1999, Comerica Park had been a wonderful new stadium for the Detroit Tigers. With its fountain in center field, the statues of famous Tigers beyond the bleachers in center field, and the giant tigers on top of the left field scoreboard, this is one great ballpark.

The only problems are that there are many problems that Detroit is dealing with, especially the auto industry, and the fact that downtown there could definitely get better, but this still is one great baseball park.

4. Citizens Bank Park, 2004: Philadelphia Phillies

The home of the Philadelphia Phillies after they moved out of the Vet in 2003, Citizens Bank Park is definitely another beautiful stadium made during this decade. With the brick background in center field and the giant Liberty Bell that rings in center field after a Phillies home run, there are some really nice features of this stadium.

The only problem is the "padding" problem in center field. Aaron Rowand broke his nose chasing and catching a fly ball. That is now fixed, and it looks like a great stadium for the Phillies.

3. Citi Field, 2009: New York Mets

The brand new home of the New York Mets, Citi Field is definitely a special ballpark. With the Jackie Robinson rotunda, the giant Pepsi sign in right field, and the fact that many people felt that the Mets NEEDED a new ballpark, Citi Field has been a success for the Mets.

The only problem is with the name, as Citi has had recent financial issues, and the name could be financed by our own tax dollars, but overall, it's one great ballpark.

2. PNC Park, 2001: Pittsburgh Pirates

The gorgeous new home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, PNC Park is definitely one of the best ballparks in baseball. The Roberto Clemente bridge visible going into downtown Pittsburgh, the great view of downtown Pittsburgh across the Allegheny River, and the fact that it's just incredible make this such a great ballpark.

The only problem is that many people have it as the the best ballpark in baseball and all of the empty seats—when the Pirates get better, they will be filled—which are the only reasons why it's not No. 1.

1. Busch Stadium, 2006: St. Louis Cardinals

The home of the Cardinals since 2006 in the baseball loving town of St. Louis, the Cardinals have a beautiful new ballpark in the new Busch Stadium. With the party seats and the beautiful view of the Gateway Arch and the rest of downtown St. Louis, this is the perfect stadium for the Cardinals, who also won a World Series in the year that it opened: 2006.

There is nothing wrong with the stadium, and the Cardinals and their fans truly have something to be proud of.