The Greatest Moment in All 30 MLB Stadiums' Histories

MLB stadiums host 81 games each summer and thousands of them in their lifetimes, yet each has a definitively greatest moment about which fans can always reminisce. From championships to milestones to non-baseball events, these are the incidents we associate with today's active facilities.

All of the following ended well for the home team, or at least pleased the crowd. Therefore, don't expect to find Bucky Dent's 1978 home run in the Yankees-Red Sox AL East playoff at Fenway Park or the San Francisco Giants clinching the 2012 World Series in Motown.

Nonetheless, there were plenty of candidates to choose from, 30 of which comprise the following slideshow.

Angel Stadium: Darin Erstad Settles Under Fly Ball to Finish 2002 World Series

Uncharacteristically, the highest-scoring Fall Classic of the 21st century ended in a contest where the Anaheim Angels and San Francisco Giants combined for only five runs.

The Halos have been at "The Big A" since 1966, though much of its fondest memories have come in recent seasons. Besides the ballpark, the other constant has been manager Mike Scioscia.

Honorable mention

Jered Weaver gets no-hitter (2012)

AT&T Park: Barry Bonds Launching No. 756 (2007)

There was no love for Barry Bonds outside the Bay Area, but through all his personal drama, the San Francisco Giants fans stayed faithful.

Asterisk or not, this blast made him Major League Baseball's all-time home run king. The ensuing scramble for the baseball was evidence of the moment's significance.

Honorable mention

Matt Cain becomes "Mr. Perfect"

Busch Stadium: St. Louis Cardinals Survive on David Freese's Long Ball (2011)

This version of Busch Stadium has only existed since 2006, in which time it has already been the site of two World Series clinchers.

But the fondest memories don't necessarily spawn from those games.

In 2011, David Freese took postseason production to a new level. He drove in five runs during the NLDS, nine more in the next round, and another four against the Texas Rangers prior to the above plate appearance.

Having spent much of his adolescents in Missouri, there could not have been anyone better suited to save the St. Louis Cardinals.

Camden Yards: Cal Ripken Jr. Officially Passes the Iron Horse (1995)

The future Hall of Famer became the first player in MLB history to play at least 2,131 consecutive regular-season games. The all-time record officially switched hands in the middle of the fifth inning.

The crowd at Camden Yards could've serenaded him with cheers all night if given the opportunity.

Chase Field: Luis Gonzalez's Blooper Puts Arizona Diamondbacks on Top (2001)

The Arizona Diamondbacks were obviously underdogs.

The nation was rallying behind the New York Yankees following the events of September 11. They had won the three previous championships and were on the brink of extending the streak. Nobody foils Mariano Rivera in the ninth inning...right?

Well on this night, Luis Gonzalez took advantage of the drawn-in infield.

Citi Field: Johan Santana Completes No-Hitter (2012)

More than 50 years after the team's inception, Johan Santana pitched the first no-hitter in New York Mets history.

We feared it wasn't going to happen. Carlos Beltran ripped a line drive in the sixth inning that was ruled foul despite evidence to the contrary. Then there was concern about Santana's pitch count and the fact that he had recently undergone shoulder surgery.

Amid a noncompetitive season and inconsistent campaign for him personally, the southpaw gave Citi Field an unforgettable performance.

Honorable mention

40th Anniversary of '69 Mets

Citizens Bank Park: Brad Lidge Finishes Perfect Season (2008)

Citizens Bank Park is always ready for historic events, as it consistently post some of Major League Baseball's highest attendance figures.

Everybody at this game was prepared to celebrate once Brad Lidge entered from the bullpen. He had not blown a single save opportunity during the 2008 regular season or playoffs.

Whiffing Eric Hinske gave the Philadelphia Phillies their first title since 1980 (video courtesy of MLB.com).

Comerica Park: Magglio Ordonez Sends Detroit Tigers to the Fall Classic (2006)

After spending years as an AL Central rival of the Detroit Tigers, Magglio Ordonez made himself hero by sending a three-run home run into the chilly, mid-October night.

The club always swept its way through the ALCS this past fall, but did so more dramatically back in 2006.

The Tigers summoned Ordonez back to Comerica Park to throw out the first pitch for Game 4 of the 2012 World Series.

Coors Field: Matt Holliday Breaks the Tie in Game 163 (2007)

Sure, Matt Holliday never actually touched home plate.

Nonetheless, it was an epic victory for the Colorado Rockies.

This extra-inning sacrifice fly allowed them to eke past the San Diego Padres for their 14th win in 15 games. Entering the 2007 postseason as the NL Wild Card, the Rockies would eventually reach the World Series.

Dodger Stadium: Kirk Gibson's Walk-off Home Run (1988)

It was only Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, but it remains the defining moment of Kirk Gibson's baseball career.

He didn't start for the Los Angeles Dodgers that night; the limp in his home run trot is an obvious indication of his injury.

Going deep against Dennis Eckersley following one of the closer's best seasons was truly a shock.

Fenway Park: Carlton Fisk Waves His Home Run Fair (1975)

All Bostonians who were alive in 1975 remember exactly where they were when Carlton Fisk hit this walk-off to extend the World Series.

The Boston Red Sox didn't reverse "The Curse" that night, but replaying the highlight made the next three decades a lot more tolerable.

Honorable mentions

1999 All-Star Game festivities

"Boston Strong" pre-game ceremony (2013)

Great American Ball Park: Jay Bruce Ends 15-Year Postseason Drought (2010)

Opened in 2003, Great American Ball Park had never previously experienced a winning season.

Jay Bruce wasn't necessarily the best player on the Cincinnati Reds that season, but being a homegrown player made his blast extra special.

Kauffman Stadium: Willie Aiken Walk-off Results in Game 3 Victory (1980)

The facility was known as Royals Stadium when it hosted its first World Series in 1980.

The Kansas City Royals were already down 2-0 to the Philadelphia Phillies entering Game 3, so there was obviously an urgency to win that night. Willie Aiken's double in the 10th inning made all the difference.

Honorable mention

Billy Butler ASG ovation (2012)

Marlins Park: Giancarlo Stanton Damages Scoreboard (2012)

It seems like an eternity ago, but the Miami Marlins were actually respectable during the early portion of the 2012 season. They were comfortably above .500 on May 21 when the Colorado Rockies came to visit.

This grand slam was hardly surprising—Jamie Moyer has surrendered more home runs than any other pitcher in MLB history. Plus, Giancarlo Stanton was amid the most productive month of his young career.

The blast was memorable because it destroyed panels on the Marlins Park scoreboard...461 feet from home plate.

Honorable mentions

Home run sculpture finally activated (2012)

Miller Park: Nyjer Morgan Sends Milwaukee Brewers to NLCS (2011)

This marked the first time in a generation that the Milwaukee Brewers had won a playoff series. Nyjer Morgan celebrated by shouting obscenities into the TBS microphone (warning: explicit language).

As one of baseball's most eccentric characters, it would be great to see Morgan return to the majors eventually. He's currently with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.

Minute Maid Park: Craig Biggio's 3,000th Hit (2007)

Craig Biggio hilariously got thrown out trying to stretch the base hit into a double.

Nonetheless, it was a remarkable milestone to reach in front of his longtime supporters. Surpassing 3,000 hits will likely lead to his Hall of Fame induction in the coming years.

Nationals Park: Welcoming Pope Benedict XVI (2005)

Not what you were expecting?

Try to grasp the significance of this mass. It was the first official papal visit to the United States since 1984.

If the Washington Nationals dominate like many in the industry expect them to, perhaps they'll accomplish something just as meaningful to trump this moment.

Honorable mention

Jayson Werth's NLDS walk-off (2012)

O.Co Coliseum: Oakland Athletics Set AL Record for Consecutive Wins (2002)

Past Oakland Athletics teams have experienced more postseason success, but the 2002 edition influenced the baseball world in a unique way. Due to their financial challenges and departed impact players, a respectable record seemed unbelievable, much less 20 straight victories.

What an awesome ride for those fans.

Petco Park: Trevor Hoffman Picks Up Save No. 479 (2006)

Even in the twilight of his career, Trevor Hoffman was a shutdown closer.

He was still going strong in 2006 as the San Diego Padres captured an NL West title. He preserved a one-run lead at Petco Park on Sept. 24 for his 43rd save of the season and 479th in the majors.

PNC Park: Jason Bay Represents Pittsburgh Pirates at 2006 All-Star Game

It's been a painful 20-year stretch for Pittsburgh Pirates, as the team annually finishes below the .500 mark. The majority of that losing has taken place at PNC Park (opened in 2001).

However, a huge public relations push led to Jason Bay's 2006 All-Star selection. He started in front of his local crowd as the leading vote-getter among National League outfielders.

Progressive Field: Eddie Murray Wins Game 3 for the Tribe (1995)

Needing a win in the 1995 World Series, the Cleveland Indians bullpen had blown a cozy lead.

Game 3 went into extra innings and the Tribe finally got a rally going in the 11th. With two runners on and the scored tied, Eddie Murray served a game-winning base hit to center field.

Of course, Cleveland eventually lost the series to the Atlanta Braves and hasn't made it back to the playoffs since Progressive Insurance started paying for naming rights.

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington: Texas Rangers Clinch the 2010 AL Pennant

How sweet it was.

The Texas Rangers went through the revered New York Yankees to advanced to the 2010 World Series.

More specifically, Neftali Feliz caught Alex Rodriguez looking to seal the Game 6 victory. A-Rod, a former AL MVP for the Rangers, was an unstoppable force the previous postseason.

Rogers Centre: Joe Carter Comes Through in the Clutch (1993)

This was a no-brainer.

Joe Carter not only contributed at an opportune time (Game 6 of the World Series), but he did it in the sexiest way possible: a walk-off home run.

The Rogers Centre was positively deafening in the early 1990s. Unfortunately, the atmosphere and quality of baseball hasn't quite been the same since.

Safeco Field: Felix Hernandez Ignites Celebration with Perfect Game (2012)

Seattle Mariners baseball has revolved around Felix Hernandez the past several years as he continues to prove that he's among the sport's top talents. Even as the the team struggles, the Venezuelan right-hander keeps fans entranced.

And during a mid-week matinee in 2012, he retired every Tampa Bay Rays batter en route to perfection.

Honorable mention

Ichiro Suzuki singles for No. 262 (2004)

Target Field: Jim Thome Destroys a Pitch for His 596th Career Home Run (2011)

In Target Field's brief history, the Minnesota Twins have enjoyed one season of relevance.

However, this mammoth shot off the bat of Jim Thome during the disappointing 2011 campaign is just as great as anything that transpired the previous summer. It came at a critical point in the game and traveled an estimated 490 feet to draw the designated hitter closer to the 600th home run milestone.

Too bad he reached that round number on the road.

Tropicana Field: Clinching 2008 ALCS

Only one year removed from a last-place finish, the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Boston Red Sox to punch their ticket to the 2008 World Series. Rookie standpoint—and future AL Cy Young Award winner—David Price saved the nail-biting Game 7.

It's always a notable occasion at Tropicana Field when fans rooting for the home team represent the majority.

Honorable mention

Evan Longoria's season-saving blast (2011)

Turner Field: Opening Ceremony of 1996 Summer Olympics

The city of Atlanta was selected to host the Centennial Olympics in 1996, and constructing this facility really strengthened its bid. It held more than 85,000 people for the opening ceremonies.

Obviously, it has since been downsized to suit baseball. The Atlanta Braves moved in for the 1997 season.

U.S. Cellular Field: Wild Night Ends with Scott Podsednik's Walk-off (2005)

Even during his prime, Scott Podsednik is pretty much the last man you'd expect to put your team ahead with a home run. The outfielder was an All-Star in 2005 without ever hitting one over the fence.

Nonetheless, the Chicago White Sox took a commanding 2-0 lead in the Fall Classic when Podsednik got the best of Brad Lidge at U.S. Cellular Field.

Wrigley Field: Kerry Wood Strikes out His 20th (1998)

In nearly a century of existence, Wrigley Field has never been the home of a champion. And in most years, the Chicago Cubs fail to compete for one.

But the 1998 team provided unforgettable thrills.

On an ordinary afternoon in May, 20-year-old Kerry Wood utilized one of the filthiest curveballs we've ever seen. The Houston Astros failed helplessly at it time after time after time.

He still had it working in the ninth innning.

Yankee Stadium: Mariano Rivera Clinches 2009 World Series

Ravaged by injuries, the New York Yankees sent off the old Yankee Stadium with a disappointing third-place finish in the AL East.

But in 2009, Hideki Matsui, Alex Rodriguez and the steady pitching staff led them through the postseason. New York had a healthy four-run cushion with an opportunity to close out the Fall Classic, but gave the ball to Mariano Rivera, nonetheless.

How appropriate. 

Honorable mention

Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit (2011)

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