DRAFT Magazine

By Matt Wilhalme

Here at DRAFTMag.com, it goes without saying that we like beer. We also enjoy baseball. Combine the two and, well, you have a perfect afternoon. But to what stadium should you go? To answer that question, we dispatched intern Matt Wilhalme (with an assist from Annie Woods) to find out the different types of beer available at professional diamonds around the country. Today, we bring you the American League. We’ll be back next week with the Senior Circuit. Let the (drinking) games begin.

Camden Yards, Baltimore Orioles
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Capacity: 48,290
Why we love it: This stadium’s design puts this field in the heart of downtown Baltimore only blocks away from the original “Babe’s” birthplace. The asymmetrical design is a throwback to the first American ballparks so while watching the Orioles take on their opponents you can feel the raw energy and magic that made baseball America’s national pastime.
Most memorable moment: On September 6, 1995 Cal Ripken Jr. stepped out onto the yard and played his 2,132 game in a row, breaking Lou Gehrig’s record. Ripken would make the streak his own, calling it quits at 2,632 consecutive games.
Beers: We tried and tried, but the Orioles PR staff holds the record for consecutive number of phone calls that went unreturned.

Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Capacity: 37,373 (Night); 36,945 (Day)
Why we love it: Big Green Monster, need we say more? This stadium is more than just the oldest in use; it’s also a symbol of the American League.
Most memorable moment: Since this field is so old there are too many moments to list but World Series wins 1903, 1912, 1915, 1916, 1918, 2004, and 2007 have to be up there. (Dave Roberts’ steal of second base in the 2004 ALCS wins the award for recent memorable moment.)
Beers: Sam Adams, Sam Adams Seasonal, Sam Adams Light, Guinness, Smithwick’s, Harp’s, Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Bud American Ale, Shock Top Belgian White, Harpoon IPA, Heineken, Ipswich Ale, Stella Artois, Whale’s Tail, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Amstel Light, Corona Extra, Corona Light, Heineken Light, Michelob Ultra, Narragansett, O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic.

U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago White Sox
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Capacity: 40,615
Why we love it: This stadium was designed with the Chicago weather in mind. For the long hot stretch of the summer U.S. Cellular was equipped with its own “Rain Room” so fans can take a break from the overpowering sun and chill out on their way to concessions for more hot dogs and beer.
Most memorable moment: In 2005 the White Sox’s took on the Boston Red Sox on their way to their first World Championship since 1917. Juan Uribe hit a ground ball that should have been an inning-ending double play, but it went through the legs of Tony Graffanino and the error extended the inning. Tadahito Iguchi subsequently came up to bat, and he hit a three-run homer giving the White Sox command of the game and earning Ozzie Guillen’s team a trip to the World Series.
Beers: Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Chill, Budweiser, Tecate, Becks, Old Style, Amstel Light, Heineken, Pilsner Urquell, Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat, Leinenkugel’s Red Amber, Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss, Foster’s, Red Bridge, Guinness, Corona Extra, Corona Light, Sam Adams, Peroni, Dos Equis Lager, Honkers Ale.

Progressive Field, Cleveland Indians
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Capacity: 43,545
Why we love it: This stadium was built, along with the Quicken Loans Arena for the Cleveland Cavaliers, as part of an urban renewal program to beautify the city of Cleveland. The exposed steel design and its mini “Green Monster” give the Indians an imposing home field advantage. It may be called Progressive Field now but fans still call it “The Jake” for the Indians former residence Jacobs Field.
Most memorable moment: From 1995 to 2001 the Indians set a major league record of more than 455 consecutive sell outs. Now that’s something to be proud of.
Beer: Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud American Ale, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Labatt Blue, Labatt Blue Light, Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold, Great Lakes Burning River, Great Lakes Elliot Ness, Shock Top Belgian White, Miller High Life, Miller High Life Light, MGD 64, Natural Light, Amstel Light, Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo, O’Doul’s Amber, Harpoon IPA, Goose Island 312, Dogfish 60 Minute IPA, Brooklyn Lager, Michelob Light, Michelob Ultra, Leinenkugel’s Summer Sandy, Pete’s Wicked Ale, Shiner Bock, Clipper City Heavy C’s, Anchor Steam, Heineken.

Comerica Park, Detroit Tigers
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Capacity: 41,255
Why we love it: In order to get to Comerica Park in downtown Detroit, one must pass the ominous Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions. Once you reach the baseball stadium, giant tiger statues protect the gates. If these big cats are too much for the little ones, the park also features a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round to entertain when the games get long in the summer.
Most memorable moment: After winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2006 we knew Justin Verlander was good, but on June 12, 2007 he became the first Tiger to throw a no-hitter since 1984. Verlander left the Milwaukee Brewers hitters speechless in his 12-strikeout performance.
Beer: Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Lite, Guinness, Bell’s Oberon Ale, Corona, Heineken, Heineken Light, Amstel Light, Tiger Beer, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Miller Chill, Coors Light, Rolling Rock, Atwater, Strauss, Labatt Blue, Labatt Blue Light, Shock Top, O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic, Woodchuck Cider

Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City Royals
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Capacity: 38,177
Why we love it: This stadium’s open construction and circular design gives Royal’s fans more than they could ask for in a ballpark. Recognized as one of the most beautiful fields in all of Major League Baseball, Kauffman even features fountains just outside of the right field fence, perfect for cooling off under when the Royals are blowing out their opponents (as rarely as that occurs).
Most memorable moment: The I-70 series pitted the Royals against cross state rivals the St. Louis Cardinals. Down 1-0 in game six of the series, the Royals were able to steal a win away from the Cardinals in the bottom of the ninth inning with a base hit from the unlikely Dane Lorg.
Beers: Amstel Light, Blue Moon, Boulevard Pale Ale, Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Bud Select, Coors Light, Corona, Guinness, Harp’s, Heineken, Landshark, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Micheolb Ultra, MGD 64, Miller Lite, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo, Pacifico, Peroni, Pilsner Urquell, Red Stripe, Redbridge, Sam Adams, Sam Adams Summer Ale, Smithwick’s, Stone Mill Organic Pale Ale, O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic.

Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Los Angeles Angels
Location: Anaheim, California
Capacity: 45,281
Why we love it: When Gene Autry founded the Angels in 1960, Los Angeles got a new team to divide the city’s loyalty — as if L.A. wasn’t split enough. But, this stadium’s close proximity to Disneyland makes this field perfect for a family trip. Who wouldn’t want to catch a ball game and then go ride Space Mountain?
Most memorable moment: Nolan Ryan’s first career no-hitter came on May 15, 1973 when he struck out 12 Kansas City Royal batters on his way to his first. He would throw another no-no later that year and set the record for the most no-hitters in a single season.
Beers: Fat Tire, Pyramid Hefeweizen, Miller Lite, Coors Original, Coors Light, Blue Moon, Heineken, Heineken Light, Corona Extra, Corona Light, Sierra Nevada, Pacifico, Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Amber Bock, Sam Adams, Sam Adams Seasonal, Firestone, Guinness, Stella Artois, New Castle, Kona Long Board, Wyder’s Pear Cider, Kona Fire Rock, St. Pauli Girl Non-alcoholic, O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic.

Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minnesota Twins
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Capacity: 46,632
Why we love it: Though many consider this stadium to be the worst park in all of baseball, loyal Twins fans make it out to the games every time their team comes home. The fans are the heart and soul of any squad and that’s why everyone breathed a sign of relief when Minnesota approved financing for a new stadium to open in 2010.
Most memorable moment: In game six of the 1991 World Series, it all came down to a final at bat by Kirby Puckett. With his team facing elimination he dug in against pitcher Charlie Leibrandt and hit a walk off home run. In the next game, the Twins would win what is considered the greatest World Series of all time.
Beers: Newcastle, Corona, Corona Light, Pacifico, Modelo Especial, Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Lite, Miller Chill, Michelob Ultra, Grain Belt Premium, Leinenkugel’s Classic Amber, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss, Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat, Gluek Golden Pilsner, Summit EPA, Shock Top, Schnell’s Dark, Finnegans Irish Amber, Guinness, Amstel Light, Sam Adams, Heineken, Labatt Blue, St. Pauli Girl, Sierra Nevada, Foster’s.

Yankee Stadium, New York Yankees
Location: New York, New York
Capacity: 52,325
Why we love it: The brand new Yankee Stadium may not have any incredible moments just yet but the new field that’s located in the parking lot of the “House that Ruth built” has the same feel and design of the old stadium except with the addition of much needed amenities. For one thing, this park offers drink holders where you can place your beer when you’re booing the other team.
Most memorable moment: Only the most memorable image in all of baseball: Ruth points to center field, ball goes over the fence — amazing. (We know that happened in the old stadium. Deal with it.)
Beers: Multiple phone calls were not returned.

Oakland-Alameda County Stadium, Oakland Athletics
Location: Oakland, California
Capacity: 35,067
Why we love it: Getting to this stadium could not be easier. Fans are invited to take the BART Metro to the park in lieu of driving and parking — which is always a great idea when having a few beers at a game. This field offers one more amenity that makes us very happy: an all-you-can-eat section located in the upper deck behind home plate.
Most memorable moment: One of the most (in)famous home run hitters in all of baseball got his start in Oakland. Mark McGwire bashed 49 home runs his rookie year. His career would be marked by scandal, but who cares? Chicks did the long ball.
Beers: Miller Genuine Draft, Budweiser, Bud light, Long Hammer IPA, Slim Chance, Widmer Hefeweizen Widmer Drifter Pale Ale, Pyramid Hefeweizen, Pyramid Curve Ball, Apricot Ale, Coors Light, Heineken, Fat Tire, Skinny Dip, Sierra Nevada, Sam Adams, Miller Lite, Red Hook ESB, Guinness, Harp’s, Smithwick’s, Blue Moon, Kona Long Board Lager, Kona Waialua Wheat, Red Hook IPA, Dos Equis, Lagunitas Pale Ale.

Safeco Field, Seattle Mariners
Location: Seattle, Washington
Capacity: 47,447
Why we love it: Beer, hot dog, and a view of Puget Sound; this isn’t your ordinary ballpark. This stadium’s unique retractable roof stays open for the very, very few days of sunshine in Seattle but only closes enough to keep out most of the rain. The atmosphere is still that of an outdoor park.
Most memorable moment: In 2001, the Mariners tied the 1906 Boston Red Sox for the all-time record of 116 wins in a season. That season Ichiro Suzuki made his debut in the MLB, winning the American League Rookie of the Year, AL MVP, and a Golden Glove on the way to helping hte M’s reach the American League Championship Series.
Beer: Alaskan Amber, Alaskan Summer Ale, Alaskan Pale Ale, Amstel Light, BridgePort IPA, Corona Extra, Corona Light, Black Butte Porter, Mirror Pond, Mac & Jacks African Amber, Foster’s, Full Sail, Hale’s Pale Ale, Hale’s Ale IPA, Heineken, Heineken Light, Henry’s. Kokanee, Labatt Blue, Molson, Fat Tire, Pilsner Urquell, Pyramid Hefeweizen,
Pyramid Curveball, Pyramid Crystal Wheat, Pyramid IPA, Georgetown Manny’s Pale, Dick’s Danger, Snoqualmie Grand Slam, MacTarnahan’s Amber, Blue Moon Belgian White, Shock Top Belgian White, Red Hook IPA, Red Hook ESB, Red Stripe, Rolling Rock, Sam Adams, Sapporo, Sierra Nevada, Singha, Stella Artois, Tecate, Dos Equis Amber, Widmer Drop Top, Widmer Hefeweizen, Beck’s, Guinness, Miller High Life, Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay Rays
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Capacity: 36,973
Why we love it: Upon entering Tropicana field one finds him or herself in a place many would consider heaven; an intersection of a microbrewery, cigar shop, and a wine cellar. We’re sure you will be able to find something of interest inside of this park — oh, and you still have a baseball game to watch.
Most memorable moment: On October 29, 2008 the Tampa Bay Rays did what no one thought was possible at the beginning of the season, and earned themselves a trip the American League Championship Series. Not only that, they defeated the reigning World Series Champions the Boston Red Sox in a seven-game slugfest.
Beers: The park might be heaven, but the Rays PR staff is hellish.

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas Rangers
Location: Arlington, Texas
Capacity: 49,170
Why we love it: You don’t have to go to Cooperstown in order to experience the history of baseball. Rangers Ballpark features the “Legends of the Game Museum” that includes more than 1,000 different artifacts from the very beginning of the sport. And, if you are ready for a show, they have an auditorium that seats more than 225 people.
Most memorable moment: Kenny Rogers’ perfect game on July 28, 1994. Rogers became only the 14th major league pitcher to achieve this feat — only four other pitchers have done it since.
Beers: Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Rahr’s Red, Tecate Light, Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s, Land Shark, Killian’s Irish Red, Lone Star, Michelob Ultra, Blue Moon, Ziegenbock, Coors Original, Coors Light, Bud, Bud Light, Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower.

Rogers Centre, Toronto Blue Jays
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Capacity: 49,539
Why we love it: Because this park’s existence alone proves that there is more to do in Canada than play hockey and drink Canadian Club. We have heard they’re fond of beer, too.
Most memorable moment: In 1993, Joe Carter stood in the batter’s box — his team down 6-5 with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning — and crushed a World Series winning walk-off bomb to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies in six games.
Beers: Bud, Bud Light, Keith’s Alexander Pale Ale, Stella Artois, Stella Léger, Blue, Hoegaarden, Bass, Tennants, Beck’s, Kokanee, Keith’s White.

(Additional reporting by Annie Woods.)