San Francisco's Seals Stadium meets the wrecking ball.

The economics of baseball are not kind to old ballparks. In the past, we had concession stands, ticket sales and rainchecks; today we have revenue streams, luxury boxes and CRM software. For many, old ballparks represent simpler times and a more egalitarian atmosphere; they also serve as direct links to the past, bridges to childhood memories of time spent as a child with parents and loved ones.

No wonder, then, that an old ballpark can stir some powerful memories. In an ever-changing world, an old ballpark is an island of stability and tranquility. There are few places that are the same as they were 20, 30 or 75 years ago. Your grandfather's Tiger Stadium is the same as your father's Tiger Stadium. Sadly, it's not your Tiger Stadium if it's torn down to make way for a Best Buy or a Home Depot. That's why this list was compiled: to stir public awareness and to perhaps make people realize that there are old ballparks worth saving.

Keep in mind, though, that not every old ballpark is worth saving. There will be few tears shed when the Metrodome is imploded -- the same way San Francisco residents never objected when the Giants moved to AT&T Park, or the way no one worked to save Fort Wayne's Memorial Stadium. Over the years some very notable ballparks appeared on this list: Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium, Cobb Field, Jack Russell Stadium...all have come and gone.

1. Sarge Frye Field, University of South Carolina
Sarge Frye Field has been the home of the Gamecocks since 1977. It's a cramped ballpark, which is why USC is built a new ballpark on the edge of campus. There won't be a need for Sarge Frye once the new ballpark opens in 2009.
Chances that Sarge Frye Field will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 99%

2. Chain of Lakes Park, Winter Haven
The former spring home of the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians will have no spring occupant in 2009, as city officials debate the future of the scenic waterfront site. With development efforts slowing down in Florida, the ballpark may get a temporary reprieve, but we don't expect a long delay of the inevitable.
Chances that Chain of Lakes Park will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 95%

3. Siebert Field, University of Minnesota
Siebert Field, the home of the Golden Gophers, is literally falling down. University officials removed a set of bleachers down the first-base line because they were unsafe, and a new ballpark is on the agenda of Coach John Anderson and the athletic department. The ballpark was home to Paul Molitor and Dave Winfield in their college days, so there's some tradition there.
Chances that Siebert Field will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 90%

4. Ray Winder Field, Little Rock
With the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League) playing at a new ballpark in North Little Rock, the future of the team's former home is in doubt. Ray Winder opened in 1932 as Travelers Stadium and is one of the joys of minor-league baseball, but the economics of the game have made the venerable old ballpark obsolete. A local hospital won a bidding war to buy the ballpark, but plans for the facility remain uncertain.
Chances that Ray Winder Field will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 88%

5. Civic Stadium, Eugene
The longtime home of the Eugene Emeralds in PCL and NWL may be obsoleted if the Ems move to a new University of Oregon ballpark. The school district, which owns the ballpark, has opened called for the demolition of the facility. However, a local group has stepped in and announced a campaign to renovate the ballpark -- and with the Ems signing only a two-year deal for PK Park, you never know.
Chances that Civic Stadium will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 84%

6. Fort Lauderdale Stadium
The former spring home of the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, Fort Lauderdale Stadium is falling down -- literally. Conditions were so bad in 2009 that MLB stepped in and warned Baltimore to make changes -- and they did, moving spring operations west to Sarasota. Without a tenant and the airport (which owns the land) wanting to lease it to other businesses, we're seeing the end of the road for the facility.
Chances that Fort Lauderdale Stadium will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 83%

7. RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
The former home of the Washington Senators and Nationals, RFK Stadium is once again the sole province of MLS's DC United. But with DC United seeking a new home, RFK Stadium could lack a major tenant in the future. If that happens, one of the original 1960s cookie-cutter stadiums could be torn down as part of a larger redevelopment.
Chances that RFK Stadium will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 50%


 The distinctive Astrodome roof.

8. Astrodome, Houston
The pioneering Astrodome makes it back on the list, as it sounds like plans to renovate the facility are stalled and local officials like Harris County Judge Ed Emmett are tired of paying millions to keep it open for a limited number of events.
Chances that the Astrodome will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 45%

9. Bush Stadium, Indianapolis
Opened in 1931, Bush Stadium was the longtime home of baseball in Indianapolis, serving as the home of the Indianapolis Indians. It opened as Perry Stadium in 1931 and was renamed Victory Field in 1942 to honor the United States victory in World War II. The ballpark was renamed Bush Stadium in honor of former player, manager and team president Owen J. Bush on August 30, 1967. Bush Stadium still stands as Indianapolis officials continue to plan its future, but no use for the old ballpark has popped up and city officials are debating whether to tear it down.
Chances that Bush Stadium will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 40%

11. Dunn Field, Elmira, N.Y.
Opened in 1939, Dunn Field has been home to many affiliated teams and is currently the home of the Elmira Pioneers (summer collegiate; NYCBL). No one wants to pay for Dunn Field, as the county and city tussle over funding.
Chances that Dunn Field will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 35%


Cooper Stadium in its final season. Photo by Jim Robins.

12. Cooper Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
With the move of the Columbus Clippers to a new downtown ballpark, Franklin County is selling the grand old ballpark to a motorcross group. Let's hope they can make a run at keeping the ballpark open.
Chances that Cooper Stadium will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 25%

13. Ottawa Stadium, Ottawa
There's no team playing at Ottawa Stadium, but two leagues are interested in a 2011 lease. That gives some new life to what's considered a very workable ballpark.
Chances that Ottawa Stadium will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 20%

14. City of Palms Park, Fort Myers
The Boston Red Sox are slated to move from City of Palm Park for Spring Training 2012, and while there's a small chance a new tenant can be found, the fact is that there are many factors working against the survival of the facility: it's not that nice, it's the third facility in a market that probably can't support more than two, and city officials want to tear it down. Chances that City of Palms Park will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 19%

Hinchliffe Stadium. Postcard courtesy of Brian LoPinto.

15. Hinchliffe Stadium, Paterson, N.J.
The New York Black Yankees once played games in this Art Deco gem, but over the years the condition of this historic stadium has serious deteriorated, to the point where community leaders were asking that the facility either be torn down or restored. There's currently a plan before the local school district -- which owns the stadium -- to restore the facility. Restoration, however, will depend on funding. UPDATE: Hinchliffe Stadium has been added to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, which will enhance its long-term survival. (Thanks to Brian LoPinto for the postcard.)
Chances that Hinchliffe Stadium will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 5%

16. Potter County Stadium, Amarillo, Texas
The home of the Amarillo Dillas (independent; United League) was never great shakes when the Dillas played, but the new Dillas have pledged to put money into the old place.
Chances that the Dilla Villa will meet the wrecking ball within five years: 5%