Ten Worst MLB Stadiums for Hitters
Stadium factors for runs, hits and home runs compiled from the previous three to five seasons make up the rankings for the worst stadiums for hitters and good for pitchers. Stadiums listed are from the last ten team rankings from 21 to 30 stadiums in the group.
Here are the top ten worst hitter parks (Pitcher Friendly Stadiums):
Citi Field
Citi Field home to the NY Mets, is a friendly pitcher park for low run output, hits and extra bases. It was rated in the 11th spot out of 30 parks for home runs. After ranking 17th for home runs in 2015, the Mets adjusted the outfield fences closer to the field.
Safeco Field
Safeco Field home to the Seattle Mariners, had more home runs than most other parks but is not considered a power stadium. It ranked in bottom 10 in runs, hits and extra bases over the past 5 seasons and was 3rd in strikeouts.
Dodger Stadium
Home to the LA Dodgers, has an altitude of 500 feet with a grass field. This stadium is known as a “pitcher park”. Everything favors the pitcher with dimensions, foul territory and the worst of all parks for fewest walks. Only left-handed power hitters were able to rank 6th in total home runs.
Petco Park
Home to the San Diego Padres, has newer dimensions from a few years ago to favor hitters but is still considered a pitcher-friendly stadium. Ranks near the bottom in run production and batting averages.
Marlins Park
Home to the Miami Marlins, moved in their outfield fences last season but had the fewest runs scored of any venue. It could be just the one season for lowest run production but pitchers will do well in Miami.
Oakland Coliseum
Home to the Oakland Athletics, is compromised by the largest amount of foul territory of any stadium. The extra foul territory is a big advantage for pitchers. Those who throw high strikes for popups get many more outs from foul territory pop outs. The Coliseum ranks 9th for extra base hits but low scoring games are common.
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Home to the LA Angels has a big pitching advantage in most categories due to 10 feet plus fences and wider dimensions in the outfield. Extra base hits for lefty hitters is the only slight advantage.
Tropicana Field
Home to the Tampa Bay Rays, has a dome stadium and artificial field. This venue is one of the few parks that helps pitchers in every category. Home runs, hits, extra base hits and batting averages rank close to the bottom five ballparks. It also produces many strikeouts as good pitching is very successful in this stadium.
PNC Park
Home to the Pittsburgh Pirates, has an altitude of 725 feet with a grass field. However, it has the largest and deepest left-center field for the right-handed power hitter. Every category favors pitchers for long fly ball outs and fewer home runs. Pitchers do have fewer strikeouts than most other parks.
AT&T Park
Home to the San Francisco Giants, is rated the worst stadium for hitters. This venue saw the fewest home runs of any park and ranks last in runs and hits. It ranks 6th for extra base hits for left-handed hitters and 6th in walks but the measurements make it best for pitchers.
To review, here are the top 10 worst hitters parks in baseball:
- Citi Field
- Safeco Field
- Dodger Stadium
- Petco Park
- Marlins Park
- Oakland Coliseum
- Angel Stadium of Anaheim
- Tropicana Field
- PNC Park
- AT&T Park
Being aware of the different configurations of certain ballparks that favor hitters or pitchers is an important handicapping statistic to consider for betting a team or pitcher and totals. Wind conditions, sunny or cloudy days can affect hitters and run production. Stadium structure can block windy days or nights or create a wind flow advantage for the long ball. So many little nuances in all ballparks are part of the game as all stadiums have their own personality.
