MLB is made up of 30 teams from across the United States and Canada, each with their own distinct identity, history, and following. Whether you’re new to the game or just looking for road trip ideas, this article is designed to help inspire your next visit to the ballpark by taking a closer look at some of the league’s most interesting and exciting teams. Considering criteria like history, recent performance, home venue, star players, and entertainment value, we take a look at 5 MLB teams more than worth the price of admission.
- New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, New York City
- Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Boston
- Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
- Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, Chicago
- Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, Atlanta
New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, New York City
When discussing bucket list MLB teams, it’s hard to start with anyone but the Yankees. Based in the Bronx, just north of Manhattan, the New York Yankees have won the World Series a record 27 times, making them the most successful sports franchise in the United States. Comparable only to other sporting superclubs like Real Madrid or the Dallas Cowboys, the Yankees boast a list of former players that reads like a roll call for the Hall of Fame, including icons like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and Derek Jeter.
For fans visiting Yankee Stadium, there is plenty to enjoy – from the stadium’s nostalgic design, to features like Monument Park, a museum and open-air tribute to Yankees heroes of the past. Meanwhile, on the field, captain and 6 ft 7 powerhouse Aaron Judge has been tasked with continuing the Yankees legacy and bringing home the franchise’s first World Series since 2009. Ultimately, witnessing a Yankees game in the Bronx, with the team decked out in their famous pinstripes, is one of baseball’s most authentic experiences.
Fun Fact: Introduced by former owner George Steinbrenner, the Yankees have a strict grooming policy. All players and coaches must be “clean-shaven or keep a tidy mustache”, with no hair "below the collar".
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Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Boston
Longtime rival to the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox formed in 1901 and have won the World Series 9 times. With some of the most passionate fans in the league, the franchise is a core part of the city of Boston and the atmosphere at games is some of the best in baseball. Famously loyal, Red Sox fans even endured the Curse of the Bambino – an 86-year World Series drought between 1918–2004 that many fans believed was caused by the Red Sox trading a young Babe Ruth to the Yankees.
However, the Boston Red Sox have one thing the Yankees don’t – Fenway Park. Opened in 1912, Fenway in Boston is the oldest baseball stadium in the United States and the most iconic venue in MLB. Every great player in MLB history has stepped up to the plate at Fenway Park, and the ballpark boasts unique features like the Green Monster – a 37-foot wall in left field. From the hand-operated scoreboard to the historic neighborhood, a trip to Fenway Park is like a trip back in time.
Fun Fact: Between 2003 – 2013, the Red Sox sold out every single home game at Fenway Park – an MLB record 820 games.
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Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Formerly of Brooklyn, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been based on the West Coast since 1958. Now a beloved part of the City of Angels, the franchise is one of the best-supported in MLB, and it’s never hard to find fans wearing their classic blue and white jerseys, or caps adorned with the LA logo. Come gametime, Dodger Stadium has the largest capacity in baseball and provides fans with majestic views of the San Gabriel Mountains.
While history and location are two selling points for the Dodgers, ultimately, as you might expect for a team in Hollywood, it’s star power that makes the franchise stand out. There is simply no team in baseball with such a star-studded roster. Alongside former MVPs Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers recently signed two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani – yet another former MVP and arguably the sport's most talented player. Consequently, any fan heading to see the Dodgers is sure to witness some of the game’s greatest modern stars, and potentially leave with some “I was there” moments to talk about for years to come.
Fun Fact: The “Dodgers” nickname is a shortened version of “Trolley Dodgers”. It was adopted when the team was in Brooklyn and construction of electric trolley tracks in the city meant fans had to dodge the trolleys on their way to the ballpark
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Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, Chicago
One of two teams in the Windy City, the Chicago Cubs are located on the city’s Northside, and bear many similarities to the Boston Red Sox: both have passionate, loyal fanbases, iconic stadiums, and a run-in with an infamous “curse” – this time involving a goat . Known as “lovable losers” for much of their history, the Cubs have often made up for a lack of success on the field with one of the best gameday experiences off it.
Wrigley Field is at the centre of any trip to see the Cubs. With classic design, including a unique ivy-covered outfield wall, the ballpark is the second-oldest in MLB and one of the league’s most nostalgic. More than this though, the venue sits within its very own neighborhood, Wrigleyville, which is packed with atmospheric bars and even rooftop terraces overlooking the stadium. All in all, a trip to see the Cubs is a chance to immerse yourself in one of the best baseball communities in America.
Fun Fact: After home wins at Wrigley Field, the Cubs fly a “W” flag over the stadium.
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Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, Atlanta
Occasionally dubbed “America’s Team” due to their prevalence on national television during the early days of cable TV, the Atlanta Braves are one of the most exciting teams in baseball. World Series champions 4 times in their history, the Braves have consistently been one of MLB’s strongest sides in the 2020s and continue to challenge for their fifth Commissioner's Trophy.
For baseball fans looking for a game to attend, the Braves have it all: a talented squad, postseason pedigree, and a modern stadium. As far as the latter is concerned, Truist Park, just outside Atlanta, merges traditional ballpark atmosphere with modern amenities. When you’re not watching stars like Ronald Acuna Jr from premium vantage points inside the venue, you can enjoy a huge range of gameday bars, restaurants, and hotels right outside the gates in The Battery – an entertainment hotspot on Truist’s doorstep. From local beers to interactive family fun, the Atlanta Braves are a World Series calibre team with championship-worthy fan offerings.
Fun Fact: The Braves are the oldest continuously operating professional sports franchise in North America.
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