A Cranberry Township man completed a goal on Opening Day in Miami that picked up steam about a decade ago, but really started over 50 years ago.
Dan Mitchell was at loanDepot Park Thursday afternoon to see the Pittsburgh Pirates play the Marlins. When he walked into the park, he completed the dream of attending a ballgame at every Major League Baseball park.
Mitchell tells KDKA Radio Three Rivers Stadium was the first ballpark he ever attended in the early 70s and then, “I would say 10 years ago, I really got serious about it because I’d been to a handful at that point and I’m thinking this is doable,” said Mitchell.
He was able to complete the task with the help of his daughters. He says his one daughter actually did it before he was able to and that really go him into gear.
So, what’s his favorite? It shouldn’t be a surprise.
“Obviously PNC Park is Number one.”
Outside of Pittsburgh, Mitchell says his favorite parks are Oracle Park in San Francisco, Petco Park in San Diego and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
He says he likes the West Coast parks for different reasons.
When it comes to his least favorite, It’s Tropicana Field in Tampa and Oakland Coliseum, the former home of the A’s, now in West Sacramento until they move to Las Vegas in 2028.
Mitchell says he doesn’t plan on going to visit the A’s temporary home, since it’s primarily a minor league field.
He also says he “loved” historical ball parks Wrigley Field in Chicago and Fenway Park in Boston. “Those are probably the two best nostalgic parks.”
As for what’s next, Mitchell says he’ll be at the Pirates’ Home Openers on Friday against the New York Yankees.