Western New York

This region is dominated by two important Triple A minor league institutions in Buffalo and Rochester. Take NYS Thruway (90 east), beginning at Buffalo, and you'll reach Batavia after 30 miles, and then Rochester after another 60 miles.

1. Coca Cola Field in Buffalo

Buffalo's history of professional baseball dates back to 1877. In 1891, it became one the National League's first teams. Greats Warren Spahn and Joseph McCarthy were born here. Other greats, Pud Galvin and Luke Easter played here.

In 1983, "The Natural" was filmed in the now extinct War Memorial Stadium in Buffalo. Some hotel scenes were filmed at the historic Ellicott Square Building; across the street from the present ballpark.

One of the International League's most successful teams, baseball returned to the "Queen City" in 1979 after an eight year hiatus. Pilot Field opened in 1988, the third professional ballpark in Buffalo. Located right downtown and preceding by four years even the influential Camden Yards in Baltimore; Buffalo has been described as the "birthplace of the modem ballpark." In its inaugural season, Pilot Field became the first minor league park to draw more than a million fans. It was here that Buffalo hosted the first AAA all-star game in 1988, which returned in 2012.

Following renovations in 2004, Coca Cola Field (the park's present name) seats now about 18,000; still the largest minor league park in the country. Fans can enjoy legendary beer-meister, "Conehead", patrolling the third base line, as well as other comforts of home. The park's restaurant, "Pettibones", houses a second display of the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame. Great food, beer and service here.

The Hall of Fame may also be found in an excellent new display on the first level, which opened in 2013. The history of Buffalo's baseball is a fascinating journey.

2. State University of New York at Buffalo

3. Rochester

Frontier Field

A highly recommended place for young children, with Frontier Field's absolutely beautiful grass urns in both the left and right field comers of the park. The kids can nurse an ice cream, while dad does the same to a blueberry flavored beer. Great choice of beer and food here.

A member of the International League since 1885; in other words, for 127 out of the 131 seasons (up to 2014) of the league's history. No other minor league team has played longer in the same city and in the same league as Rochester. In 1981, Rochester and Pawtucket played the longest professional game (33 innings) in Rhode Island. A couple of guys named Ripken and Boggs can be found in that box score.

With a seating capacity of just under 11,000, the park presents a beautiful red brick appearance located right in downtown Rochester, across from the iconic Kodak Building. Frontier Field opened in 1997, replacing Silver Stadium , which served the city well from 1929 until 1996. Rochester was affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles for forty-two years (1960-2002), which is why Frontier was modeled after Camden Yards. The team became affiliated with Minnesota Twins in 2003.

The Rochester Red Wings Hall of Fame, established in 1989, is a tasteful and easily accessible display of Rochester's great baseball history. Located near both the main entrance to the park, as well as the primary entrance to the seating area, I highly recommend that any visitor to the stadium take in this informative display. The shrine includes, among others, plaques for Cal Ripken, Jr., Luke Easter, Denny Martinez, Frank Robinson, Stan Musial and Bob Gibson.

4. State University of New York at Brockport

Clark V. Whited Complex

At one point, two teams shared this field, as Brockport was a member of the NYS Collegiate Baseball League until 2009. A Division III team, the Brockport Golden Eagles still play at the Clark V. Whited Complex. On a sunny day, you will be taken back by the gorgeous green background in the outfield. The college joined the state school system in 1948, but was founded as a school in 1835. The team history dates back to the 1890's; but the official beginnings of modem school baseball program is believed to have begun in 1928.

5. Mumford

Silver Base Ball Park

True die-hards participate in this 19th century remake of baseball the way it used to be. Nice family atmosphere tucked away inside the Genesee Country Village and Museum, just a short drive from Rochester. Walk through local history as you enter the Silver Base Ball Park. This is said to be the nation's first, as well as the finest, 19th century replica ballpark.

6. Batavia

Dwyer Stadium

This small city has had professional baseball since 1897. The old version of Dwyer opened in 1939, and was demolished in 1995.

An original New York-Penn team (short season, class A), Batavia was the Phillies affiliate in 1967 and from 1988 through 2006.

Presently a Cardinals affiliate and owned by the Rochester Redwings, Dwyer Stadium is home to the Batavia Muckdogs. The latest version of the present stadium opened in 1996. This is a great atmosphere for a game: a residential area with a country-like feel, just down the street from the NYS School for the Blind. Just over 2,000 lucky fans can sit for a game.

There is easily accessible beer in the right field area, and team supplies are near the entrance. The former home of the National Junior College Athletic Association, Division III (Small College) World Series, the Batavia Little League is found next door to Dwyer Stadium; nicely done.

7. Niagara Falls

Sai Maglie Stadium

In one of the most famous places on earth is Sal Maglie Stadium in Niagara Falls. The stadium originally opened in 1939 and closed in 1995. In 1967, Jim Palmer surrendered the only grand slam of his professional career here to a Reds catching prospect named Johnny Bench.

Independent professional team, the Mallards, and the New York Penn team, the Rapids, have played here. The field was rededicated in 1999, wherein Niagara Falls native and former MLB outfielder, Rick Manning, generously donated his 1976 gold glove award to the local high school. In 2007, the Niagara Falls 'Power' entered the New York Collegiate Baseball League (a league established in 1978).

Hyde Park Babe Ruth

Located on Hyde Park Boulevard behind Sal Maglie Stadium (and near downtown Niagara Falls); this is a pleasant low key residential area for a youth league to have its home base - - just a few miles from the iconic Falls.

Mid Town Little League

Part of the Mid Town Little League, this field is located at Niagara Falls Boulevard and 47th Street....