Which is the smallest MLB stadium to hit a home run and what are its dimensions?

Which is the smallest MLB stadium to hit a home run and what are its dimensions?

Helix Odhiambo
updated at December 15, 2023 at 8:15 AM

Hitting a home run is one of the most challenging things in baseball that every batter or hitter dreams of. Factors such as altitude, wind, temperature, and the size of the stadium often affect the success of a home run. So, what is the smallest MLB stadium to hit a home run? Why is it ideal for homers?

Smallest MLB stadium to hit a home run
Trevor Story (red top) of the Boston Red Sox bats during a game against the Houston Astros on 29 August 2023 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: Maddie Malhotra
Source: Getty Images

Home runs are rare in baseball, and only a handful of players have managed over 600 hits in their careers. Most of these have been possible because of the venues they played in and their skills. There are dozens of stadiums with a home-run-friendly atmosphere. This article explores the smallest MLB stadiums for home runs and their dimensions.

What is a home run?

A home run or homer in baseball occurs when a batter hits the ball in the air over the outfield fence in fair territory. When this happens, the batter gets all four bases. The hitters can circle the bases at their leisure without the threat of being thrown out.

What is the shortest home run in MLB history?
Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants greets fans after breaking Hank Aaron's all-time career home run record on 13 August 2007 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo: Tom Szczerbowskis
Source: Getty Images

Former MLB Pittsburgh Pirates's left fielder Barry Bonds holds the record for the most home runs in one season (73) and in all-time career (726). There are also inside-the-park home runs, which occur when a batter rounds all four bases for a home run without the baseball leaving the area of play.

It is rare and difficult to achieve even in the smallest home run stadium since it requires a fast runner at the plate or misplay by an outfielder. So, which is the smallest MLB stadium for home runs?

Smallest MLB stadium to hit a home run

Unlike other sports, baseball fields have different dimensions. Major League Baseball (MLB) has 30 teams, each with its own stadium. Venues like Fenway Park of the Boston Red Sox and the Progressive Field of the Cleveland Guardians are among the smallest MLB stadiums with favourable conditions for home runs.

Here is a breakdown of the top ten easiest MLB stadiums to hit a home run. We also highlight the MLB stadiums' dimensions, marked as Left Field (LF), Left Centre (LC), Centre Field (CF), Right Centre (RC), and Right Field (RF).

10. Petco Park (San Diego Padres)

Smallest MLB stadium for home runs
A general view of the Petco Park during sunset as the San Diego Padres face the Miami Marlins on 22 August 2023 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. Photo: Matt Thomas
Source: Getty Images

Despite having pitcher-friendly dimensions, Petco Park is also favourable for hitters because of the weather conditions in San Diego. The city's dry climate reduces air resistance, allowing the ball to move fast.

Dimensions

  • LF: 334 ft (102 m)
  • LC: 357 ft (109 m)
  • CF: 396 ft (121 m)
  • RC: 391 ft (119 m)
  • RF: 382 ft (116 m)

9. Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles)

Smallest MLB stadium home run distance
A general view of the Oriole Park at Camden Yards as the Baltimore Orioles play against the Texas Rangers during their Division Series on 8 October 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo: Rob Tringali
Source: Getty Images

The Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland, has relatively short dimensions in right field, which offer an opportunity for batters to hit homers. The right-field dimensions have produced memorable home run moments in the MLB.

Orioles pitchers also allowed the most home runs in the league between 2018-2021. The ballpark underwent renovation in 2022, changing its dimensions, which would also affect the number of home runs.

Dimensions

  • LF: 333 ft (101 m)
  • LC: 384 ft (117 m)
  • CF: 400 ft (122 m)
  • RC: 373 ft (114 m)
  • RF: 318 ft (97 m)

8. Guaranteed Rate Field (Chicago White Sox)

The smallest MLB stadium
Players line up ahead of an MLB match at the Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois, on 3 April 2023. The venue is home to the Chicago White Sox. Photo: Quinn Harris
Source: Getty Images

The 40,615-capacity venue ranks among the best grounds for homers in the MLB. The stadium has relatively short right-field dimensions, while the favourable wind patterns in Chicago have also helped most of the best baseball players to hit home runs in the ballpark.

Dimensions

  • LF: 330 ft (101 m)
  • LC: 372 ft (113 m)
  • CF: 400 ft (122 m)
  • RC: 372 ft (113 m)
  • RF: 335 ft (102 m)

7. LoanDepot Park (Miami Marlins)

Smallest home run stadium
Miami Marlins' LoanDepot park is one of the favourable grounds for homers in the MLB. Photo: Kelly Gavin
Source: Getty Images

Miami Marlins' home ground is one of the world's greenest and most eco-friendly stadiums. The ballpark opened in 2012 and ranks among the smallest MLB stadiums with ideal dimensions for hitting home runs.

Dimensions

  • LF: 344 ft (105 m)
  • LC: 386 ft (118 m)
  • CF: 422 ft (129 m)
  • RC: 392 ft (119 m)
  • RF: 335 ft (102 m)

6. Progressive Field (Cleveland Guardians)

What MLB stadium has the shortest home run fence?
A general view of the Progressive Field during the Wild Card Series game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Guardians on 7 October 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo: Ben Jackson
Source: Getty Images

The ballpark opened in 1994 as Jacobs Field but was later renamed Progressive Field in 2008. The venue has specific sections in the left and right fields where batters target for home runs because of their short distance.

Dimensions

  • LF: 325 ft (99 m)
  • LC: 370 ft (113 m)
  • CF: 405 ft (123 m)
  • RC: 375 ft (114 m)
  • RF: 325 ft (99 m)

5. Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox)

Is it easier to hit a homerun in Colorado?
The Fenway Park is the oldest MLB stadium. It is home to the Boston Red Sox. Photo: Paul Rutherford
Source: Getty Images

Fenway Park is the oldest stadium in the MLB and one of the smallest. The ballpark, opened in 1912, is home to the Boston Red Sox. Fenway also has one of the smallest MLB stadium home run distances. The venue gives up many homers because of its dimensions, ranking it among the top five smallest MLB stadiums for home runs.

Dimensions

  • LF: 310 ft (94 m)
  • LC: 379 ft (116 m)
  • CF: 390 ft (119 m)
  • RC: 380 ft (116 m)
  • RF: 302 ft (92 m)

4. Nationals Park (Washington Nationals)

MLB stadiums dimensions
The Nationals Park has served the Washington Nationals for several years. It is one of the most iconic venues in Washington, DC. Photo: Scott Taetsch
Source: Getty Images

The Nationals Park has a shorter left-side wall within reach for hitters, allowing them to send balls into the stands quickly. The warm Washington DC weather also aids the ball in travelling fast due to reduced air density.

Dimensions

  • LF: 336 ft (102 m)
  • LC: 377 ft (115 m)
  • CF: 402 ft (123 m)
  • RC: 370 ft (113 m)
  • RF: 335 ft (102 m)

3. Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds)

Easiest MLB stadium to hit a home run
A general view of Great American Ball Park as the Cincinnati Reds faced the New York Yankees on 20 May 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. New York won 7-4 in ten innings. Photo: Kirk Irwin
Source: Getty Images

Located in the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio, the Great American Ball Park has some of the best hitter-friendly conditions for homers. Its right-side fence is closer to home plate than in many venues. The heat and humidity experienced during the baseball season also reduce air density, allowing the ball to move faster.

Dimensions

  • LF: 328 ft (100 m)
  • LC: 379 ft (116 m)
  • CF: 404 ft (123 m)
  • RC: 370 ft (110 m)
  • RF: 325 ft (99 m)

2. Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees)

The smallest MLB stadium
The New York Yankees Old Timer's Day ahead of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium on 9 September 2023 in Bronx borough, New York City. The Brewers won 9-2. Photo: Jim McIsaac
Source: Getty Images

The ballpark has one of the smallest outfield dimensions on the right and left field lines. The right-field wall is even closer to home plate than in many MLB venues, creating a higher likelihood of hitting homers.

Dimensions

  • LF: 318 ft (97 m)
  • LC: 399 ft (122 m)
  • CF: 408 ft (124 m)
  • RC: 385 ft (117 m)
  • RF: 314 ft (96 m)

1. Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Rays)

Smallest MLB stadium for home runs
The Tropicana Field has hosted many exciting games that have produced spectacular home runs. It has served as home to the Tampa Bay Rays since 1998. Photo: Mike Carlson
Source: Getty Images

Tropicana Field is considered the easiest MLB stadium to hit a home run because of its relatively short dimensions in the right and left fields. Its outfield walls are also closer to home plate than many ballparks in the league. Batters have higher chances of hitting homers in the ballpark than in most venues.

Dimensions

  • LF: 315 ft (96 m)
  • LC: 370 ft (113 m)
  • CF: 404 ft (123 m)
  • RC: 370 ft (113 m)
  • RF: 322 ft (98 m)

What is the shortest home run in MLB history?

Legendary Minnesota Millers' back Andy Oyler hit the shortest home run in history in 1900. His hit travelled only 24 inches, a record no one has come close to breaking.

Is it easier to hit a home run in Colorado?

Smallest home run stadium
A general view as the Colorado Rockies take on the Washington Nationals during the third inning on Opening Day at Coors Field on 6 April 2023 in Denver, Colorado. Photo: Justin Edmonds
Source: Getty Images

Colorado has the highest mean altitude of all the states. According to the laws of physics, a baseball travels faster in high-altitude areas than at sea level because of reduced air density at high altitudes. The conditions make the Coors Field, home to the Colorado Rockies, favourable for longer fly balls.

The Coors Field hit a record-setting 303 home runs in 1999. The thin air favours both the pitchers and hitters since the ball travels faster, making it difficult for hitters to have a field day.

What MLB stadium has the shortest home run fence?

Fenway Park of the Boston Red Sox has the shortest home run fence in the league. Its fence is just 310 feet from the home plate. Fenway Park's fence, also known as the Green Monster, is 37 feet high (11.3 m)

Final word

Tropicana Field of the Tampa Bay Rays ranks as the smallest MLB stadium to hit a home run. Many hitters enjoy playing in the ballpark because of its favourable dimensions. Besides, hitting homers requires talent, skill, and accurate ball timing more than just the field size.

READ MORE: Nico Rosberg's net worth: Discover how rich the former Formula 1 driver is

Sports Brief recently published a story about Nico Rosberg's net worth and career earnings. The German and Finnish entrepreneur was an outstanding racing driver before retiring to venture into business, significantly boosting his financial status.

Rosberg started with go-kart racing, where he honed his driving skills. He competed in Formula One from 2006 to 2016, winning multiple awards. Follow the above link to learn more about his wealth, career, and family.

Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.