My Ultimate Baseball Bucketlist

My Ultimate Baseball Bucketlist

In America, we may love football and enjoy basketball, but there is no doubt that baseball is still our true love. This is probably because from a very early age, both boys and girls play hit the dirt fields of their local parks. But maybe it is more about the bonds that baseball creates.  Whether you are watching your favorite team on the couch with friends or taking part in the 7th inning stretch with your dad at a famous baseball stadium, baseball can connect us all. So it is no wonder that many people have it on their Adventure Activities & Experiences Bucket List to visit certain baseball stadiums!

In fact, our friend John Alo-Sweeney, aka: Mana’Olanakeiki Alo, has it on his bucket list to continue and visit each baseball stadium in the MLB. But why would a Yankee’s fan want to ever visit another team’s stadium? Or why would anyone want to try a hot dog and cracker jacks in every stadium in North America?

Well, we will let him tell You!

My Ultimate Baseball Stadium Bucket List

John Alo-Sweeney with his Dad and Mom
My Dad, Mom, and Me

I am the middle kid in my family. When I was a kid I felt that my dad and I weren’t that close, but somehow we had a common interest, the awesome game of Baseball. My dad was a big baseball fan and frustrated baseball player. He grew up idolizing players like Sandy Koufax, Mickey Mantle and Joe Di Maggio. He tried his hardest to get into the big leagues, but somehow his father pushed him to go to the military instead.

Baseball became my dad and I’s connection. He taught me the basics of baseball…how to throw and how to bat. When I won my first little league game, I will never forget it, he told me that I was finally ready to attend my first big league baseball game. Fortunately, we got to travel to New York City and the game was in the Original Yankee Stadium, “The House that Ruth Built.”

In America, we may love football and basketball, but baseball is still our true love. So it is no wonder that many people have it on their Bucket List to visit certain baseball stadiums! #Baseball #Bucketlist #ILoveBaseball Click To Tweet

Going to a Baseball Stadium with Dad

John Alo-Sweeney visiting the New Yankee Stadium from his baseball bucket list
At the New Yankee Stadium

I remember every detail of that day: stepping out of the #7 Train; the anticipation; the overwhelming feeling of “baseball energy;” the goose bumps when entering gate #3; and the euphoric excitement when the crowd started cheering. Wow, that was it. That’s when I was hooked.

Together, my dad and I enjoyed numerous games. We visited close to 17 cities and he always made sure we caught a game while we were there together. In every moment my dad and I spent together, I was happy.

The Day it all Changed

John Alo-Sweeney Visiting Citizen Park as part of his baseball stadium bucket list
Citizen Bank Park Home of the Phillies

Then one day, we had a different conversation. He told me he would be going for his yearly checkup and he hadn’t been feeling well lately. We took him to the hospital for his checkup, and I sat in the waiting room – and waited – for what seemed like forever. After seeing the doctor, my dad told me he had to stay in the hospital over night to have more tests. At first, I couldn’t understand why he had to stay longer and I never really asked why. Months passed and finally we were told that he was really very sick. He was diagnosed with Colon Cancer.

Years of treatment went by. As with a lot of cancer patients, my dad had a lot of weight and at times it was startling how drained and weak he was. He always told me that as soon as he got out of the hospital, we would visit every baseball stadium and historic site from the past, present and future (they are always building somewhere).

A few days after he passed away, I vowed that I would continue his wish – complete his dream. In his honor, I would complete our ultimate baseball bucket list of visiting every stadium in North America.

Chasing our Bucket List Dream

Years have passed and I have slowly started fulfilling his wish. One city, one stadium, one baseball site at a time, I am getting closer to accomplishing his dream. One of his favorite stadiums was the Original Tiger Stadium in Detroit, I journeyed through barbwire, rocks and tall grass to find this field – what was once the Original Tigers Stadium – and it was worth every cut and scrape. It was 2010 when I got to visit this holy baseball land where greats like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, and Roberto Clemente all played. It’s weird, but I felt a surge of energy in this sacred land.

John Alo-Sweeney visiting the original tigers stadium field as part of his baseball bucket list
Site of the Original Tiger Stadium in Detroit

Bringing it Home

I feel that he is with me whenever I am in one of those places. It always brings me back to those good times and good moments. I know visiting every baseball stadium both past and present is a really hard bucket list task to complete. But, I am getting closer every year and I am cherishing the journey!

So as you can see, scratching off each and every baseball stadium is an amazing bucket list goal! Do you have it on your Bucket list to visit every baseball stadium in North America? Or is there a specific baseball stadium that you would love to visit one day? Let us know all about it in the comments below!

About Our Guest Poster:

John Alo-Sweeney visiting the new Tigers stadium as part of his baseball stadium bucket list
Comerica Park Home of the Detroit Tigers

John Alo-Sweeney, aka: Mana’Olanakeiki Alo, is the Owner and CEO ALOGRAPHICS Unlimited. With his background and wide range of influences – from Comic Books to Japanese Animation to German Pop Art to Dutch Graffiti to Extreme Sports to New York City Urban Street Wear, his experience expands many media platforms. He has done custom designs for athletes, local surf and skate shops. Plus, he has established himself in the music industry in Web Design, Album Covers and merchandising for various musical artists like N.E.R.D, Linkin Park, and Stone Temple Pilots, to name a few. On top of all that, he designs for various brands such as Quiksilver, Billabong, Volcom, Vans, Zoo York Institute. He also does digital work and occasional inking work for DC Comics Media. John is also the CEO & Founder of Project ALO, a charitable project which gives used and still functional computers to people who need them – such as veterans, the elderly and the less fortunate, giving them professional opportunities and connecting them to their love ones and to the world.

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Favorite Baseball Bucket List Board!

Pinterest Picture of John Alo standing in front of Citizen Bank Stadium as part of his baseball bucket list

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43 thoughts on “My Ultimate Baseball Bucketlist

  1. What a wonderful thing to do to honor your dad! I love visiting baseball stadiums across the country, each stadium always has something do unique about it.

  2. Great mission. How many more parks have you made it to since 2016? I know 2020 is a blip. Love the memories of going to games with your dad. Do you play the MLB Playstation game? It has literally every small park around the country.

    1. Hey Bernie, I personally haven’t yet but I will ask Jon how many he has done by now. I know that this past year has stalled his progress but hopefully one day he will return to his mission! Does the MLB playstation game have any of the old historic stadiums that are closed now?

  3. What a beautiful story Eric. Bonding with your father over baseball and visiting the different stadiums. The Detroit Tigers are my home team! Comerica Park is beautiful isn’t it?! The view of the cityscape is so pretty.

    1. Yeah, now this is the story of Jon & his dad but I agree what a beautiful story. I personally haven’t been to see Comerica Park in Detroit yet either but after talking with Jon, it’s sounds amazing.

  4. What a cool Bucket List item. Ticking off all of the US Baseball Stadiums is not something I’ve ever heard of, but I love the motivation behind it. An unbreakable bond between father and son. You know, I don’t really get into sport, but I can see how much it really brings people together and creates a safe and fun community.

  5. This is such a traditional sport in USA. Canada too, but more so in the US. I’m not a fan, but have been to a couple of games to watch the Blue Jays. I can understand how watching the game transports you to family memories. A great bonding time and one that keeps memories of your dad close to your heart.

    1. I guess the same can be said for Hockey in Canada or really any sport around the world. We just love how Jon was able to keep the memory of his father alive within him through a fun bucket list experience of visiting all the baseball stadiums in North America.

  6. Love the story to this post. Our loved ones stay with us for sure in things we do to remember them. Food is a big theme in my Italian family. My son, dad and his father, Fortunado Italiane enjoy food it the same way and a good meal brings feels from that.

  7. I always wondered why Americans loved their baseball so much. You answered my question in your opening para only. Just like baseball, we love cricket here for the same reasons as yours. But its mainly a boys sport.

  8. What a beautiful and touching tribute to his father! I’ve no idea about baseball, just that it’s popular in the USA! Saying that, I’d like to watch a live game one day, I’m sure the energy is amazing.

  9. I was never a big sports fan, not to say that as a non- American Baseball is really far from me. Though I appreciate this dedication and following a dream. This is an amazing story!

  10. I’m so sorry to hear about your father, but it is great that you are able to continue the dream visiting all the baseball stadiums in North America. It is a great way to honor his memory!

  11. How great that you are following on your father’s path and chasing your baseball bucket list. I like that you are doing the chase slowly and enjoying the stops you are making. Each one can be savoured a little more that way.

  12. What a fantastic guest post!

    I love this kind of bucket list as it is such a lovely tribute to John’s dad! @John, if you decide to visit Canadaian baseball stadiums as well I can show you the one near us in Vancouver. It’s great fun there in the summer. 🙂

    I LOVED visiting baseball games in Japan. They are really into all the songs and dances to go with each player, and they let off thousands of balloons at the seventh innings – it is such a laugh.

  13. Your story brought tears to my eyes. I’ve heard of lots of people trying to visit every stadium, but I think it’s so amazing that you do this as a tribute to your dad. I’m so glad you took on the challenge of getting into the original Tigers’ stadium!

  14. Your Baseball stadium bucket list is fascinating. For us, cricket occupies a similar hallowed status. We too have a bucket list of cricket stadiums that includes Lords.

  15. What an amazing bucket list challenge. As someone who lives in Pittsburgh, I am a bit partial towards PNC Park which was named “the best” or “one of the best” ballparks in the US.. Have you been to Pittsburgh yet?
    From the stadium, visitors enjoy a view on the beautiful skyline of Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle which is nothing short breathtaking. The stadium has excellent views on the field regardless where your seat is.

  16. Hi Eric, It’s great that you and your dad could share your love for baseball. Also, the fact that you can fulfill his dream. Sure he would be very proud of you. Happy memories you can cherish forever.

    1. Thanks Mimmie but this story is about John and his Dad! I wouldn’t want to claim his story as my own cause it is really important and personal to him. With that said, I think John’s dad has to be equally proud of him as well, right? Such an amazing story of a boy with a bucket list dream to fulfill his father’s wish!

  17. Thanks Lindsay for your kind words..I wake up every morning and try to make him proud. Cheers from NYC

  18. What an amazing tribute to his father -thanks very much for sharing this story! I wish him all the very best as he honors his dad’s memory!

    1. Thank you Lara for your awesome words. Can’t wait to do more . It’s like one step closer to my dad . Where ever he may be. I will get there on Bucketlist wish at a time 🙂 Cheers!

  19. Great guest post! I grew up near the home of Yogi Bera and regularly went to a AAA stadium dedicated to him. He would show up occasionally to games or school trips and greet guests. Its awesome how inspiring Baseball can be and how it can help people in so many ways.

    1. I love the Yogimeister. I ve been to his museum and met him a few times. He even got to sign my catchers mitt and a few balls. Such a classic act. He is beyond Baseball. his Yogisms became part of pulp culture and people’s daily lives. His passing was so sad. His time with the yanks and mets was priceless

  20. What an awesome read! I am so happy that you get to do all this, for a purpose! Also, I smile because I am from Chicago and this is the Cubs’s year (I believe)! Great post!

    1. I’m so much rooting for the Cubs..I went there last year and got to go to 2 games. One inside Wrigley and one on the rooftop parties on a day game was pretty cool. All you can drink and eat. Wrigley is one of the long standing stadiums that’s left. Love how the fans stood by their team every year..yes I’m hoping its the Cubs this time

  21. The filial bonding over baseball comes across so poignantly, it is really touching. I am sure your dad will have a smile on his lips and a twinkle in his eyes as he watches you visiting city after city, stadium after stadium and baseball site after site.

    1. Thank you for your kind words. I feel that he is next to me everytime I fulfill his dream. He actually got to see me play in Cooperstown as a kid and as an adult when my team the Cyclones got the honor to play there too. Yup so that place has so many good memories. Anyway it all for him. 🙂

  22. I watched my first game of baseball in O’ahu – a college match that was pretty cool. But, I can’t sit there for that long watching it – short attention span. The sports I watch in Australia go for 80 mins! I love how it’s such a big thing in the US though.

    1. To be honest with you College baseball is equally exiting. I had short attention span too but somehow I learned the art of scoring a baseball game from my dad too which charts every detail of the game, how many pitches, strikes, walk , runs and etc. plus ofcourse the Beer and good food helps 🙂 cheers from NYC

  23. What a beautiful thing to cherish between father and son. I, too am a middle child and I lost my father to cancer 2 years ago. We had a special bond and memories that were different from my siblings and him. I know I will cherish those forever. Continue to honour your dad! I know he’ll be very proud <3

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes the middle kid mentality does exist 🙂 I feel a sense of warmth and joy when I fulfill things in his honour.
      Cheers from NYC

  24. As an English girl I didn’t grow up with baseball but I would love to go to a game one day. Having a hot dog at a baseball game is on my bucket list

    1. That’s awesome. Same thing with me. I want to be in a World Cup hosted by the UK. Have all the pint of beers and whisky someday. Cheers and thanks for you kind words

    1. thanks for you message. The new Yankee Stadium is nice, you can get any types of food..from Chinese Take out, Japanese Sushi, Italian and the reg Hotdogs Pretzels, Hotdogs, Chicken Fingers and etc. There is no bad seats but definitely feel different from the Original one…this is what they call the House that Jeter Build..cheers and enjoy the post season

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