Stadium Physics

[Tram2Whitaker]

I've never been a guy to get too bogged down by details, but realistically, if I were building a stadium, how would it work?

For instance: I know that any stadium built in Miami would be a pitchers' park, as opposed to any stadium built in Denver, due to its proximity to sea level as well as temperature and relative humidity. Still other stadiums like Yankee stadium and Great American Ballpark rely on quirky dimensions for the way they're played. So, how would a stadium built in Montreal, Vancouver, or Nashville Tennessee fare? Also, which dimensions are the most important?

[Anyone]

Originally Posted by Tram2Whitaker

I've never been a guy to get too bogged down by details, but realistically, if I were building a stadium, how would it work?

For instance: I know that any stadium built in Miami would be a pitchers' park, as opposed to any stadium built in Denver, due to its proximity to sea level as well as temperature and relative humidity. Still other stadiums like Yankee stadium and Great American Ballpark rely on quirky dimensions for the way they're played. So, how would a stadium built in Montreal, Vancouver, or Nashville Tennessee fare? Also, which dimensions are the most important?

Actually, Miami isn't the ultimate example of a pitchers' park locale. It is close to sea level, which will lessen how far balls will carry. But balls carry better in heat, and in general hot weather tends to increase runs scored.

I'm not sure about humidity, either. I once read that humid air is actually lighter than dry air, so balls carry better in humidity. I read that a while ago and I haven't seen it confirmed, so it may not be true. But Miami's heat certainly would tend to help offense.

Even though Fenway Park has been a hitter's park for most of its existence, Boston's relatively cool weather and proximity to sea level will tend to favor pitchers as much as any city. Milwaukee and Seattle, as well.

Since there are counter-examples (like Fenway), that goes to show that while an elevated enough locale (Denver) might make it impossible to build a pitchers' park: If you move the fences way back to cut down on home runs that leaves a lot of room for hits to fall in.

If I were trying to build a pitchers' or at least neutral park in Denver, I'd have fairly long fence distances and 30 foot high fences. I'd have lots and lots of foul territory for balls fouled off to be caught. And I'd paint the hitters' background white to hamper visibility. Also check local prevailing winds and build it where you think the wind will usually blow in (aka the Candlestick Park effect).

Trying to build a hitters' park in a pitcher-friendly locale-- see Fenway: Very little foul territory, close fences (if the Green Monster were shorter it would be even better for hitters, obviously), good hitters' background. Also, prevailing winds blowing out are helpful.

In OOTP, of course, any stadium has any park factors you assign it. But I'd guess you're looking for a way to assign them and be realistic about what they'd be. So...there's my answer.