Unlike Enron Field, the Tigers' new ballpark is spacious in the outfield, much to the delight of pitchers and the chagrin of hitters. In fact, many think he decided in the early weeks of the season not to return to the Tigers in 2001. Instead, he signed with Cleveland as a free agent. As the Brewers prepare to officially open Miller Park tonight with a game against the Cincinnati Reds, they can only hope to take advantage of their new surroundings as the Giants did a year ago. Until a team plays several games in a new facility, it is impossible to tell if it will work to its advantage or not.
Talent helps Much depends on the talent at hand.
Unlike Enron Field, there are no odd, hitter-friendly elements in Miller Park. The only thing they're certain of is that it will provide far more comfort than County Stadium on days that Mother Nature is fickle. At County Stadium, particularly early in the season when the weather was bad and the crowds were small, motivation often was lacking. A classic example of that symbiosis occurred after the Cleveland Indians moved from mausoleum-like Municipal Stadium to Jacobs Field in 1994. With a nucleus of talented, young players already in place, the Indians became a winning ballclub playing in front of full houses.