As you drive past the imploded rubble of Veterans Stadium across the street from Citizens Bank Park, you are struck with an expectation of excitement. Gone is the cement doughnut that had once captivated its fans—that is, after a few seasons, it held them captive.

In 1887, the Phillies began their baseball life playing in a rectangular shoebox, strangely named Baker Bowl. It was double-decked from foul line to foul line, with a 40-foot wall in right field, on which was printed a Lifebuoy soap advertisement, with 40-foot-high letters. A home run down the right-field line only had to travel 279 feet—the wall was so short because the owners of the property next door refused to move. A left-field home run shot was a decent 341-foot poke, and in deep center it was 408.

In 1938, the Phillies began sharing quarters with Connie Mack’s Philadelphia A’s at Shibe Park, where they remained until 1971. Shibe Park had a seating capacity of 33,608. When the Phillies moved into Veterans Stadium, in 1972, the sellout capacity for their games shot up to 62,418 seats. They shared that facility with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Citizens Bank Park—A new, old beginning

Citizens Bank Park was the third newly constructed ballpark I visited on my tour. In a word—throwback. The fans once again are in the game: The distance down the left-field line is 329 feet, and down right it’s 330. After the power alleys reach 369 in left and 389 in right, the wall shoots out to 401 in center.

Beware the "Angle." In left field, there is a barrier that not only adds distance to a home run, but may add a devious rebound for an unsuspecting outfielder.

Seating capacity is 43,500 and the fans in the upper decks are closer to the action.

"It is very roomy," said first-time visitor Carlos Bustamante, from Caracas, Venezuela. "Nobody had any trouble to feel free.

"It had a beautiful design. It was the first time I sat in the bleachers. I had a good view—a complete view of the field."

Paying respect to the Phillies’ former home, Shibe Park, there are rooftop bleachers in right field. These look down not only on the field and on the bullpens, but on Ashburn Alley, which runs behind center field. A unique, cozy feature of the Phillies bullpens is that they are bi-level—with the Phillies occupying the ground level. (After their first road trip this season, the Phillies requested a lower berth.)

Strolling on Ashburn Alley—named after Hall of Fame center fielder Richie Ashburn—enables the fans to view the bullpens, the granite markers depicting Phillies All-Stars, and a statue of Ashburn. Former Phillies first baseman Greg "The Bull" Luzinski has his Bull’s BBQ on the Alley, complete with picnic tables.

The Alley is also home to Memory Lane. This illustrates the history of Philadelphia baseball from 1883, including the city’s Negro League teams. A Wall of Fame commemorates Phillies players with bronze plaques. This was begun at Veterans Stadium in 1978.

The architecture makes extensive use of brick, and leads your eye to the Philadelphia skyline. Also in this area is a 100-foot tower which supports the Citizens Bank Liberty Bell. It tolls, lights up and sways whenever a Phillies player hits a home run.

Three other Phillies Hall of Famers have their statues outside the park. In the main gate area is pitcher Robin Roberts, at the third base entrance is Mike Schmidt, and near the right field gate is pitcher Steve Carlton’s statue. (Also at the third-base entrance is a statue of A’s manager Connie Mack.)

Ballpark eats

If you don’t like The Bull’s barbecued beef ribs and other treats, you won’t go hungry. Brewerytown concession stands offer imported brews and various sandwiches. Can you say Philadelphia hoagie? The Cobblestone Grille’s big seller is the Philadelphia cheesesteak. Harry the K’s Broadcast Bar and Grille, named after Hall of Fame Phillies announcer Harry Kalas, overlooks the field from atop the left field bleachers. It is the only bi-level restaurant in baseball. There are about eight other specialty concessions throughout the park, offering a multitude of delights.

"I had a hot dog for a dollar—just a dollar," Bustamante said. "It was a really good dog."

A park for all ages

An interactive kids’ area is located in the expansive forecourt on the first-base side. The kids can clothe themselves as miniature Phillies Phanatics (the team’s mascot). There is also a Phanatic Phun Zone here, where the kids eight and under can climb, play games and explore. A rock-climbing baseball wall is located on the terrace level behind Section 317.

Turning back the clock was a turn in the right direction for the Phillies.

Courtesy photo

Caption: Aerial view of Citizens Bank Park.