Eastlake Ballpark

Eastlake Ballpark from the pedestrian bridge, Aug-2003.

The park’s interior configuration, as seen from left field.

How things look from behind the plate.

Chronological Tour: Stop 251

• Location: Ohio SR 91 just north of SR 2 freeway, Eastlake, Ohio (map it using Google Maps)
• Opened: 2003 as Eastlake Ballpark
• Additional names: Classic Park (2006)
• Home team: Lake County Captains, South Atlantic League (2003-09), Midwest League (2010-present)
• Capacity: 7,273

Rating: 3 baseballs

The main parking area is connected to the stadium by a pedestrian overpass crossing Ohio SR 91; there is limited parking on the stadium side of the road, consisting of staff, handicapped, and Gold Reserved parking. As it is, they get $5 to park in the city-owned lot across the highway.

The park itself bears a resemblance to Staten Island, at least as far as its configuration goes, although you don’t have the same kind of brickwork – and instead of additional stands along the sides, they have some outfield bleachers somewhat reminiscent of what got added in Brooklyn a few weeks into the Cyclones’ inaugural season. These, though, were part of the park from the start, placed in front of the park’s kiddie playground.

I would have been tempted to give Eastlake a few more points had its access been any better. At the very least, they could have built the pedestrian crossing to be ADA-compliant, so that fans didn't have to walk down to street level and then up to the concourse. It could also stand to be better lit.