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Fans run the bases and play catch on the field after a Syracuse Chiefs game at NBT Bank Stadium last summer.
(Stephen D. Cannerelli | Scannerelli@Syracuse.com)
The Syracuse Chiefs finished atop the International League's regular-season standings this year.
But the team's ballpark falls well short of matching that excellence, according to the research of a stadium reviewer.
Paul Swaney of Stadiumjourney.com has released his updated rankings of all 160 minor league parks. According to the author, the list takes into account a "ballpark's food & beverage options, the overall atmosphere, the neighborhood around the park, the fans, the access, the overall return on investment, and one category for any extras or special features.''
The Chiefs' NBT Bank Stadium comes in at No. 133.
Syracuse's baseball history is displayed in a few spots at NBT Bank Stadium. The Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame is tucked into one of the corners of the concourse and is worth checking out. It started in 1998 and there are some recognizable plaques that you will find. Be sure to read Tex Simone's profile as he has been the main executive for decades in the organization.
It's not clear whether the author visited NBT since new GM Jason Smorol took over last off-season, initiating many fan-friendly services and promotions.
"I disagree with him. I think we have a great park,'' said Smorol, who was unaware of the author or the survey. "I think the Chiefs are awesome. Personally, that's my opinion of it.''
Parkview Field, home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps, tops the list. Rochester's Frontier Field is the highest International League park, at No. 3 overall.
Auburn's Falcon Park is slotted at 125.
The park underwent some recent renovations. A scoreboard from a less-recent renovation sits in center field to keep fans up on the action, and the playing field and sound system underwent an upgrade during the 2014 offseason, leveling of the outfield and getting new waterproof speakers for clear game announcements to the entire park.
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