Minute Maid Park may be losing one of MLB’s most distinct — but likely not beloved — features in an upcoming renovation. The Houston Astros are planning updates to their home ballpark and the team announced it’s hired an architectural firm, MSA Architects, to explore possibilities for changes to the center field area during the 2016 offseason.
Team president Reid Ryan said the Astros will look at a variety of options for center field, including an Astros Hall of Fame or moving the bullpens to that part of the field to either create space for that tribute to franchise greats or a non-ticketed gathering area for fans.
Regardless of what eventually goes that part of the ballpark, major league outfielders will surely be happy about taking that dangerous incline out of Minute Maid Park’s deep center field (measured at 436 feet) and its great possibility for injury. The area also includes a flagpole on the field of play.
Frankly, it’s amazing no one has been seriously hurt or suffered a dangerous misplay while keeping his eyes on the ball and suddenly encountering a hill before the center field fence. However, navigating the hill has led to some impressive catches, as seen above.
Ryan said the ballpark will also undergo repairs, such as replacing the wheels on the retractable roof that have been in place since Minute Maid Park opened in 2000.
