want to try minor league baseball? these teams combine top-flight stadiums with successful operations, and they can offer a glimpse of why the minors are thriving.

akron aeros
hok, the same architectural firm that designed jacobs field in cleveland and oriole park at camden yards in baltimore, did canal park, home to cleveland’s class aa affiliate. in downtown akron, the park sits next to the ohio canal and boasts the largest scoreboard in the minor leagues.

brooklyn cyclones< br/>baseball returned to brooklyn with this class a short-season affiliate of the new york mets. the cyclones play at keyspan park, with coney island over the left field wall and the atlantic ocean over the right field wall.

sacramento river cats
how does the oakland a’s class aaa affiliate outdraw two major league teams? one reason is the $40 million raley field, which includes two family restrooms (with baby changing areas), a barbecue and picnic section, and a family play area.

louisville bats
class aaa affiliate of the cincinnati reds, the bats play in $39 million slugger field on the banks of the ohio river. the stadium features a historic rail freight depot as its front entrance.

kane county cougars
this class a affiliate of the oakland a’s drew half a million fans in 2002, despite the 30-minute drive from chicago and its two major league teams.

myrtle beach pelicans
the atlanta braves’ class a affiliate plays in the $13 million coastal federal field, surrounded by palm trees. amenities include nine luxury suites and a family picnic area that juts out into right field.