10 great places where baseball history was made

— -- Baseball stadiums are more than places to watch a game. To many fans, they're where history was made, says Brad Horn, senior director of communications and education for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y. "They aren't just brick-and-mortar institutions," he says. "It's what our experience was as fans that connects us to the stadium. It's a shared moment." He shares ballparks tied to unforgettable baseball moments with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Fenway Park

Boston

Baseball's smallest, oldest park celebrates its 100th birthday this season. Although modernized with the addition of bleachers over the Green Monster left field wall, and an HD video screen, it retains its historic atmosphere, Horn says. Many fans remember when pitcher Roger Clemens electrified the crowd by striking out a record-setting 20 players in 1986. 877-733-7699; bostonredsox.com

Yankee Stadium

Bronx, N.Y.

Just 3 years old, the new Yankee Stadium already has seen milestone moments. In the first season in 2009, Derek Jeter broke Lou Gehrig's franchise record of 2,721 hits. The arena, Horn notes, still has Monument Park, honoring Yankee greats. "The ballpark itself is a shrine to the history of the winningest franchise in baseball," Horn says. 718-293-4300; newyorkyankees.com

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Baltimore

This downtown ballpark with its retro design changed baseball when it opened in 1992. "The debut of that stadium gave birth to every modern stadium that followed," Horn says. A highlight came in 1995, when Cal Ripken Jr. broke Lou Gehrig's 56-year-old consecutive-game streak. 888-848-2473; baltimoreorioles.com

Oakland-Alameda Co. Coliseum

Calif.

Just a month after this stadium opened in 1968, Catfish Hunter pitched a perfect game. In the years that followed, the Athletics dominated the sport, winning three straight World Series titles from 1972 to '74. Families love the park's Stomper Fun Zone, a toddler play area. 510-638-4900; oaklandathletics.com

Wrigley Field

Chicago

While the hometown Cubs have never won the World Series at Wrigley, it's one of the most revered spots in baseball. Of the many historic moments, perhaps Babe Ruth's "called shot" is the most famous, Horn says. The slugger allegedly pointed his bat at the bleachers during the 1932 World Series and then hit a homer to the spot. Fans love the stadium's hand-turned scoreboard and neighborhood setting. "While times have changed and the players have changed, the ballpark itself maintains the look of a generation ago." 773-404-2827; chicagocubs.com

Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles

This treasured West Coast stadium turns 50 this year and is still a fan favorite, Horn says. "No ballpark experience better captures the natural beauty of that climate. The sunset with palm trees behind the outfield can be experienced by the fan in every seat." One standout moment: Pitcher Sandy Koufax's perfect game in 1965. 866-363-4377; losangelesdodgers.com

AT&T Park

San Francisco