The Astros Are Removing Tal's Hill From Deep Center At Minute Maid Park

MLB – The Astros have received preliminary approval from the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority their plans for a $15-million renovation to Minute Maid Park that would include the removal Tal’s Hill in center field and moving the flag poles so they’re no longer in play. Astros owner Jim Crane thanked the Sports Authority for their support at a meeting Thursday morning and said the renovation project would begin as soon as the season ends and would be finished in time for the 2016 season. The renovations would include more fan-friendly areas in center field. Crane said the center field fence, which currently sits 436 feet from home plate, would be brought in to about 409 feet. The extra space beyond the wall would be used for additional concessions and fan-friendly areas where spectators can watch the game.

I’m a big fan of stadium porn. Any time there are new renderings for new ballparks/football stadiums, I love looking at them and blogging about them. Always have enjoyed seeing the cool concepts these architecture people come up with. It’s always been fascinating to me. So it looks like I’m one of the only people sad to see this hill go. Yes, 436 feet is way too far. They should definitely bring the fence in and get rid of the fucking flag pole that sits in the middle of the hill. But I wish they would leave the hill. Baseball is the only sport where the dimensions and design of each home stadium is unique. Wish they would keep the hill, albeit at 409 feet, not 436. It would make a lot more sense now, watching centerfielders climb the hill to actually rob home runs. Currently at 436 it makes little sense. But having it actually be a part of the game would be great. They are getting rid of it, but it’s little things like that which keep the game interesting. Unfortunately seemingly everyone hates it, so there’s no chance they are bringing it back.