10 possible PokeStops for baseball fans
Pokemon GO has reached phenomenon-like levels, with thousands venturing around the real world in search of rare Pokemon to add to their virtual collections. In their journeys, users are led to locations designated as "PokeStops," real landmarks that award them with Pokeballs (to capture said Pokemon, of course) as well as other useful items.
The search has led enthusiasts to storied monuments all over America - including sporting venues - so we figured this is the perfect opportunity for people to learn a little baseball history while trying to catch their Pokemon.
Here are 10 potential PokeStops for baseball fans:
Pesky's Pole, Boston
Nothing quite says Fenway Park like the Green Monster, but if you gaze down the right-field line, there's Pesky's Pole. Like Scyther, the green insect with blade-like forearms, David Ortiz slices and dices baseballs at and over the Monster for extra-base hits with ease. But Pesky's Pole has caused heartbreak numerous times when it comes to fair and foul.
McCovey Cove, San Francisco
Back in the day, Barry Bonds used to slug baseballs into McCovey Cove with ease. But now we're beginning to realize that maybe he was aiming for Poliwhirl, the tadpole Pokemon who looks more like a target than a threat. So if fans are still willing to go out into the bay to retrieve a ball, they might come back with a little extra.
Ted Rogers statue, Toronto
An obvious landmark for Pokemon GO fans, the Ted Rogers statue is located outside Gate 6 of the Rogers Centre in Toronto to commemorate the Blue Jays' ownership's history. That's why if you swing up north, you're probably going to catch Articuno, the blue bird Pokemon who is built to withstand harsh cold weather conditions.
Marlins home run sculpture, Miami
There aren't many Miami Marlins home runs that hit the sculpture in center field, but there's a chance a Pokemon could die if this monument is struck. Pokemon masters might find Blastoise, the behemoth turtle whose mega water launchers hurt opponents as much as Giancarlo Stanton hurts baseballs.
Citi Field Home Run Apple, New York
The Mets' Home Run Apple has been a staple ever since the team played out of Shea Stadium, but you might find a Weedle weaseling its way through the core of the apple these days. It's OK, home run balls aren't going to hurt this Pokemon, which can be pretty tough to spot because it's so small.
Louisville Slugger Museum, Louisville
The Louisville Slugger Museum is home to some of the greatest bats in the sport's history, including a 120-foot-tall replica of Babe Ruth's 34-inch bat. Pokemon fans, though, are more likely to notice Zubat flying around the place.
Monument Park, New York City
A visit to Yankee Stadium has to include a visit to Monument Park. The plaques honor Yankee greats, and as the stones line up in center field, it might be a good opportunity to sneak up on an Onix, which might lay parallel to the legends.
Comerica Carousel, Detroit
As Miguel Cabrera rips baseballs inside Comerica Park, just outside Detroit's stomping grounds sits a revolving carousel. The monument comes to life at night, when the rotating tigers are adorned with bright lights. Be careful, though, as one of those tigers could very well be an Arcanine just trying to blend in.
Bernie Brewer's Slide, Milwaukee
Whenever the Milwaukee Brewers hit a homer, Bernie Brewer takes a leap down the slide at Miller Park. So with all the homers being belted over the years, one has to think he gets a little dizzy. On the other hand, Pokemon masters are likely to spot Drowzee hanging around, which is likely the real reason Bernie's head is spinning.
Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown
The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., is where every legendary player, moment, and item in baseball's rich history is enshrined. Looking at the items in the three-floor building can be as mesmerizing as having a stare-down with the great Pokemon Mewtwo. If you fall victim to his psychic abilities, though, you might not remember the memories of the Hall at all.