MLB Explores Grand Teton National Park for Baseball Game, Drawing Criticism
The league's outreach to the federal government about hosting a game in the Wyoming park has raised concerns from environmental groups and local officials.
Major League Baseball has approached the federal government regarding the possibility of holding a game in Grand Teton National Park, a proposal that has quickly drawn opposition from environmental organizations and others.
MLB and its players' association have previously held regular-season games at unique locations away from traditional ballparks. These have included games in the Iowa cornfields, inspired by the movie "Field of Dreams," as well as at historic sites like Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, and at a race track in Bristol, Tennessee. The league has also hosted international games in various countries and territories.
An official familiar with the discussions confirmed that MLB had inquired with the Trump administration about the feasibility of a national park venue. This official spoke on the condition of anonymity as the league had not authorized public comment on the matter, stating that it was one of several ideas under consideration. A White House official corroborated that MLB had made inquiries about hosting a game in a national park, emphasizing that the administration had not initiated the idea and that no permits had been granted by the National Park Service.
Grand Teton National Park, located in western Wyoming, features a commercial airport and offers expansive terrain with scenic views of the Teton Range, potentially accommodating a temporary ballpark. However, the prospect of developing a baseball field on park land has ignited significant debate.
"It's abhorrent," Mike Gierau, a Democratic state senator representing the area, stated in a text message. "Baseball is the American game. The national parks are America’s greatest idea. But a national park is to be protected for its undeveloped and scenic values."
Environmental groups have also voiced strong disapproval. "Americans want to see protections for our national parks and public lands strengthened. Bulldozing these lands for a baseball stadium does the opposite, destroying the magnificent landscapes that millions of people come to experience," said Chris Kassar, Wyoming director for one such group, in a statement. Information from Grand Teton officials regarding the outreach was not immediately available.