Since its opening in 2003, Great American Ballpark has been considered one of the most hitter friendly stadiums in the majors.
Although the park’s dimensions are very similar to the Reds’ former home, Riverfront Stadium, it still plays differently in practice. It is a hitter’s paradise, but a pitcher’s nightmare.
Part of what makes Great American so unique is its home run rate. Over the years, the ballpark has consistently ranked near the top of Major League Baseball in home runs allowed, especially down the left- and right-field lines.
In fact, from 2020-2024, it led the league with 1,031 home runs allowed. The next closest was Yankee Stadium at 981.
However, some of the best insight into this quirky ballpark comes from players who spent years in Cincinnati, and few know it better than Joey Votto.
In an interview with Jim Day on the Jim Day Podcast, Votto said that he’d