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Justin Verlander Traded By Mets And Going Back To Houston

Good morning, Sports fans! Davey Mac is back with an exciting Sports Report for ya on a Wednesday! We’ve got continued sniping between the Jets and Broncos! The Yankees and…

Washington Nationals v New York Mets

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 30: Pitcher Justin Verlander #35 of the New York Mets tips his cap after being relieved in the sixth inning of a game against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field on July 30, 2023 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Nationals 5-2 as Verlander recorded his 250th career win. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Good morning, Sports fans! Davey Mac is back with an exciting Sports Report for ya on a Wednesday! We've got continued sniping between the Jets and Broncos! The Yankees and Mets are in the toilet! World Cup update! And more! But first!

We've got breaking news from Major League Baseball! Met starter Justin Verlander appears to be headed back to the Houston Astros. A report is stating that the Mets will trade Verlander to the Astros for two of Houston’s best prospects.

Washington Nationals v New York Mets

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 30: Justin Verlander #35 of the New York Mets pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a game at Citi Field on July 30, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

The Mets will receive outfielder Drew Gilbert...who is the top-rated prospect by the Astros...and outfielder Ryan Clifford.   Verlander goes back to Houston where he won two World Series and two Cy Young awards (he has three overall).

League Championship Series - New York Yankees v Houston Astros - Game Two

Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

This is a potentially good move for both teams. The Astros get their ace back...and the Mets acquire good prospects. Win-win.   Now let's get to the Scoreboard!

Washington Nationals v New York Mets

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 30: Pitcher Justin Verlander #35 of the New York Mets looks at the crowd after being relieved in the sixth inning of a game against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field on July 30, 2023 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Nationals 5-2 as Verlander recorded his 250th career win. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

The Yankees lost yet again as the Yanks fell to the Rays last night…5 to 2. Carlos Rodon receives the loss…as the Yankees drop to 55 and 52…last place in the A.L. East and 11 games out of first in the division. Awful.

Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 1: Carlos Rodon #55 of the New York Yankees reacts after giving up a home run to Randy Arozarena #56 of the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning at Yankee Stadium on August 1, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

The Mets lost to the Royals…7 to 6…as the Mets fall to 50 and 56…as they too have been terrible this year.

New York Mets v Kansas City Royals

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 01: MJ Melendez #1 of the Kansas City Royals runs home to score on a walk-off balk in the 10th inning against the New York Mets at Kauffman Stadium on August 01, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals won 7-6. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the Phillies beat the Marlins…3 to 1…as they stay hot.   The Phillies are now 58 and 49 for the season.

Philadelphia Phillies v Miami Marlins

MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 01: Bryson Stott #5, Nick Castellanos #8 and Brandon Marsh #16 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on August 01, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Football. The Jets Vs. Broncos beef is staking a new twist. New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett replied to Denver Broncos' new head coach Sean Payton...after Payton said that Hackett (who was the head coach of the Broncos last year) did the worst head coaching job in NFL history.

Hackett says that Payton violated an unwritten "code" that exists among coaches. Hackett said: "As a coach, as a coach's kid, we live in a glass house. We know that. We all live in different rooms, and we all have a key to it. It's one of those things, there's a code, there's a way things are done in that house."

Kansas City Chiefs v Denver Broncos

DENVER, COLORADO - Nathaniel Hackett as head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2022 (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Basketball. Bronny James was seen playing piano in a video posted by his father, LeBron James, on Saturday, five days after the teenager went into cardiac arrest during a basketball workout at the University of Southern California.

2023 McDonald's All American Game

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 28: Bronny James #6 of the West team talks to Lebron James of the Los Angeles Lakers after the 2023 McDonald's High School Boys All-American Game at Toyota Center on March 28, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

Soccer. The U.S. will play Sweden on Sunday at 5 AM on FOX.

Portugal v USA: Group E - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 01: Alex Morgan of USA  (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

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Major League Baseball has a deep respect for their game's rich history. Attending a ballgame can be a great experience that allows fans to marvel at baseball culture. Furthermore, most MLB parks have designed stadium attractions that make them unique amongst the 30 venues in the league.

From museums to bodies of water to fan-zone fun, the MLB stadiums across the country each have something that is representative of their character. Often you will find baseball enthusiasts track how many ballparks they have been to. In addition, it is common for fans to build trips to other cities to have a new MLB park experience.

MLB is the only professional sport in the country where each team has its own dedicated stadium. For example, in the NFL, the Jets and Giants share Metlife Stadium. Many NBA team share their home arena with the NHL team in their city. In professional baseball, each of the 30 teams has their own home field that is theirs alone. This enables the organization to build more character specific to the club.

The interior of an MLB ballpark is all about the players. Though there is a mysterious aura about the clubhouse, given that they are underground. The common thread in modern-day construction is centered around the ballclub. The intent is to make each clubhouse comfortable, hi-tech, and private for the players and coaches. The rest of the stadium is all about the fan experience.

Inside The Park

Here, we will look at some of the most unique MLB stadium attractions. Each is representative of their city and team history. They provide character to the ballpark. In many cases, these features make the park a landmark in their home state.

If you want to take in an MLB game in a ballpark you have not visited yet, here are some attractions to consider.

The Pool at Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks

Behind the outfield wall at Chase Field, there's a pool area. From here, you can see the entire game. At the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, you can take in a National League West game while going for a swim. The area accommodates 35 people.

A general view of action between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies during the game at Chase Field Phoenix, Arizona.

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Green Monster Seats at Fenway Park - Boston Red Sox

You surely know all about the infamous Green Monster left field wall at Fenway Park, but did you know you can sit on top of it? There are 269 seats available for Red Sox ticket purchase. This area is a common spot for lucky fans to catch a home run ball.

A view of the Green Monster at Fenway Park

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

The Museum at Yankee Stadium - New York Yankees

Hundreds of signed baseballs by Yankee greats, plagues, and statues are just some of the incredible monuments in the museum at Yankee Stadium. Some of the exhibits rotate, but "Yankees by the numbers" jerseys, World Series rings, and trophies are always on display.

McCovey Cove at AT&T Park - San Francisco Giants

If you want to kayak up against the outfield wall of a picturesque stadium, McCovey Cove in San Francisco is your spot. While its common to see boats overshadowing right field, this is also a common spot for those looking to catch a memorable home run ball.

McCovey Cove at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California.

Michael Heiman/Getty Images

The Ivy at Wrigley Field - Chicago Cubs

"There's magic in the ivy and the old scoreboard," Eddie Vedder sings in his Cubs tribute song "All The Way." The legendary ivy covering the outfield walls at Wrigley might arguably be the most iconic ballpark look of all.

Outfielders of the Chicago Cubs chase after during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field The ball was lost in the ivy.

Brian Kersey/Getty Images

The Park at Petco Park - San Diego Padres

Technically it's called Gallagher Square, but the Park at Petco Park is located outside the outfield walls but inside the gates of the stadium. You need a ticket on gameday to access this space, which has mini fields and a statue of the late Padres great Tony Gwynn.

Touch Tank at Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Rays

A tank containing real live stingrays rests within the outfield of the stadium. This is a 35 foot, 10,000 gallon exhibit that is in partnership with the Florida Aquarium.

Fans gather around the touch tank in Tampa at a Rays game.

Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

The Train at Minute Made Park - Houston Astros

15-foot-high and 56-foot-long replica of an 1862 steam locomotive goes for a ride each time the Astros hit a home run. Sitting 90 feet above the field, you will hear this train go for a 40 second ride back and forth. This area of the park used to be Union Station, which is why the train was brought in as an attraction in 2000. It is driven by Bobby Dynamite.

The Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park - Miami Marlins

Along the main concourse in center field, there's the Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park in Miami. This is the home of over 500 bobbleheads that are enclosed behind glass. While many of these are MLB and minor league players, a section includes entertainers and special giveaways the Marlins have done.

The Bobble Head Museum at Marlins Park in Miami.

Jason Arnold/Getty Images

Bernie Brewer's Slide at American Family Field - Milwaukee Brewers

When the Brewers hit a home run, their mascot Bernie slides down a giant yellow slide out of his outfield treehouse. Fans can take a ride down as well. Tickets are available for purchase for some pre-game fun ($150-$175).

The Fountains at Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City Royals

The city fountains are well represented at the home of the Royals. The fountains in outfield are 322 feet wide. They can change colors and offer a magnificent display. Select 200 level seats near the fountains can be purchased. There are eight programmed fountain shows, where 600 nozzles can launch into 150 combinations of effects.

A general view of the fountains in the outfield at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The Rockpile at Coors Field - Colorado Rockies

You can sit high above centerfield in Colorado. The Rockpile offers $4 select tickets. It's a bleacher style seating, giving you a true Rocky Mountain feel.

A general view of the Rockpile in center field at Coors field in Colorado.

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

“East Side” Dave McDonald has been the co-host of The Morning Rat Race for the past ten years. A lifelong Monmouth County resident, Davey Mac was raised in Spring Lake and graduated from Monmouth University. Additionally, Davey Mac co-hosts The East Side Dave and Son Wrestling Show (which is available on WRAT.com and is nationally syndicated by Beasley Digital Media). Davey Mac is a mega-sports fan, crazy wrestling enthusiast, Star Wars obsessive, rock and roll freak, and all-around Pop Culture nut. From the hottest streaming shows to the best in live sports, Dave tries to watch everything.