PETA's 2009 Top 10 Vegetarian-Friendly Ballparks

Top athletes—including slugger Prince Fielder, NBA star Raja Bell, MMA fighters Mac Danzig and Dale Hart, NBA legend John Salley, and Olympic great Carl Lewis—look to meatless meals to boost their health and stop cruelty to animals. And judging by the ever-growing array of delicious vegetarian meals available at major league parks, fans are following their lead.

In addition to old standbys such as peanuts and popcorn, baseball fans are enjoying mouthwatering options such as fresh-grilled veggie dogs, veggie burgers, and faux chicken as well as hearty burritos, vegetable wraps, and tasty regional foods. Not only are these choices full of flavor, they're also 100 percent cruelty- and cholesterol-free—talk about a triple play!

PETA is pleased to announce the Top 10 Vegetarian-Friendly Ballparks for 2009. (Be sure to check out PETA's animal-friendly minor league counterparts too.) Click on each ballpark below to learn more about its vegetarian options. And the winners are …

1. Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies)
2. AT&T Park (San Francisco Giants)
3. Coors Field (Colorado Rockies)
4. Turner Field (Atlanta Braves)
5. Minute Maid Park (Houston Astros)
6. PETCO Park (San Diego Padres)
7. Comerica Park (Detroit Tigers)
8. U.S. Cellular Field (Chicago White Sox)
9. Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles)
10. (tie) Miller Park (Milwaukee Brewers)
    (tie) Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs)

Fortunately, these aren't the only ballparks that have stepped up to the plate to serve delicious vegetarian options. Here's a list of ballparks that received honorable mention and a rundown of the meat-free items on their menus!

Honorable Mention:

• Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers): Veggie burgers, veggie dogs, California and cucumber rolls, fresh fruit skewers, roasted sweet corn, assorted salads, Healthy Kids meals (PB&J, juice box, and fruits and veggies)
• Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Rays): Veggie burgers, bowtie and penne pasta, black beans and rice, assorted salads, vegetarian action stations with pasta, risotto, black bean cakes, and quinoa cakes (available in the Batter's Eye)
• Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals): Fire-roasted vegetable burritos with rice and beans, Asian vegetable stir-fry, garden-fresh salads, fresh vegetable plates
• PNC Park (Pittsburgh Pirates): Veggie burgers, vegetable wraps, veggie pierogies, fresh fruit smoothies
• Dolphin Stadium (Florida Marlins): Veggie burgers, made-to-order salad station, fruit cups, potato latkes, vegetables crudités
• Nationals Park (Washington Nationals): Veggie burgers, hummus and vegetables, fresh fruit salads, pear and walnut salads with lemon vinaigrette, Healthy Kids meals (PB&J, juice box, and fruits and veggies)
• Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum (Oakland Athletics): Veggie dogs, chipotle black bean burgers, assorted salads, baked potatoes

Get started on your vegetarian diet today by ordering a free copy of PETA's "Vegetarian Starter Kit." It's loaded with mouthwatering recipes and useful tips and information on going vegetarian. Order one now!

Thanks to Johanna McCloy and Soy Happy for their hard work in getting vegetarian items added to menus at ballparks nationwide!