HOME RUN Adventure

N.J. MOM AND SON VISIT ALL 30 MLB BALLPARK

- By Debra Stevko Miller

From sea to shining sea... That recognizable song lyric from “America the Beautiful” takes on new meaning when the goal is to visit all 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) stadiums. As a unique way to bond, a New Jersey mom and her young son did just that and even more.

On Sept. 1, 2024, Heather Lea Szostak and son Fynn completed their ambitious ballpark chasing goal with a stop to see the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Ball Park armed with their customary homemade signage touting their numbered accomplishment.

“It's been so much fun,” said Heather of their coast-to-coast trip, including Toronto, which she estimates covered 20,000 miles.

It was while attending a Yankees game in August of 2021 that Heather and Fynn, who was 7 years old, decided they should visit every MLB stadium and become part of an exclusive club of ballpark chasers.

Traveling thousands of miles (much by car) over a three-year span in-between school breaks, their strategy was to arrive at the stadium gates as soon as they opened. Fynn would then situate himself in the front rows near the dugout ever hopeful to get a glance, a nod, or a word from one of the team members during practice.

On many occasions, his strategy worked which accounts for his expansive collection of memorabilia displayed in his bedroom. With mitt in hand, he struck up conversations with coaches and players. His outgoing personality and distinctive curly hair made him easily recognized and remembered even when visiting other stadiums. His interactions are notable.

Catcher Alejandro Kirk of the Toronto Blue Jays threw a ball with Fynn before the August 2022 game at Target Field in Minneapolis.