Since its creation, the baseball field in the Rogers Centre (formerly the Sky Dome) in Toronto, Ontario has been seen as a pitcher’s field with the long dimensions in the outfield.
On January 27 the Toronto Blue Jays announced that they have made some adjustments to the field and bringing in the fences a bit. The changes are a part of a $300 million renovation to the park with the intent of creating a better experience for the fans.
The distance to dead centerfield will remain the same at 400 feet but changes have been made to the alleys and side line fences with the left field line remaining the same at 328 but the fence has been raised form 10 to 14.4 feet.
While dead center remains at 400 feet, the fence has been lowered from 10 to only eight feet.
The right field line also remains 328 feet with the 10 foot fence now 12.7 feet high.
The left and right center remain at 375 feet but with changes to the fence height with the left center fence raised from 10 to 11.2 fee and the right center fence goes from 10 feet to 14.4 feet.
The power alleys were previously 383 feet but have been moved in and the 10 foot fences raised – the left power alley is now two feet shorter at 381 with a 12.9 foot fence and the right power alley is now 372 feet with a 10.9 foot fence.
While the changes are expected to help increase offensive play; it will take at least a full season for the Blue Jays to determine how the changes will affect the play of the game. One of the changes to the rules beginning with the 2023 season is that shifts will no longer be allowed which is also expected to affect the game.
Other changes include raising the bullpens, bringing fans closer to the field, and the addition of new “neighbourhoods” that feature bars and social areas for the fans.
While the 2023 season officially begins at the end of March, the Toronto Blue Jays open the season on the road and fans will have to wait until April 11 before getting an opportunity to view the “new” field at the Rogers Centre when the Detroit Tigers come to town.