1. Pelham Bay Park
As any aspiring Bronx Bomber knows, New York's largest park has freshly rebuilt fields and a great breeze off Long Island Sound. Only insiders (and Ken Podziba, New York City's sports commissioner) know, however, that conditions reign supreme on Fields 2 and 3. (Bruckner Expressway at Middleton Road.)

2. East River Park
A haven for lefties, and onetime practice field for Mayor Giuliani's City Hall team, Rudy's Raiders, these two East Village greens allow southpaw sluggers the singular sensation of dropping home-run balls into the East River murk. (FDR Drive at 10th Street.)

3. Flushing Meadows– Corona Park
Where better than the shadow of Shea to inspire would-be Mike Piazzas? The two grassy fields by Meadow Lake have real raised pitcher's mounds and clean dugouts. Heck, it's probably nicer than the Mets' seedy home. (West Side of Meadow Lake.)

4. Queensbridge Park
Not only is this Long Island City gem lit up at night, it has newly renovated bathrooms, and that's hard to argue with whether or not your league is co-ed. (Vernon Boulevard and 21st Street.)

5. Riverside Park
Conveniently located only a long fly ball from the Hudson Beach Cafe, the breezy Riverside park softball field is shaded by sycamore trees overlooking the Hudson River. Early weekday afternoons promise fewer crowds. (Riverside Drive at 103rd Street.)

Related:

• Archive: “Top Five”
• Articles by Ben Kaplan
• Table of Contents: July 22, 2002 issue of New York | Subscribe!