Larry Bleiberg

Special for USA TODAY

It’s hard to beat the combination of beer and baseball, particularly on Father’s Day. Many breweries have opened within a few miles of major league stadiums, making them a perfect place to stop before, after or even during a game. “Craft brewers have done well placing themselves in cities, and a stadium is kind of a beacon,” says Andy Sparhawk, who contributes to Craftbeer.com. He shares some favorite taprooms and breweries with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Wynkoop Brewing Co.

Near Coors Field, Denver

Baseball fans won’t have trouble finding a beer near the Colorado Rockies’ stadium, which contains a Blue Moon brewery. But Sparhawk recommends walking a couple hundred yards through the LoDo neighborhood to Wynkoop. The brewpub, co-founded by the state’s current governor, helped restore the neighborhood. “Wynkoop is literally in the shadow of Coors Field,” he says. “There’s nothing like the feeling of sitting in the taproom or on the porch and hearing a musician play 'Take Me out to the Ballgame'.” wynkoop.com

Rhinegeist Brewery

Near Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati

The Reds’ hometown has a rich brewing heritage, reaching back to the 19th century when it had a large German immigrant population. Rhinegeist taps into the history, with its location in the shell of an 1895 brewing company in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. “They’ve come on the scene with amazing flavorful craft beers,” Sparhawk says. rhinegeist.com

Cambridge Brewing Co.

Near Fenway Park, Boston

While not as old as venerable Fenway, this Kendall Square brew pub has been serving craft beers and New England cuisine since 1989, before some Red Sox players were even born. Located less than two miles from the stadium, the pub rotates its offerings, including a wide range of American and experimental styles. cambridgebrewingcompany.com

Noble Ale Works

Near Angel Stadium, Anaheim, Calif.

While California is packed with breweries, Sparhawk is impressed with this relative newcomer located just a mile from the Angels’ ballpark. It started brewing in 2011 and has won national honors. “They’re a younger brewer and they just bagged some medals at the Great American Beer Festival.” It’s also close to Honda Center, home to the Anaheim Ducks. noblealeworks.com

BlueJacket

Near Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

This brewery, located just a half-mile from the ballpark, is just as notable for its food as its beer. “It’s not your typical pretzels and hot dogs,” Sparhawk says. “Instead of normal pale ales, the beers are geared toward enjoying with food.” bluejacketdc.com

Schooner Exact

Near Safeco Field, Seattle

While celebrated for coffee, Seattle also has a vibrant beer scene, and Sparhawk likes this microbrewery located about 1.5 miles from the stadium. “It’s run by two former teachers who are passionate about craft beer,” Sparhawk says. Pre-game visitors will find sour ales and barrel-aged brews among other sudsy offerings. schoonerexact.com

Half Acre Beer Company

Near Wrigley Field, Chicago

Chicago is a competitive beer town, and Half Acre is doing something right, Sparhawk says. “They’re tough and continue to grow.” Located on Lincoln Avenue, just under two miles from the northside neighborhood stadium, this brewery recently opened a taproom kitchen, serving imaginative burritos, nachos and other hearty menu items to stand up their brews. halfacrebeer.com

Wynwood Brewing Co.

Near Marlins Park, Miami

Located about 2.5 miles from the ballpark, Wynwood is best known as Miami’s cutting-edge arts district. This brewery pays homage to the area’s street art with beer taps resembling spray paint cans. Sparhawk suggests trying award-winning Pop’s Porter, named after the founder’s father. “The flavor very much speaks to the Miami scene. It’s dark and roasted and chocolate, like a strong Cuban coffee or cigar.” wynwoodbrewing.com

Fulton Beer

Near Target Field, Minneapolis

Located just a few blocks from the Twins’ downtown stadium, patrons sitting on the patio during games can hear the crowd roar and then look up at a TV to see what just happened. The operation was founded by a group of home brewers and has grown into one of the largest beer makers in Minnesota. “It’s definitely a loved brewery,” Sparhawk says. fultonbeer.com

The Brewer’s Art

Near Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore

Sparhawk’s a big fan of this Midtown brewery located about 1.5 miles from the stadium. The 20-year-old brewpub and restaurant has vintage design, he says. “It has this gothic feel, a heavy metal meets old church vibe.” And it’s worth staying for food, which ranges from mac and cheese to steak and frites. thebrewersart.com