My second contribution for 27 Outs Baseball
In this post, which I'd thought about writing here and elsewhere, I came close to violating that philosophy, as I took on fans who seem irritated at other fans who enjoy the game differently, who don't watch the game exclusively from their seat. My intention here was a defense—a celebration, really—of the more laid-back baseball fan. Enjoy...
A Hat Tip to the Casual Fan
Full disclosure: I’ve never filled out a scorecard at a
baseball game. I’ve fumbled with them on my softball teams, but they are not
something I’m interested in fiddling with on my ballpark travels.
You see, perhaps like you, I have my own way of enjoying the
ballgame experience, and, sorry, but it may not be the same way that more
diligent, hard-core, pencil-toting fans do. That’s just me. Some have an even
more casual approach while others have a more hardcore one. That should be fine
for everyone. The important thing is that we fill up the stadium and don’t
interfere with anyone’s enjoyment of it.
Minor League baseball is wonderful in terms of allowing us all
to take in games our own way. With these games considerably cheaper than their
Major League counterparts, there should be no downcast eyes on those not
chained to their seats. The average ticket costs less than $2.00 per inning, so
some may opt to pass up a little game action in lieu of some of the other fun
that abounds at your typical MILB complex.
Go ahead and take in the
ballgame experience as you see fit, whether it’s walking the concourse, admiring
the surrounding skyline or scenery beyond the outfield walls, awaiting a chance
to meet and get a picture with the team mascot, or catching shirts cannoned
from ballpark workers. Or maybe you’d like to take advantage of the rides and
things like pitching-speed machines many ballparks offer, or eat picnic style
in areas so designated by many ballparks. It's all good. A Minor League game is an event where the on-field action is the
major attraction, but there is an awful lot to catch all around it.
Many would rather bypass that other stuff and just sit in their seats
for the full nine innings, and there sure is nothing wrong with that. I also
don’t want to dismiss that there is a ballgame going on and the players deserve
our attention for the better part of the game. I just wish there were less
begrudging of those who happily and amicably go ahead and take advantage of
some of the other things the venue offers.
When at a game, I’m there to take in the whole experience—the
sights, the action, the food and really the entire ambiance that is the
ballpark.
It starts before I present my ticket at the gate. Especially
if it’s a park I’m visiting for the first time, I want to see it from the
inside and out, so will take a walk around its perimeter. I’ll look at the
building, and I’ll look for things like statues, plaques, the settings, etc.
When I go inside, I may very well do the same thing before taking my seat,
taking a walk all the way around if possible, or at least as far up the left- and right-field lines as possible.
Then, I’ll usually look at the food and craft beer
options. Once I’ve made my selections, I
head over to my seat and relax. If possible, I like to be in my seat about a
half hour or so before first pitch—that gives me a chance to get my nourishment
and beverage consumption out of the way before the game starts.
When the first pitch looks imminent, I ready my camera and try to nail the first pitch. Social media beckons after all, and I want to check-in
with a picture of that pitch. I try to wait until between innings to post, as
there is a game going on, but I’ll admit to being guiltier of working between
pitches and at bats at trying to come up with the appropriate tags, location
pinning, and uploading of my shot(s) to multiple social media sites.
At this point, there is nothing for me to do but enjoy the
ballgame. Nice and relaxed. If it’s a Minor League game, I’m rooting mildly
with the home crowd, but I’m really just content to see these young men trying
their best, hoping to move up a level or even to the Show.
After a few innings, I’ll get up to stroll. I might get some
more food—dessert perhaps and soda or water.
If the ballpark has a path all the way around, I will absolutely take
advantage of it. More than once even. This is one of my favorite things about
many Minor League venues. Instead of coming to a barrier down the foul lines,
many ballparks allow—encourage, actually—fans to take what I think is a one-third
mile walk all the way around this loop path. I’ll stop and watch an at bat from
various spots along the outfield, take a few pictures of the ballpark looking
toward home plate, and just enjoy where I am. I’ve often encountered some of
the friendliest ushers who are all too happy to talk about their team,
ballpark, league, their travels, etc. Such chats have truly augmented my
ballgame experiences on these occasions.
Beyond my noshing and strolling, you’ll find me in my seat,
attentively watching the game—if not checking my phone perhaps a bit more than I
should—and enjoying my Minor League experience.
I won’t partake in between-inning activities, but I do enjoy
watching others participate in trivia challenges, dance competitions, potato
sack races, and whatever else the ballpark staff conjures up for the enjoyment
of fans.
After the game, most teams let kids run the bases. Many
games—especially on weekends—conclude with a firework show. Again, there are
lots of activities built around the Minor League game experience. There are
plenty of things for all of us to enjoy.
So, I hope I don’t distract you from filling out your scorecard;
I further hope you don’t mind me munching away at whatever ballpark specialty
I’ve discovered, and I sure hope you don’t mind if my seat is empty for spurts.
I’m enjoying a ballgame experience, and hope you are too.
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