Important game day reminders for baseball fans
Baseball season is finally here which means it’s time to refresh your memory on some simple game day procedures.
America’s Pastime commenced with three games on April 2, but for a majority of fans, Opening Day is April 3.
Whether you’re watching the games at home or witnessing the beauty of the sport in person, here are some things to remember (and avoid) when visiting your local ballpark this season:
Never use the P or the N words
The biggest atrocity a baseball fan can commit is using the phrases “perfect game” or “no-hitter”.
When the opposing team’s hit column displays a goose egg, don’t mention it, as every individual in the ballpark is fully aware of the circumstances. Chances are, the pitcher will give up a hit shortly after the phrase is muttered. You don’t want to be the one responsible for that.
Don’t ruin the experience for the younger generation
Stealing a ball hit into the stands from a child is unacceptable. Not only will you be subject to glares and boos, there’s a possibility that child will forever hate baseball. All because of you.
Don’t be responsible for baseball’s declining popularity among millennials. It’s a beautiful game.
Don’t wear the wrong attire
You either support the home team, oppose them or are attending the venue as a neutral bystander.
Under no circumstances should you ever wear the jersey of an irrelevant team (does not apply to Marlins Man). An irrelevant team is any team not competing in the particular game in which you choose to attend.
Ex: Wearing a Cubs jersey to an Astros/Red Sox game (and yes, I’ve seen this happen).
Avoid bringing your glove unnecessarily
“There’s an inappropriate time to bring a glove to a baseball game?” you ask. Yes. Yes, there is. (Youth [-10] and elderly [+65] excluded).
Given there are exceptions to every rule (e.g. having young children with you), a majority of fans ages 11-64 should not bring a glove.
Why, you ask? It’s not necessary (especially with the new netting regulations in some parks). Contrary to popular belief, it is frowned upon by some hardcore baseball fans.
However, if you feel the need to bring a glove, go for it, nobody’s stopping you.
Extensive heckling
There are a few types of excessive hecklers and you don’t want to be any of them.
Drunk Heckler: Many people love to grab a few overpriced cold ones at the ballpark, there’s nothing wrong with that. However, there is something wrong with creating a drunken scene and making a fool of yourself and those around you. Be responsible and courteous to those around you when watching games.
Idiot Heckler: If you don’t know the game that well, don’t pretend to, you’re surrounded by die-hard fans (some of which will possibly confront you). Nobody likes someone who yells about a topic they know little to nothing about, just sit down and enjoy the event.
Non-Stop Heckler: Be quiet when your team is up to bat. Exceptions include yelling “back” to a bad pick-off move or booing a pitcher who attempts a pick-off one time too many. Other than that, fans around you will likely decide early on whether or not your heckling is excessive.
The occasional heckle causes those around you to chuckle. Some even result in an outbreak of echoes and cheers around the stadium. But remember, heckling is an art that cannot be mastered by everyone.
National anthem procedure
It’s understood that not everybody knows the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” but if you know it, sing it.
Remember to always stand up, remove your cap, and place your hand over your heart. The national anthem is a symbol of this great nation and represents one of the few things that can unify an entire stadium before athletic competition.
Finger foods
Pizza, fries, burgers, and nachos. Nothing says a day out at the ballpark quite like greasy, yet delicious foods.
Despite the mess that these foods make, they are not meant to be eaten with silverware. You’re at a baseball game, it’s widely acceptable to use your fingers with nearly everything on the menu.
Seventh-inning stretch
No matter how old you are or how cool you think you really are, no one is too cool for the seventh inning stretch.
Next: Best 2017 Opening Day pitching matchups
Show your appreciation for the best game on Earth when it comes time to participate in this rich tradition.