Ah, baseball season. It's finally that time of the year. But to start-- people need to stop hating baseball because it certainly is not a dying sport. It is not boring. There's something about this sport that tops every other. It's mystical and magical because the unthinkable can happen.
The ballpark food, freshly cut grass, prestigious athletic competition, summer weather, and the most upbeat atmosphere-- what more can a spectator ask for?
A baseball game is one the most fun and best places to be, and here's why.
1. Opening Day
Opening Day is arguably one of the best days of the year, and that is said without exaggeration. It's a sold-out ballpark and the atmosphere is happier and rowdier than usual. Just walking into the stadium alone instantly brings on the sheer enjoyment and happiness on this day, in this one location. This feeling and sense of belonging is completely and utterly contagious.
2. American Pastime
Baseball is the only sport that will remain to be the American pastime. No other sport has as long of a professional history, making such a lasting impact in our culture as a nation. For decades, baseball itself has written its very own history book, and that won't be changing anytime soon. Every day records are set, evaluated, or crushed. The best part is that you get to be a part of it.
3. It's For Everyone
4. Winning Isn't Easy
In baseball there are tons of objectives a team must accomplish to come out victorious in the end. It's the only un-timed sport forcing you to earn every single run, making every single move count. This sport is 100% mental more than it is physical. It's a game dealing with constant adversity. Getting a run does not happen all at once, nor is it as easy as one would think. The complexity of the sport makes it that much more exciting for spectators.
5. Historic Rivalries
Granted, in each sport there will always be team rivalries. However, baseball has called for some of the most publicized rivalries in all professional sports. There are numerous classic brawls that have existed over the course of long and documented rivalries in professional baseball. Just ask any New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox fan.
6. Free Souvenirs
In baseball, fans are able to to receive free, yet very valuable and authentic souvenirs. Whether it's snagging a baseball from batting practice, catching a foul ball, luckily catching that home run, or having your favorite player approach your section with a sharpie--fans can get it all.
7. Seventh Inning Stretch
The seventh inning is most unique of the nine. Following 9/11, most ballparks take this time to sing God Bless America. As a Yankee fan who went to the first home game following this tragedy, this was such a meaningful and beautiful moment. Along with singing this patriotic song, each team has its own fun traditions. Whether singing Sweet Caroline at Fenway Park, doing the YMCA with the grounds crew at Yankee Stadium, or even singing the classic tunes of Take Me Out To The Ball Game with thousands of your friends, this is an inning to always look forward to no matter the score.
8. Ballpark Food
Some of the food you can get at stadiums, you simply cannot find anywhere else. It's always an absolute must regardless of the price. Even if it's peanuts or Cracker Jacks, it makes your experience better.
9. So Many Games
Unlike other sports, professional
baseball offers 162 games per season. That's 162 opportunities to root on your
team. You can always catch a game since there's almost never a day without an
MLB game occurring. From spring training, to division series, to the World
Series, this totals to roughly six whole months of play. Then there's
post-season. The peak of a season that determines your team's fate, in the
most exhilarating way.
10. The Fans
Baseball fans differ from other sports fans. One can say they're most loyal due to its long season. You can always make conversation with other fans, whether they are rooting for your team or the opponent--you can always make a friend, including the staff from your beloved stadium.
So many things can occur in just one game, let alone an entire season. These moments bring people together, just as it does for all sports. But baseball is different. It's special.
For many, baseball was one's first true love and if you're lucky enough, you can even get proposed to at a game with every single person in attendance witnessing this magical moment during the seventh inning stretch. Going to a professional baseball game can bring smiles, laughs, and sometimes even tears. The smells, the sights, the teams. It leaves a mark on people.
In my eyes, baseball is one of the most romantic sports known to mankind.
