Baseball is America's pastime and my favorite sport. Here are seven reasons why baseball makes me happy!
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Citizens Bank Park
NBC Sports- Philadelphia
There is something about sitting at the stadium, watching the sunset over the city of Philadelphia and the iconic Liberty Bell looming over the batters eye in Center Field at CBP. This ballpark was named one of the most beautiful parks in all of Major League Baseball. I even remember as a little kid going to games when they were ALWAYS sold out, and it made for the best atmosphere you could think of. 50,000 people cheering as loud as they could as Ryan Howard would crack a home-run into the right-field stands. Or Roy Halladay striking out another batter on his filthy sinkerball. The views that baseball gives me makes me feel full inside.
Food!
Chickie's and Pete's Sign
Philadelphia Magazine
Now baseball is sure good for two things, fun and FOOD! You can't go to the ballpark and not get some kind of snack or whole meal. Many sports venues have their unique little dishes, in much of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Area, Chickie's and Pete's Crab Fries are a MUST HAVE! Yes, they are like $15, but its french fries, covered in Old Bay, with cheese. Where could you go wrong with any three of those items?
The Teams
Cover of Double Issue of Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Every city has a team, and that team fights for that city. Good, bad, ugly, win, lose. It doesn't matter, each city has a passion for the sport. This is what makes EVERY fan happy. You can go to the biggest cities in the country, like NYC or Chicago or LA. They have two teams in each city and the rivalry between the two all the more interesting.
The People
Chase Utley Last AB in Philly
NBC Sports- Philadelphia
Above is a picture from Chase Utley's last at-bat in the city of Philadelphia in 2018 for his career. He was traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Lose Angeles Dodgers in 2015 and went to the World Series with the team in 2018 against the Boston Red Sox. Utley won the 2008 World Series with Philadelphia and repeated a World Series appearance against the New York Yankees in 2009. The fans knew that Utley was retiring at the end of last season and when he came to Philadelphia for the last series in July, all three games were SOLD OUT. The fans appreciate their players more than they know which makes the fan base in each city an amazing creature.
The Rivalries
Phillies and Giants clear the benches after HBP on Victorino
SFGate
There are rivalries in each sport against each city. In baseball there are 5 major rivalries that everyone knows about: New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox; Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets; Chicago Cubs and St.Louis Cardinals; New York Mets and New York Yankees; and Los Angeles Dodgers and San Fransisco Giants. All of these rivalries date back to the early 40s for some and even the beginning of the MLB for the Red Sox and Yankees. The passion these two teams that have in the game itself make it worth the price of admission alone.
The Sights & Sounds
Fenway Park, Home of the Boston Red Sox
InterContinental Massachusetts
You cannot compare the sight of all the fans, or the pitcher staring down a batter in an elite chess match of precision. The sound of the catcher's glove catching strike three and the umpire yelling "he's out!" Or the vendors yelling: "Peanuts, popcorn, hot dogs!" it makes for memories galore and an incredible perspective.
The Mascots
Mascots Dancing at the old Veterans Stadium on it's Last Game 2003
The New York Times
Who doesn't love a furry mascot? Well, what about 30 of them! Every major league team has their own unique mascot and they make great friends. They crack jokes, throw popcorn, give little kids or those kids at heart hugs and high fives and make everyone smile no matter the outcome of the game. They are the unofficial cheerleaders and make it all worth it in the end.
