A full house for a postseason game at Turner Field has a
very different feel than a typical summer eve of the national pastime. But
whether packed in or spread out, fans take different approaches to attending and
enjoying ballgames in person.
Some of it has to do with whether one is an informed,
engaged fan of the game and a team in particular or just looking for a day or
night out with friends. Either is fine, but it makes a difference in the fan
experience.
There are things some fans do that others don’t — which got
me thinking about how my approach to the baseball experience may differ from others.
First, I thought of two things that many other fans (to
varying degrees) do that I don’t.
One: I don’t do “The Wave.” I just don’t — even though
starting it each night at Turner Field brings a big smile to the aging face of our
beloved dancing usher, Herman Mills.
Two: I don’t boo opposing pitchers for throwing over to
first when a runner takes a lead or for issuing an intentional walk. Those are
as much a part of baseball as bobbleheads that hardly resemble players and
overpriced cotton candy.
(But I cheer pickoffs. And, last night, I cheered loudly
when Dodgers manager Don Mattingly called for intentionally loading the bases
to get to Jason Heyward. Someone must have spit tobacco juice on his scouting
report.)
Second, there are a couple of things as well that I do but
many fans do not.
One: I sing “Cracker Jack,” not “Jacks.” (Yes, it’s no big
deal and I’ve mentioned it before. Just one of my things.)
Two: I watch the game — and leave my seat rarely and only
between innings. No one should go for a drink, hot dog or bathroom when there
is a full count.
Sitting on the end of row, I sometimes feel like a revolving
door. But I’d rather do that at the end of the half inning.
But nothing beats being there.
