Major league baseball is one of the most popular sports to play and watch in the U.S. If you are yet to attend an MLB game, here are just a few things on what you can expect.
Foul Balls and Home Runs
Unlike basketball and football, if you find a foul ball landing in your lap, it is yours to keep. However, there are a few factors you should take into consideration before deciding to keep the free souvenir. Firstly, if you are sitting near to a child that is under the age of 9, it is best to give the ball to the child. Secondly, you will have to purchase tickets in sections where it is more likely that you will catch the ball, rather than expecting that you can migrate over to a section to be in with a chance of getting the ball.
To maximize your chances, you should choose seats near the foul lines or behind the dugouts where baseball nets are now commonly installed to protect fans from stray balls. These nets have changed how and where fans are most likely to catch a ball.
Throwing the Ball Back
While many fans will be delighted with catching and keeping a baseball, there are many that decide to throw the ball back onto the field. You may be wondering why do fans throw home run balls back, however, there is a very simple answer. It all started back in 1970 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, where an angry bartender who was a Chicago Cubs fan decided to throw the home run ball back that was hit by Hank Aaron. The reason he did this was because he felt that Aaron had snubbed him a year before when he caught the ball hit by Aaron. When the fan tried to give the ball to Aaron, Aaron walked away and ignored him. To this day, many fans throw the ball back for all sorts of reasons with one being that if the other team hits the ball, they would not want to keep it.
Know Your Limits
When attending your first MLB game, it can be incredibly easy to get caught up in all the excitement, however you will need to know your limits on what you should never do at a baseball game. There is a boundary that you should not cross when it comes to harassing the opposing players. Personal attacks on a player’s family or race is crossing the line, so having a level of respect for all the players on the pitch as well as fellow attendees is important.
Trading Hub
Attending a Major League Baseball game isn’t just about the action on the field; it’s also a hub for trading memorabilia and collectibles. Many fans, both young and old, take the opportunity to swap baseball cards and other keepsakes before or after the game. If you’re looking to offload or add to your collection, you can sell your baseball cards here and connect with other passionate fans. This creates a vibrant atmosphere where collectors can share their love for the game.
Additionally, some ballparks even host special trading events or feature booths where you can find rare cards, jerseys, or autographed items. This adds an extra layer of excitement for memorabilia enthusiasts during the game-day experience.
Stay in Your Seat
Not only should you respect the players on the field, but you should also respect all the fans who will be sitting beside you. The last thing you will want to do is keep getting up throughout the game, especially if you are seated in the middle of a row. If you are prone to frequent the restroom, it is best to purchase seats that are at the end of the row.
Understanding how to behave at an MLB game can only be a good thing. That way, you can be sure to get the best experience possible and enjoy the camaraderie between fans and players.
Featured image by Shawn Reza via Pexels.
