The origins of baseball are widely misinformed, but one thing remains true. With 162 games in a regular season, baseball is one of America’s oldest and most beloved pastimes.
Though many people are casually familiar with baseball, teams, and the rules, becoming a die-hard baseball fan requires a little bit of work. However, it’s worth the effort you’ll put in!
If you’re not sure how you can become a baseball fan, be sure to keep reading to help you learn to enjoy the sport, its players and coaches, and other fans!
Get Familiar With the Rules
Before you can start watching baseball, you’ll need to brush up on the rules. Though you’re likely familiar with the gist of the game and what the different positions are, there are other things you’ll need to know.
For example, you’ll want to know the differences between when a player gets tagged out versus thrown out or the various pitches that pitchers will throw to batters.
You’ll also want to learn the difference between balls and strikes and how umpires determine which one is which. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself disagreeing with the ump for the inevitable bad calls.
Know Your Team
To truly enjoy baseball, you’ll need to find a team to root for. This keeps you invest in the outcome of the game, series, and season while giving your players to follow and watch.
Most people choose to root for a team based on their family’s favorite team or the most local franchise. However, you don’t have to limit yourself!
While there’s an active 40-man roster, no one expects you to have every player, their dominant hand, and what position they play memorized from the first time you turn on a game.
Each team has a few popular players to help get you acquainted with the franchise. From Bryce Harper to Mike Trout, your team will have a few stand-out players.
You may also want to get familiar with your starting lineup. Typically, these are the same ten guys who will begin every game, with a few switches here and there.
Do Research
As the season progresses, you’ll want to keep up with the outcome, trades, and other important information that arises.
Whether you read articles, download apps that keep you up-to-date with scores, trades, and contracts, or watch weekly recaps, you’ll need to stay invested.
There are so many stats and abbreviations and numbers to remember when it comes to players. Between OPS, IP, and wRC+, you may be left scratching your head to decipher what they mean.
Don’t stress about knowing all of the details. You’ll grow more familiar with them as you continue watching.
You should be familiar with a few league leaders in some categories though, like the players who have the most home runs and highest ERA.
Start Watching
The best way to become a baseball fan is to watch games! Not only will you get more familiar with the speed of the game, the plays being made, and the players, but it’s also entertaining!
In a regular season, there are 162 games. If your team is local to you, most of them will be televised. You don’t have to watch every game!
The game can take a while since it isn’t timed, not to mention the extra innings that occur when the score is tied! If you want to skip a game, that’s okay. You can get live notifications on your phone to keep you in the loop.
Go to a Game
One of the most essential baseball tips for new fans after you’ve watched a couple of games on television is to go to a ballpark!
The experience of being at a professional baseball game is unforgettable. Not only are you surrounded by people who are passionate about the game, but you get to watch plays unfold right in front of you.
Thanks to the electric atmosphere of a ball game, you’ll feel the difference between watching in person versus on a screen.
Plus, with the amazing food options, the whole game is an experience. There’s nothing better than watching the game with a cold beer and a hot dog!
Support the Franchise
In reality, most baseball fans are critical of their franchise. Whether they disagree with roster moves, dislike the manager, or think the owners should sell, it’s all in good fun.
At the end of the day, the franchises are what keep the players playing and the fans cheering.
Though you may find yourself yelling at the TV or disagreeing with decisions, supporting the team is a great way to find a deeper connection to the sport as a fan.
By buying merch like Mets hats, Cubs blanket, or a cool Dodgers throwback jersey, you’ll help be a part of the culture of the team. If you’re a baseball fan looking to witness top athletes in action, consider grabbing your MLB Dodgers Tickets and catch a thrilling game.
Have Fun
At the end of the day, the most significant, unbreakable, rule for being a baseball fan is to have fun. Baseball is a game. There will be a winner, and there will be a loser.
Sometimes, your team will win, and that’s great! Other days they’ll lose, and you may be angry and frustrated. Important baseball fan etiquette is to be a gracious loser and humble winner.
Though it’s fun to brag to rival friends, baseball is a source of joy for many. Don’t go overboard!
However, the players are people too, with families and feelings. Under no circumstances should you send hate to a player over a game.
Becoming a Baseball Fan, Made Simple
Remember, if you’re looking for tips on being a better baseball fan, being accepting, kind, and welcoming to other fans and players is critical.
Asking questions, doing research, and finding like-minded friends will help you become a true baseball fan at the end of the day. You may find yourself groaning, but baseball, like anything else, is a hobby.
If you found this guide on how to be a baseball fan helpful, be sure to check out the rest of our website. There, you’ll find more great sports content to help keep you up to date with your team.
