There's just something about baseball. I'm not sure what it is, but there's just something special about it that has kept it America's favorite pastime for over 100 years. A baseball game is definitely a type of cultural event, especially here in the United States.
I attended my younger brother's high school baseball game yesterday afternoon. Although the day was chilly and overcast, many dedicated fans still came out to support the two teams. I suspect that they just couldn't resist watching a good game of baseball. The large field was freshly mown, the grandstands were cleared of all remnants of earlier trips to the concession stand, and the dirt marking the infield was the perfect combination of soft and muddy, making it excellent for sliding. There were younger children playing behind the bleachers, and older men regularly spitting sunflower seeds. The smell of hotdogs being cooked rode the breeze from the concession stand to the crowd. Thus, the conditions were just about perfect for an early spring ballgame.
The game was very exciting to watch, which is what everyone hopes a game of baseball to be. Not only did each of the teams play well and keep the score relatively even, but the constant banter between the two teams kept the energy level high. One team would cheer on its player that was up to bat, and then the team in the outfield would respond to that cheer without another one, mocking them.
The baseball game was exciting, fun, energetic, and pleasing to watch, making it a very good way to spend a spring Saturday afternoon.
Baseball games are a great site. And the differences from T-ball, to Little League, to High School, to College, to Minor league, to Major league are also interesting to note culturally.
ReplyDeleteWatching baseball has changed dramatically for me as I have begun to watch my son play Little League, while also keeping an eye on my two younger children playing in the dirt by the bleachers.