Take Me Out to the Ballgame

by Brenna Holeman

Baseball

 

“Yeah!” my dad shouts, cheering loudly alongside the fans beside him. A player has just hit a beautiful home run, bringing in three runs total for the Dodgers. The crowd, split fairly evenly with L.A. Dodgers fans and Arionza’s Diamondbacks, or D-Backs, fans, is a cacophony of cheers and groans.

“Wait,” I turn to my dad. “Are you cheering for the Dodgers or for the Diamondbacks? I thought you said you were going for the home team.”

***

 

Last night I attended my second ever Major League Baseball game in North America; the first was a Toronto Blue Jays game over a decade ago. I’m currently in Scottsdale, Arizona, where my dad has a house. It’s amazing how 40 degree heat, a swimming pool, a good book, and the company of family can melt away all of the worries I was recently having in London.

Although this visit is a very casual one, with the restaurant we choose for dinner the only thing we debate, my dad wanted to get tickets for an MLB game while we were here. Last night the three of us (my sister Zalie is here, too) drove into downtown Phoenix to find Chase Field, home of the Diamondbacks. As soon as I entered the stadium, I was filled with adrenaline: the music, the food stalls, the jersey-cloaked fans. Over the past few years I’ve been lucky enough to attend a lot of local or regional games, but also a few NHL, CFL, and NBA games, as well as professional football matches in Colombia and Argentina. I would love to one day attend the World Cup.

Baseball 5

Baseball 2

We found our seats – right behind home plate. A few beers and a few hot dogs later, we were settled right in, intently watching every pitch and predicting where all the fly balls would land. And for all that I’ve always thought myself an “arty” person, the kind who visits galleries and theatres when I travel, I love visiting live sporting events just as much. Whatever the sport, I find I get really into it, and really enjoy seeing the passion and zeal of the fans. I’ve even started going to sports pubs on my own to catch some games on TV; I barely know any of the players, but I enjoy watching games and think it’s a great insight into a country’s culture.

Baseball 4

Baseball 1

By the time the seventh inning came around last night, the three of us were up on our feet, singing along to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” with the rest of the crowd. Shortly after, the D-backs struck out.

“Oh man!” my dad lamented, sad that the D-backs didn’t complete a run.

“Dad, seriously, are you cheering for the Dodgers or the D-backs? I’m confused.”

“You know what?” he responded. “I don’t really care who wins, just as long as it’s a good game.”

Baseball 6

Do you ever attend live sporting events when you travel? Do you enjoy watching sports on TV? 

You may also like

13 comments

Helen August 28, 2014 - 8:24 pm

I went to see the Philadelphia Phillies v the Florida Marlins once! Fun times! Especially the hot dogs! I was rooting tor the Marlins!

Hope you’re having a great time with the family! x

Reply
Brenna Holeman August 28, 2014 - 11:14 pm

Yes – I love it! People complain that baseball is too slow but I find it quite exciting.

I’m having an amazing time with family, thank you! See you soon x

Reply
Katie @ The World on my Necklace August 29, 2014 - 1:28 am

I went to see the Cubs playing the Padres in San Diego a few years back and loved the atmosphere. Rugby is my favourite game to watch live – so exciting!

Reply
Brenna Holeman August 29, 2014 - 6:45 am

The atmosphere is incredible, you’re right! I would love to see a live rugby game.

Reply
Hayley August 29, 2014 - 1:37 am

I totally agree. I think going to a football game in Australia (AFL or NRL) is how you really get a feel for our culture. In New York next month I’m going to my first game – Go Yankees haha!

Reply
Brenna Holeman August 29, 2014 - 6:45 am

Ohhhh AFL is the best! I love watching it either live or on TV. It will be amazing to see the Yankees!

Reply
Camille August 29, 2014 - 10:59 pm

I agree that sports provide huge insight into a country’s culture. When I was Uruguay, I attended a football match between two of Montevideo’s biggest clubs. A couple summers ago, I was in Spain during the Copa Del Rey and later the European Championship. Here in the US I’ve been to American football games, collegiate and professional basketball, baseball, and hockey.

Reply
Brenna Holeman September 1, 2014 - 6:51 pm

That’s awesome! I love going to South American football matches, they are so intense. I love the passion of the fans!

Reply
Audrey August 31, 2014 - 12:13 am

I watched my second baseball game ever while I was in Chicago this summer. The boy is a HUGE Cubs fan so we had to go cheer the team. I’m still not a big baseball fan (I’ll take soccer any day), but it was fun just going for the ambience, and I loved it when everyone joined in to sing Take Me Out To The Ball Game.

Reply
Brenna Holeman September 1, 2014 - 6:50 pm

Yes – I love the ambience, too! I think I am pretty happy at nearly any live sports event, as long as there is a good/safe crowd and some tasty snacks. I guess I’m easy to please!

Reply
Zalie September 3, 2014 - 11:03 pm

I really should learn more about baseball but I guess I just get too caught up in the good company, food, and drinks!

Reply
Brenna Holeman September 4, 2014 - 5:02 am

Ha ha – it’s certainly easy to get distracted at a game! I had so much fun with you. 🙂

Reply
Craig February 28, 2015 - 4:56 am

Take me there!

Reply

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.