Take me out to the ballgame! April is right around the corner and so is the 2012 Minor League Baseball season. Yes, I said Minor League. This year, the Sacramento River Cats are going for their 6th straight divisional title, which would be their 11th in 13 seasons. Quite an incredible feat. They will kick off their 2012 campaign on the road as they take on the Las Vegas 51’s. The team will host their home opener on April 13th as the Reno Aces come to town. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm and should be a good one. In 2011, the Aces were eliminated from the playoffs by the River Cats.
Although this is the minors, there are some major DO NOTs that each person attending the home opener should keep in mind. These are the opening night mistakes that drive me nuts! So, without any more hesitation…..let’s begin.
#5: DON’T wear apparel from a team that isn’t playing that night.
I can’t stand looking around the stadium and seeing ball caps, jerseys, and t-shirts of teams that aren’t playing. Don’t come to the game with a Yankees hat on. Leave your Dodgers shirt at home. It is the River Cats vs. the Aces. However, because they are an affiliate of a major league team, you’re more than welcome to sport Oakland A’s (River Cats) or Arizona Diamondbacks’ (Aces) gear. Other than that, I don’t want to see it.
#4: DON’T start the wave…….ever!
Now I know a lot of people will disagree with me on this one, but the tradition of fans standing to their feet, waving their hands over their head, one section at a time until it goes around the entire ballpark, has got to be the most overdone and annoying tradition ever. Come on people, let’s get more creative. I know the kids like it, but let’s teach the kids something new. Perhaps a cheer, a stomp, or a chant of sorts, but please let’s not see that wave.
#3: DON’T curse.
Tame the tongue, people. There are going to be families there, and young children at their very first baseball game. Let’s have them remember the game-winning home run, or the unbelievable triple play; not the f-bomb you decide to drop when you spill your popcorn.
#2: DON’T keep a foul ball for yourself if a child is sitting in your area.
If you’re lucky enough to snag a foul ball that’s popped up into your section, look around. See that little kid staring back at you in amazement? Toss him the ball. Nothing greater than seeing the joy on a kid’s face after getting a baseball at the ballpark. Priceless.
And the number 1 thing not to do at the Sacramento River Cats’ home opener on April 13th….
#1: DON’T leave early.
I can’t stand seeing people walk away from a professional sporting event early. Even if it’s a blowout. Stay at your seat, grab another drink, get another hot dog for the kids, just please don’t leave early. Especially at the home opener. Plus there’s going to be fireworks after the game! Can’t beat that.
There you have it. The top 5 mistakes of Opening Night. Go Cats!