The Do's and Don’ts For Attending Your First Baseball Game.

The first professional baseball game I ever attended went 18-innings and lasted for over 6 hours; true story. During the game, and the many games to follow, I paid close attention and learned a thing or two about what to do and not do during a game and I’m revealing the secrets!

If your plan is to watch the game and have a good time, I suggest you pay careful attention to the tips I’m about to share. Memorize them, print them out, shoot, or write them down under the bill of your baseball cap if you need to. These tips I’m about to share will be invaluable for anyone looking to attend their first game.

Do: Show up early 

If you’re looking to enjoy the game, it doesn’t make much sense to show up late. One of the thrills of attending a baseball game is the game kicking off with action. There have been 296 home runs in the 1st inning so far this season. Do you really want to miss that? Plan to leave 2 hours before the first pitch, to get there before the game starts; even longer if you live in a big city with a lot of traffic. If you show up early, take the time to walk around the park and check out the sites.

Don’t: Ignore the weather

I cannot stress enough the importance of preparing for the weather before attending a baseball game. If it looks like it’s going to rain, bring an umbrella or poncho. It’s hot outside? Wear sunscreen; for the love of God put on sunscreen. It looks like it's going to hail? Maybe sit that game out. You don’t want to be forced to wear wet clothes or have sunburn all over your arms, neck, and face. Do yourself a favor and plan accordingly.

Do: Pay attention to the game

Like most sporting events, the game is why you’re there, so it’s important to pay attention. Even more so with baseball games. It’s rare that a rogue football or basketball ends up in the stands, but it’s more than common for a baseball to wind up in your general direction. Yes, you can get hit by a baseball and, yes, it hurts. Furthermore, if you go to an art museum, you’re there to look at art. If you’re at a baseball game, you’re there to watch baseball. Put your phone away and enjoy the experience.

Don't: Interfere with the game

If you’re lucky enough to have a seat along the foul-line or the outfield fence at a baseball game, there’s a chance a ball could go in your general direction; and it some cases right at you. A word to the wise, if a baseball player can get the ball, don’t touch it. In fact, back away as quickly as you can. If you touch a ball that’s in the field of play you will be escorted out of the stadium and, meanwhile, viciously booed by the home team’s fans.

Do: Take part in the traditions

Baseball games are famous for their mid-inning traditions; none more so than the 7th inning stretch. You’ll also find at most games kiss cams, dance offs, rally caps, and mascots. These traditions bring life to a stadium and make the experience more enjoyable. Multiply your enjoyment by taking them in and playing your part.

Don't: Drink too much alcohol

Like with all good things, do it in moderation. This goes especially with alcohol. It’s acceptable to drink at a baseball game. It’s not acceptable to drink too much. People didn’t pay their hard-earned money to watch you do what drunk people do, so keep the alcohol to a minimum. At best, you’ll embarrass yourself. At worst, you’ll end up banned from attending future games.

Do: Visit the concessions

Other than the game, a favorite pastime of baseball fans is attending the concession stands. It’s a time-honored tradition that if you go to a baseball game you need to eat a hot dog, cracker jacks, and drink a tasty beverage. In 2023, baseball teams have gone all out with their concession offerings. You can practically have a 3-course meal at a game. It’s going to hit your bank account hard, but it’s well worth it.

Don’t: Leave your seat during the action

Baseball games are perfectly structured to allow you to get up in between innings, so save your trips until then. Unless you absolutely, positively, need to get up that very second, just wait until the half inning is over. Everyone is trying to watch the game and that gets disrupted when they must get up to let you pass. If you think you’re going to get up a lot, take the time to buy a ticket for an aisle seat. That way everybody wins.

Do: Grab a souvenir

If you’re lucky, you’ll attend a game where they will have a giveaway. If you’re smart, you’ll plan to go to one of those baseball games. The best giveaway is bobblehead night. A bobblehead is a ceramic paperweight of a player, or moment, with a spring inside the head that makes the head bobble. It’s very cool, but even if you go to a game that doesn’t have a giveaway, before or after the game ends, stop by the store and get t-shirt, hat, jersey, or memorabilia.

Don't: Keep the ball

This one might ruffle a few feathers, but it's worth saying. If you’re at a baseball game and you catch a foul ball, give it to a kid. They’re the future and, let’s be honest, the ball is just going to end up forgotten in your garage. A child will cherish it and the game for years to come. If it’s a home run hit by the opposing team, and you catch it, it’s customary that you throw it back onto the field; just don’t hit a player. Consequently, if it’s a home team home run, and this is the part that will make some of you angry, give that ball to a kid too.

Do: Mind your manners

People are there to have fun and some people take it a bit too far. Don’t be that person. It’s perfectly okay to jeer a player, but don’t be obnoxious about it. You’re a smart person, so I don’t need to explain what it means to be kind and respectful. For the sake of everyone around you, refrain from being a jerk. They’re all trying to enjoy the game and relentless obnoxiousness ruins their good time.

Don’t: Argue/fight

Like with all sports, there’s a bit of tension when fans from opposing teams attend a road game. Just be civil and respectful. Trust me, they’re nervous about the experience too. They don’t want to be heckled; they just want to enjoy the baseball game. If you find yourself getting into an argument with someone, just let it go and get back to the game. If things start to turn physical, get an usher involved. Nobody wants a souvenir of their first game to be a black eye.

In conclusion, there you have the dos and don’ts for attending your first baseball game. If you follow them, I guarantee you’ll have a good time. I’ve been to countless games and these tips have never failed me and they won’t fail you either. Have fun!