Poll: What kind of fan are you at baseball games?

In My Humble Opinion
41

1) How often do you attend a game?
4-6 games a year

2) When did you last go to a game?
last week

3) How early or late do you arrive at the ballpark for a game?
half an hour early to ten minutes late

4) Do you stay for the entire game?
usually, unless it’s a blowout or raining

5) Have you ever gone, or would you ever go, to a game by yourself?
several times

6) How many times, on average, do you hit the concession stands during the contest?
once or twice

7) Do you have a favorite team? If so, are they your team because of your hometown, or for some other reason?
The Braves. I’m an Atlanta native and have followed them since their first year here (1966)

8) If yes to #7, have you ever traveled to see your team play an “away” game?
Many times. I’ve seen the Braves in New York, San Francisco, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and Chicago.

9) Have you ever gone to watch two teams play that you didn’t care about just because you enjoy watching baseball?

Sure. Been to games at Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Dodger Stadium, Comiskey Park, and Wrigley Field that didn’t involve the Braves. I’ve been to a bunch of spring training games in Florida as well.

42

  1. I’m down to once or twice a year. I don’t live close to Arlington for the Rangers nor Frisco for the Roughriders (minor league.)

  2. Last game was last year. Probably hit a few more this year since my company has a discount plan now.

  3. I like to arrive as early as possible. However, it depends on who I’m with. If I know they’re likely to bitch about the heat or be drunk by the first inning, I’ll try to arrive by the anthem. By myself, or with a real fan, I’ll be there at gate open.

  4. For a major league game, I"ll probably stay for the entire game unless it is a complete blowout and the weather is extremely hot/cold or I really have something to do the next morning. For minor league/spring training, it will depend on my mood.

  5. I’ve gone to many game by myself. I used to have to travel a lot and would always try to hit a game. I’ve gone to many minor league/college games by myself.

  6. It depends if they sell beer in the stands. Some places, like California, don’t seem to have beer vendors in the stands. I don’t tend to eat during night games, but I’ll grab food if it is a day game. Also, minor league games tend to have some extended break between innings for whatever promo they’re running. Since prices aren’t too bad at minor league games, I’m more likely to grab something there.

  7. I don’t have a team I live and die for. I have teams I like. I’ve moved around so much that I don’t have too many home loyalties. I like the A’s, Diamondback, and Devil Rays. I also like the Dodgers, Angels, and Padres.

  8. I’ve certainly gone to away games and cheered for a team I like better. I wore Oakland A’s clothes to the last Rangers/A’s game I went to.

  9. I’d watch almost anyone play baseball. I’ve been to many games, especially minor league and college where I didn’t care about the teams.

43

When we first moved to Toronto we went a dozen times a year; since the baby was born we usually choose to watch at home, and might go four times a year.

I used to travel a LOT on business and got to see 6, 7 games a year in other parks.

Last September.

I like to get there early, have a hot dog, and relax. In the case of Toronto we’ll always be there 30-40 minutes early so we can have street meat. In the case of a park I’ve never been to I might show up an hour early so I can explore the stadium.

Usually. As big a baseball fan as I am I don’t hold to some holy writ that I can’t leave if my life has more pressing matters to attend to.

All the time on business trips. Here in Toronto, no, I always bring someone and often multiple someones.

Maybe once for a drink.

Toronto, and because they’re the local team; I grew up in southeastern Ontario. I was also fond of the Phillies, however, because I loved Mike Schmidt and Pete Rose when they were playing there. Toronto was, however, an easier team to root for as the 80s wore on.

Amazingly, it’s never been possible.

Hell, I enjoy watching slo-pitch teams play.

44

1) How often do you attend a game?
1-4 times a season

2) When did you last go to a game?
Last season…after the break I believe

3) How early or late do you arrive at the ballpark for a game?
About a half hour. I hate when people arrive late! But I am not a batting practice girl.

4) Do you stay for the entire game?
Always. I would leave if there was bad weather and it was quite obvious who was going to win. But I haven’t seen it yet.

5) Have you ever gone, or would you ever go, to a game by yourself?
If I had decent seats and no one would go with me, yeah. Sadly, I have passed on going by myself before. I think it’s mostly because parking would be so expensive since not only would I have no one to split it with, but I’m a young lady and don’t want to park and walk alone downtown at night.

6) How many times, on average, do you hit the concession stands during the contest?
Get up and go? Maybe once, sometimes never. I always get something though, and I love to get it from the vendors in the stands.

7) Do you have a favorite team? If so, are they your team because of your hometown, or for some other reason?
Cleveland Indians - because I’m from (and still in) Cleveland.

8) If yes to #7, have you ever traveled to see your team play an “away” game?
Yeah, my friends and I (who are all baseball fans) wanted to go on a vacation together, and the only thing we could agree on was to go see the Tribe play an interleague series against the Expos in Montreal. It was way fun!

9) Have you ever gone to watch two teams play that you didn’t care about just because you enjoy watching baseball?
No…but I would probably go to see a stadium, or if I was on vacation at a friend’s house and they wanted to take me to see their team.

45
  1. How often do you attend a game?

1-6 times per season

  1. When did you last go to a game?

MLB: last Father’s Day. Local indy league outfit: last August.

  1. How early or late do you arrive at the ballpark for a game?

Depends on who I’m going with and how spontaneous it is. Anywhere between an hour early and the second inning. I live within reasonable walking distance of the ballpark, so sometimes I’ll just go to a game for the hell of it on a slow Sunday.

  1. Do you stay for the entire game?

Usually.

  1. Have you ever gone, or would you ever go, to a game by yourself?

Nah. More fun with a buddy.

  1. How many times, on average, do you hit the concession stands during the contest?

I try not to have an empty beer, if you know what I mean.

  1. Do you have a favorite team? If so, are they your team because of your hometown, or for some other reason?

Yes. Partially because it’s my hometown, and partially because it would be totally awesome to get a t-shirt made with a hammer and sickle and saying “GO REDS” in a Cyrillic typeface. Though I’d prolly get my ass kicked.

  1. If yes to #7, have you ever traveled to see your team play an “away” game?

Not intentionally, though I’ve caught the Reds while in Chicago or StL for other reasons.

  1. Have you ever gone to watch two teams play that you didn’t care about just because you enjoy watching baseball?

Yeah, though like somebody else said, I usually end up rooting for the hometown team. I’ve got a single-A team an hour away, and a Frontier league team right across the river that has $1 drafts on Thirsty Thursdays.

46

Heh. I’m actually not too bad: I might yell a little at the batter if there’s a RISP (“bring him home!”), or at the outfield when there’s a fly ball (“get under it!”), or even at the ball itself when it’s our fly ball (“get down!”), but I’m not very loud – even though our seats are in the first row of the upper deck, and there’s no one in front of us. Mostly I just cheer when good things happen, and hoot and holler a bit when we win. My throat is actually a little sore right now from cheering tonight.

(Sorry, Labdad. :p)

There are a few monitors in the concessions area at RFK, but if you’re in line or ordering you can’t always see one, so this is definitely an issue for my boyfriend and me. In fact, tonight we missed the run in the bottom of the 4th – second time in a row that we’ve missed a big play while getting food! :frowning:

47

SO not the same thing! Honestly, it’s worse to me to have to catch something on TV when I know that the action is happening live just a few feet away.

I can’t remember if it was Brad Penny or Jason Schmidt (I think it was Schmidt) who pitched during the home opener. I was up getting food and drink for my companion, who had arrived in the 3rd inning and was out of breath from having to hike from her parking space beyond the Think Blue sign to her seat. And I friggen’ missed our pitcher hitting a homerun!

Yeah, it was on the screen in front of me, but again, not the same!

48

1) How often do you attend a game?
10-20 games a year, probably more this year since my job puts me in contact with tons of tickets.

2) When did you last go to a game?
About 2 weeks ago.

3) How early or late do you arrive at the ballpark for a game?
Usually arrive at our seats shortly before the ceremonial first pitch, though we always get to the neighborhood a couple hours ahead of time for some adult beverages.

4) Do you stay for the entire game?
Almost without exception. There was this one time, but the girl I was with was too damn cute to be stubborn with once we got into the 10th inning.

5) Have you ever gone, or would you ever go, to a game by yourself?
Yup. Its a great time, much more laid back and frankly allows me to actually concentrate on the game. It’s usually pretty easy to land a quality seat at a good price at gametime too.

6) How many times, on average, do you hit the concession stands during the contest?
Depends on my seat, usually we’re in a place that’s covered pretty well by the roaming vendors so there’s little need to get up. In the bleachers or when the beer guy is letting us down we’ll go fetch beers every couple innings.

7) Do you have a favorite team? If so, are they your team because of your hometown, or for some other reason?
Of course I do! They are my team because they are he home team, they were my dad’s team and they are the frigging CUBS! I challenge anyone to go to Wrigley as a adolescent and be the least bit ambivalent for teh rest of your days.

8) If yes to #7, have you ever traveled to see your team play an “away” game?
Yeah. I’ve gone to St. Louis several times for the big rivalry games and I’ve timed vacations to other cities so I could see the Cubs play there. The St. Louis trips were all about the games. I’ve been to other cities where the game was only one of several reason to go.

9) Have you ever gone to watch two teams play that you didn’t care about just because you enjoy watching baseball?
Yeah sure. I’ve been to Comiskey plenty of times. Also I like the idea of checking out new stadiums so if I’m in a new city with spare time, I’ll always take in a game regardless of the sport. I have a Boston trip planned in a couple months to see the Pale Hose play the Carmines.

49

  1. How often do you attend a game?
    Couple times a year on average.

  2. When did you last go to a game?
    Opening day last year at Pack Bowl Park (SBC Park).

  3. How early or late do you arrive at the ballpark for a game?
    Just before it starts.

  4. Do you stay for the entire game?
    Always.

  5. Have you ever gone, or would you ever go, to a game by yourself?
    Sure, including opening day last year. I also like to hit every ballpark possible, so I definitely will go by myself.

  6. How many times, on average, do you hit the concession stands during the contest?
    At least 3 times, especially if it’s a park where the roving stands vendors don’t sell beer.

  7. Do you have a favorite team? If so, are they your team because of your hometown, or for some other reason?
    Cut me, and I bleed Dodger Blue. Home town team. It’s depressing 'cause I hate that carpetbagging tightwad Frank McCourt (not the terrific author, BTW).

  8. If yes to #7, have you ever traveled to see your team play an “away” game?
    Nope, but there’s a good chance I’ll see a Giants - Dodgers game this year at SBC Park.

  9. Have you ever gone to watch two teams play that you didn’t care about just because you enjoy watching baseball?
    As said earlier, I love to check out ballparks (Wrigley and Fenway are the two greatest parks in the country). I’ve actually not been to a ton of parks, but I do like the Mets and the Cubs and have been to both those parks.

50

1) How often do you attend a game?
Maybe two or three times a year. (Well, never now, but I won’t be in Bulgaria forever.) I’d go more if I lived in my favorite team’s area, but I don’t.

2) When did you last go to a game?
August 2005, I think.

3) How early or late do you arrive at the ballpark for a game?
Try to arrive a little early. I don’t care about batting practice.

4) Do you stay for the entire game?
Absolutely, and like Troy McClureSF, I have a couple of Croix de Candlesticks myself. Somewhere, anyway…

5) Have you ever gone, or would you ever go, to a game by yourself?
I never have, but I would.

6) How many times, on average, do you hit the concession stands during the contest?
Once, maybe. If I’m in San Francisco, gotta get me some garlic fries.

7) Do you have a favorite team? If so, are they your team because of your hometown, or for some other reason?
The Giants, and yes I am originally from San Francisco.

8) If yes to #7, have you ever traveled to see your team play an “away” game?
Yup. I try to see them when they’re playing near me in Chicago, but I have not been very effective at this, because Wrigley is so small and sells out so quickly. I have seen them play the Sox during an interleague game, though and I’ve been up to Milwaukee to see them there too. (Really horrible game, btw.)

9) Have you ever gone to watch two teams play that you didn’t care about just because you enjoy watching baseball?
Yeah, I’ve seen the Cubs play whatever random team I could get tickets to. A day at Wrigley is always well-spent. Well, unless it’s during the first week of the season, which I learned the hard way. (Hint: Sitting outside for three hours in Chicago in April? Not that much fun, as it turns out.)

51

1) How often do you attend a game?

A few MLB games and a few local minor league games. Probably at ball parks 10-12 times a year

2) When did you last go to a game?

Last years NLCS. Game 6. It was a good day.

3) How early or late do you arrive at the ballpark for a game?

I try to get to Yankee or Shea stadium about an hour ealry. It never happens, but I try. Curse NY traffic.

4) Do you stay for the entire game?

Always. Unless I’m with bored children or an elderly relative who needs to leave.

5) Have you ever gone, or would you ever go, to a game by yourself?

I haven’t, but I would…and probably will soon.

6) How many times, on average, do you hit the concession stands during the contest?

Usually twice. Once for food and drink, and a second for a mid-game brew.

7) Do you have a favorite team? If so, are they your team because of your hometown, or for some other reason?

The Mets are my hometown team, chosen over the Yanks.

8) If yes to #7, have you ever traveled to see your team play an “away” game?

I once saw Al Leiter strike out 18 batters from the 3rd base front row at Wrigley field. I’m planning a trip to Philly to watch the Mets there, but haven’t done it yet.

9) Have you ever gone to watch two teams play that you didn’t care about just because you enjoy watching baseball?

Yes. Pro games, usually at Yankee Stadium. I’ve ben to enough non-pro games as well.

52

1) How often do you attend a game? Couple times a year
2) When did you last go to a game? Last year
3) How early or late do you arrive at the ballpark for a game? Probably 10 minutes before (our minor league team isn’t exactly a hot ticket).
4) Do you stay for the entire game? Usually
5) Have you ever gone, or would you ever go, to a game by yourself? Not baseball. No
6) How many times, on average, do you hit the concession stands during the contest? Since I’ve been able to drink…2-3 times.
7) Do you have a favorite team? If so, are they your team because of your hometown, or for some other reason? Yeah…hometown.
8) If yes to #7, have you ever traveled to see your team play an “away” game? Yes, fun experience being the “away” fans.
9) Have you ever gone to watch two teams play that you didn’t care about just because you enjoy watching baseball? No. I have done this with football though.

53
  1. How often do you attend a game?

Not nearly often enough.

  1. When did you last go to a game?

At least 5 years ago

  1. How early or late do you arrive at the ballpark for a game?

Very early - at least an hour befor first pitch

  1. Do you stay for the entire game?

Yes

  1. Have you ever gone, or would you ever go, to a game by yourself?

Haven’t, but might. I go to movies alone…

  1. How many times, on average, do you hit the concession stands during the contest?

Not many - probably once before the game starts.

  1. Do you have a favorite team? If so, are they your team because of your hometown, or for some other reason?

I guess the A’s and Phillies. I grew up near Philly. I love the A’s because when I lived in San Fran, they stunk, and offered Dollar Wednesdays - Tickets and dogs for a buck apiece!

  1. If yes to #7, have you ever traveled to see your team play an “away” game?

No

  1. Have you ever gone to watch two teams play that you didn’t care about just because you enjoy watching baseball?

Sorta, but not really. I lived in Atlanta and saw the Braves - I don’t even remember the opponent. All I remember is Ron Gant hitting the most massive home run I’ve ever seen. And I was visiting Boston and Baltimore and saw games at Fenway and Camden Yards just to see the games and parks.

Joe

54

1) How often do you attend a game?

Three to six times a year.

2) When did you last go to a game?

Opening Day at Shea Stadium, this year, Mets v. Phillies.

3) How early or late do you arrive at the ballpark for a game?

If it’s a Park where arriving early is feasible, usually an hour to 90 minutes.

4) Do you stay for the entire game?

Yes. I keep score at every game I attend, and one of the saddest things in the sports world is an unfinished scorecard.

5) Have you ever gone, or would you ever go, to a game by yourself?

No. And I probably wouldn’t, honestly. Talking about the game is as much fun as watching the game, for me.

6) How many times, on average, do you hit the concession stands during the contest?

On average, not at all; bathroom breaks and wandering vendors only, unless my companion(s) are going to the stands anyway.

7) Do you have a favorite team? If so, are they your team because of your hometown, or for some other reason?

The Mets are my hometown team (sort of). I chose them because they were my Dad’s team, before he pulled the ultimate Darth Vader move and converted to a Yankees fan in the mid-90’s (frontrunner).

8) If yes to #7, have you ever traveled to see your team play an “away” game?

Sure, four or five times in Philly, once in the Bronx (those were damn hard tickets to get, but we were right along the first base line), once in Pittsburgh.

9) Have you ever gone to watch two teams play that you didn’t care about just because you enjoy watching baseball?

Very frequently. My wife and I are in the process of attempting to see at least one live game at every major league ballpark, with our daughter (she just turned three). Trying to coordinate this process with following the Mets would be nigh on impossible, so we get tickets for whoever is playing. By a quirk of scheduling, I have seen the Kansas City Royals play more often than any other major league team, enough so that they have become my unofficial AL team.

55

  1. How often do you attend a game?
    Not as often as I used to – maybe once/twice a year. Tired of only getting crappy seats at AT&T Park.

  2. When did you last go to a game?

  1. I think 2006 was the first time I’d missed an entire season since, oh…1971?

  1. How early or late do you arrive at the ballpark for a game?
    30-40 min.

  2. Do you stay for the entire game?
    Virtually always.

  3. Have you ever gone, or would you ever go, to a game by yourself?
    I did for the 7 Dark Years when I was in a relationship with a non-sports fan. Thank god those days are over.

  4. How many times, on average, do you hit the concession stands during the contest?
    Once, pre-game. I only leave my seat during the game for bathroom trips.

  5. Do you have a favorite team? If so, are they your team because of your
    hometown, or for some other reason?
    Yes. Hometown, if you consider all of Northern California as Giants territory.

  6. If yes to #7, have you ever traveled to see your team play an “away” game?
    No.

  7. Have you ever gone to watch two teams play that you didn’t care about just because you enjoy watching baseball?
    Only if you count Little League – I umpire 30, 40 games a year where I don’t care who wins, just cuz its fun.

56

1) How often do you attend a game? 2-4 times a year.
2) When did you last go to a game? April at Shea Stadium. It was cold cold cold.
3) How early or late do you arrive at the ballpark for a game? I shoot for 20 minutes early or so (hate to miss the trailers), but I usually take a series of trains so it’s hard to say. Every once in a while I catch the end of BP.
4) Do you stay for the entire game? Yes, semi-religiously. Last year I stayed for every pitch of a real old-style doubleheader (two afternoon games!) between the Mets and the Marlins. But I always take the train – and there is never a long wait for a 7 train after the game – so there’s no pressing need to leave early.
5) Have you ever gone, or would you ever go, to a game by yourself? Yes, the doubleheader above. I was in a weird mood. I should also add that I was on my way home after 4 days of hiking and I probably didn’t smell that good. Hey, it’s outdoors.
6) How many times, on average, do you hit the concession stands during the contest? Once or nunce. I usually bring a bag of trail mix and a bottle of water. If it’s chilly I’ll get coffee. By beer-pounding days are long behind me.
7) Do you have a favorite team? If so, are they your team because of your hometown, or for some other reason? I am a Mets fan because I inherited the recessive Brooklyn Dodger gene from my mother. I grew up in Central Jersey, where your (teasing Yankee fans about frontrunners aside) most people get their rooting interst from where their parents or grandparents lived.
8) If yes to #7, have you ever traveled to see your team play an “away” game? Yes, but just to Philly and, more recently, DC.
9) Have you ever gone to watch two teams play that you didn’t care about just because you enjoy watching baseball? Yes, if I’m in a town with an MLB park and there’s a game I will try to go. While I lived in San Francisco I usually waited until the Mets were in town to go to Candlestick, I did go to see random games a handful of times.