Going to a Baseball game today for the first time. Yankees v Metz. I'm a Brit any tips and advice?
Posted by shamonemuthafuka@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 224 comments
I come from the UK where 99.9% of the population has no idea what baseball is. But I fell in love with baseball 2 years ago, and it's been my favourite sport since then. I'm current visiting New York and going to the Yankees v Metz game today. Any advice and tips?
AdLiving1435@reddit
Beer hotdog repeat.
non_clever_username@reddit
Yes! I’m not a huge fan of hot dogs, but I get one 100% of the time I go to a baseball game in person. Stadium dogs just hit different somehow.
RobotShlomo@reddit
You can get pizza and nachos at Citi Field.
JimTheJerseyGuy@reddit
Extra salt. Kicks up the flavor and keeps you going back for beer.
Curmudgy@reddit
I’d bet they have kosher hot dogs at the NYC stadiums, though you’d have to hunt them down. They wouldn’t have the vendors in the stands carrying them.
Maybe knishes too.
shelwood46@reddit
They both have kosher items, but the Yankees have a whole separate stand for them, quite extensive (beef hot dogs are pretty common in the Northeast).
Capt_Dummy@reddit
Same with those simple stadium nachos. Can’t seem to get them anywhere other than a stadium or arena, but damn do they hit.
oodja@reddit
You can get nachos in a helmet at CIti Field. They're glorious.
sanka@reddit
Also one of the only places you can eat an entire batting helmet full of nachos. I don't normally eat out of batting helmets.
techster2014@reddit
999!
rtripps@reddit
Every inning
byebybuy@reddit
Pitch clock has seriously cut down on the number of reps I'm able to pull off.
icrossedtheroad@reddit
Plenty of onions.
Wildcat_twister12@reddit
Got to attempt the 9 9 9 challenge
HydeParkSwag@reddit
Every inning.
DanimalMKE@reddit
Just remember to get like three of each in the 7th inning. Or 4 of each in the 6th? Does it vary by place when they stop serving beer during the game?
HydeParkSwag@reddit
Usually stop when the bottom of the 7th starts.
PadMog75@reddit
99% of the U.K doesn't know what baseball is? Oh, do me a favour. Practically everyone here knows what it is.
BoseSounddock@reddit
Get a seat in the shade
JohnnyCoolbreeze@reddit
Metz, didn’t know baseball was big in France.
Responsible_Olive782@reddit
Watch some tutorial videos on Ytube to familiarize yourself with the rules and customs of the game day experience
DonkeyKongs-Tie@reddit
It's Mets. It's a Mets home game so please don't get that wrong there people will tease you
EruditeTarington@reddit
Treat it like a trip to lords for a 20/20
GoodbyeForeverDavid@reddit
And on July 4th too! Awfully ambitious for a Brit! ;)
No real advice. Prior to the game they'll do the national anthem. That'll be dialed up given the holiday. It's customary to stand and remove your hat during the anthem. I'll give you $20 if you don't stand and tell people you were on the other side. Kidding - of course. :)
Other than that, Have fun! Try and catch the fireworks afterwards. Drink plenty of water.
markofcontroversy@reddit
It's also customary to face the flag and hold your hand over your heart during the national anthem. Given that it's the 4th of July, I'd expect a pretty good percentage of people to follow all the customs.
But this is the USA and just because it's customary doesn't mean anyone will care if you don't follow along. .
Ok_Ordinary6694@reddit
Wear sunblock and drink water.
BlueEyedSpiceJunkie@reddit
Just enjoy. The sounds and smells of a ball park in the summer are unbeatable. Have a hotdog and a couple beers and you’re in heaven.
YoshiandAims@reddit
Remember to hydrate with water throughout the day. Beer and food is salty, it's warm, the excitement gets your heart rate up if you are a sports fan... you dehydrate faster than you'd think. Hit the bathrooms whenever you pass even if you don't really have to go... as if you wait till you do, the wait and crowds can be too much.
Argo505@reddit
I like all this advice that assumes OP is special needs.
YoshiandAims@reddit
I didn't assume that. I'm not, I often, in the excitement of the day, forget to do more than I do on the regular.
That I'm drinking and having to pee constantly doesn't mean I'm not hydrating enough.
Also... those bathroom wait times and crowds are unreal. If you've never been, they can be a huge surprise.
Dragonflies3@reddit
Let’s go Mets!!
Wallawalla1522@reddit
How was it?!
lushlanes@reddit
Go Mets. Citi field is really nice. Went for the first time on Wednesday. Super easy.
DanThePartyGhost@reddit
How was it?
sandbagger45@reddit
It’s Mets, Metz is a football team ligue 1. Have fun, eat and relax. After you can check out the neighborhoods around the stadium, such as flushing or go to the park.
Realistic-Regret-171@reddit
This. They are the Metropolitans, so it’s shortened to Mets
shelwood46@reddit
You know, like the cops.
Bright_Ices@reddit
The Copropolitans? Sounds about right.
kingchik@reddit
I was wondering where he got Metz from! I’ve never seen anyone misspell it this way.
comrade_zerox@reddit
Metz is either a city in France or punk band from Toronto
MrSillmarillion@reddit
7th inning stretch. Halfway between the teams' play in the 7th, everyone will get up and stretch while the organist play "Take Me Out To The Ballgame"
BigTrust1442@reddit
Do not root for the bankees
Argo505@reddit
I mean, sure, but the Mets aren’t exactly a scrappy, low income ballclub right now.
WetwareDulachan@reddit
And neither of them has The Big Dumper 🔱
Yankee_chef_nen@reddit
As someone born in Boston and raised in Maine I ask you to please remember that the Yankees suck.
WetwareDulachan@reddit
Yankees fans are so bored during the off-season because Saint Jude's stopped letting them show up in. Leukemia jersey.
shabamon@reddit
As a person with a soul, I can confirm that the Yankees suck.
spectra0087@reddit
Can confirm, Yankees do indeed suck.
WetwareDulachan@reddit
Remember: Yankees suck.
02K30C1@reddit
If a ball is hit or thrown to you, you are allowed to keep it
eapaul80@reddit
I came here to say that it’s not cricket, balls that end up in the crowd are souvenirs.
BeefInGR@reddit
Unless you're at Wrigley. Then the ball gets sent back.
eapaul80@reddit
I mean a foul ball or a ball flipped to you by a ball boy, player, or whatever is still a souvenir. Cricket is wild, they use the same ball for a long time. Ball wear is a huge part of the game.
oodja@reddit
Unless it's a Yankees home run, in which case you should THROW IT BACK
Timely-Field1503@reddit
You might get a little push back if there are kids nearby. Up to you to give them the ball or not, but if you decide to keep make sure to say it's your first game so people know that:
A - You're not a jerk
B - You aren't from the US
Makes it a little more palatable. for folks around you.
Suppafly@reddit
I'm not into sports much, so I don't know anything about the stadium, but in general, you end up sitting in the sun a lot more than you'd assume, take sunscreen and a hat and drink lots of fluids.
Hollow-Official@reddit
🤣 Enjoy sitting there looking at everyone like they’re insane during the 7th inning stretch
Massnative@reddit
Why are the Yankees playIng a French Ligue Un football side? :-)
Joel_feila@reddit
We drink at our sports games
Argo505@reddit
As opposed to…?
Joel_feila@reddit
I heard that drinking is not something done in everything country because hooligans would jist tirn it into a riot everytime
gibsonstudioguitar@reddit
Keep in mind, the defense controls the ball in baseball...
Argo505@reddit
They’re aware of the rules.
Usuf3690@reddit
Yea muck the fets.
Argo505@reddit
Whomp whomp
seditious3@reddit
You saw a great game!
kwiltse123@reddit
Let’s go NY!!
cherrycokeicee@reddit
this sounds like an awesome way to spend the fourth of July. you're one of us, now.
wear sunscreen and a hat, eat a hotdog, drink a beer
Majestic-Macaron6019@reddit
For real. Sunburn and heat exhaustion are likely for the average Brit.
Chea63@reddit
Indeed. Fortunately for him, it will be as perfect as it can get in July. Sunny, mid 80s and most importantly, low humidity. Better enjoy, as it's hard to maintain low humidity for long
shelwood46@reddit
Mid 80s is frightening to a Brit, but it really is about the best weather we can offer.
nopointers@reddit
He’s a Brit he knows better than to drink only “a” beer!
MarsupialUnfair3828@reddit
On Wisconsin!!!
Argo505@reddit
He’ll be one of us when he can spell the team’s name.
HottDoggers@reddit
They probably thinks that the Yankees are hosting the “Metz” from France at Yankee Citi Staduim.
Freebird_1957@reddit
Be nice now.
SockSock81219@reddit
Wow, what a classic match-up! Hope you had a great time!
capsrock02@reddit
Learning how to spell the name of the team would be a good start.
West-Improvement2449@reddit
Wear sunscreen
Substantial_Room3793@reddit
Don’t buy anything with Metz on it. Buy Mets paraphernalia only.
DetroitsGoingToWin@reddit
Have you ever purchased a score card, and kept score during the game?
If not, try it.
Capt_Dummy@reddit
Ehhh… maybe not for your first ever game. I find you can’t take in all the sights and entertainment. Unless you decide to like “keep score for just 3rd & 4th innings” or something.
DetroitsGoingToWin@reddit
Oh yeah, I missed it was a first game
comrade_zerox@reddit
Its a great sport for days drinking and catching up with friends cuz nothing will happen for awhile, and then all of a sudden it gets super exciting, and then it goes back to being slow and you can talk shit with your friends.
If they hit the ball, they run to the base. If the other teams guy who guards the base has the ball before you get to the base, you're out. If not, you have a chance to continue to the other bases. Get all the way around back to where you started, and you score a point (run)
Hit the ball really far and manage to get around all the bases, thats a Home Run (still one point, but potential for extra points if other memebers on your team were on base already).
Swing and miss three times, you're out.
They throw the ball where you could hit it but don't, its a strike. 3 strikes and youre out.
Hit the ball and someone catches it before it hit the ground, you're out.
Hit the ball out of bounds (foul), thats a strike.
Get hit by the ball, you get a free pass to the base. They throw the ball too high or too wide 4 times, you get a free pass
That's the basics
8amteetime@reddit
Mets. Have fun!
Boudleaux@reddit
3rd base line, beer, hotdog. Do the wave if they still do that. Why not?
MarsupialUnfair3828@reddit
What a hell of a game to go too!!!!!!
ngshafer@reddit
You might find the game kind of slow. Many Americans think so. It might help to think of it as a game of drama and impending action, rather than constant action.
And definitely don't forget the sunscreen.
_totally_tonya_@reddit
I just came to comment that I'm jealous... And, GO YANKEES!!
WhyDidIClickOnThat@reddit
And don’t listen to what people say about catching foul balls. Get TF out of the way. Let some kid pick it up after it’s done ricocheting. They are moving way faster and spinning much harder than you think. You pay for your own healthcare here and broken fingers, teeth and eye sockets are expensive.
WhyDidIClickOnThat@reddit
Run onto the field naked. Everyone here does it, in fact it’s encouraged for first timers. Stadium security will present you with a personalized memento afterwards.
dcfhockeyfoo@reddit
For reference, the Mets are basically the Tottenham Hotspurs of baseball
pbraz34@reddit
Yankees suck
thisaintparadise@reddit
There is some joke about an American explaining the game to a Brit with the end of the joke being
Brit- “Run ye bastard” Yank- “ No no, he has 4 balls so he gets to walk to first base” Brit - “Walk with pride son, walk with pride”
lincolnhawk@reddit
You can just throw the peanut shells on the ground.
GPB07035@reddit
Root for the Yankees and it’s spelled Mets (short for metropolitans, I believe, and rhymes with Nets (basketball) and Jets (football)). Get a hot dog, beer, peanuts or popcorn.
Argo505@reddit
It’s the “Mets”, buddy.
Current_Poster@reddit
I'm betting British-set autocorrect got him.
EcstasyCalculus@reddit
Or possibly French-set
_wheresMySuperSuit@reddit
Fuck the Mets. That’s all you need to know.
LadyOfTheNutTree@reddit
Refill any food or drinks and go to the bathroom well before the 7th inning stretch. Otherwise you’ll be in line (or as they might say at a Yankees Mets game, on line) until the end of the game.
Wafflebot17@reddit
In citi field, pastrami sandwich
wholesomeinsanity@reddit
I’m in California and it’s not complete unless you tailgate (pre-party in the car park at the stadium), if not possible for this game, I highly recommended in the future if the stadium allows it.
yeezymcsleezyo_0@reddit
Keep your eye on the ball. Never know when you'll need to catch a random foul ball. And if you do catch one, give it to the nearest kid or everyone will hate you.
Blutrumpeter@reddit
If you're going alone don't be afraid to meet people
UnoCajonesMatata@reddit
9-9-9 Challenge
9 Hot Dogs
9 Beers
9 Innings
You can do it!
gibsonstudioguitar@reddit
Wear a hat
jefferson497@reddit
Citi field has great food options. Be a glutton and try everything
dlobnieRnaD@reddit
Got Mets
Awkward-Motor3287@reddit
Bring a pillow. Zzzzz
ssbn632@reddit
Peanuts. Shells on the ground. Beer. Dog.
Agvisor2360@reddit
Stay home and watch it on tv. Much more comfortable and convenient. Kinda kidding of course. You should go this once just for the experience then decide if you want to do it again in the future. Sort of like most tourist attractions. Tower of London? Big Ben? You probably think been there done that got the T-shirt. Much like Niagara Falls, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, etc. once you’ve been there really is no need to go again.
Derplord4000@reddit
It's Mets vs Yankees if it's happening in New York. Our format is Away Team vs Home Team.
Argo505@reddit
…the Mets are the home team.
Derplord4000@reddit
Shit, for some reason I was thinking Red Sox.
Argo505@reddit
You thought the Mets were the Red Sox?
Derplord4000@reddit
Yes, because I tend to forget the Mets exist.
Argo505@reddit
They literally said the name of the team in the post.
Derplord4000@reddit
Yeah, and somehow my mind went straight to Red Sox, probably because I had just come off of the other post about wearing shirts with the names of cities and someone mentioned wearing a Red Sox hat in a sea of Yankees hats.
SquidProJoe@reddit
Wear blue and orange not navy and grey
SideEmbarrassed1611@reddit
Root for the Mets. All I gotta say.
mykepagan@reddit
Yankee Stadium? My heart goes out to your wallet :-)
Argo505@reddit
Where’d you get the idea he was going to Yankee stadium?
mykepagan@reddit
I ASSumed. Yankee Stadium, City Field… poTAYto poTAHto
Argo505@reddit
*citi field
mykepagan@reddit
Fucking corporate overlords
Stfu_butthead@reddit
Wear a hat. Maybe some sunscreen. Beer. Hotdog. Repeat. Enjoy
koreamax@reddit
If you're taking the 7 train, you notice a building right next to the track between Hunters Point and Court Square. You'll be able to see my garden on the first balcony
davejjj@reddit
Bring a radio so you can still listen to commentary on the game.
No_Sir_6649@reddit
Fuck the yankees. Enjoy the game. Grab peanuts and a dirty water dog.
Argo505@reddit
What is it with tourists and the “dirty water hot dog”?
No_Sir_6649@reddit
Idk never been to nyc. Its a staple i hear. Place brings out my claustrophobia and im a cook so that sucks. Nyc is supposed to be one of the better places for food.
Argo505@reddit
It is. That’s why it’s ridiculous that tourists fixate on “dirty water hot dogs”. It’s not even the best street food.
No_Sir_6649@reddit
Im not a tourist. And i like hotdogs. I bet youd get in a fist fight over the best pizza by the slice thing. Or be uppity because someone doesnt know about the speakasy with 4 goodyear stars.
Argo505@reddit
Uhh, no. You can just do a whole lot better than a hot dog when it comes to NYC street food.
But hey, like you said, too many people, so it’s a moot point.
No_Sir_6649@reddit
Cacun son gout
wyohman@reddit
Mets
peaveyftw@reddit
Root, root root for the home team.
I say this as a Red Sox fan who has to hate both.
La_Rata_de_Pizza@reddit
Pound $18 beers
Blue387@reddit
I'm a Mets fan, so I can offer some specific advice for Citi Field. Take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point, get there early, the game is at 15:10 and gates open about two hours before first pitch.
There will be airport style security at the rotunda, so be prepared. Backpacks are not allowed, and you are permitted to bring one non-glass bottled drink. Bring a 20 ounce bottle of water because it will be warm today.
Here is a video from MLB explaining the basics of the sport.
thirstyquaker@reddit
Also /u/shamonemuthafucka behind homeplate on each level is an air conditioned "club" area that has some really good food. Citi Field has some really excellent food, last game I got the curry chicken patty in Coco bread on the 400 level, highly recommend.
After the game if you're in a rush, there's usually a Super Express 7 train that stops at only 3 stops on the way back to Manhattan.
Also, you can bring food and snacks into the game if you want, like not just sunflower seeds / peanuts but an entire sandwich if you're trying to save cash.
CurlyNippleHairs@reddit
He said he was a fan of the game, I think he knows the basics lol.
ducation@reddit
and try the pastrami!
QuantumAttic@reddit
Hate to be crude, but don't talk shit. If one of your neighbors at the game runs their trap, don't take the bait. It isn't worth it.
fuzzyheadsnowman@reddit
999… Google it and thank me later
bibliophile222@reddit
As a Red Sox fan, make sure you chant "Yankees suck" loud and clear. Go Mets! 🙂
Krillin@reddit
You can bring your own food into Citi Field, so if you hit a food truck or pizzeria you can save a little money and get what you really want.
Mets v Yankees games are always great. It's like Liverpool v Everton.
ApprehensivePie1195@reddit
You should've went to Nathan's hot dog eating contest before.
morosco@reddit
Unless you're on an aisle, try to only get up from your seat between innings. Sitting back down you have a little more leeway because there's not always someplace to stand and wait, but, do your best to limit row intrusions during innings.
magnoliaAveGooner@reddit
Take your phone to help pass the time.
T_Peg@reddit
Prepare to spend $19 on a tall boy of Bud Light and $28 for Chicken Fingers and fries.
Angsty_Potatos@reddit
You need to eat as many hotdogs as possible
HydeParkSwag@reddit
If you're drinking, be sure to order multiple beers before the middle of the 7th inning because that's when they typically stop sales.
One_Recover_673@reddit
Don’t make up a sarcastic song, start singing and think folks will join you
miketugboat@reddit
Have some beers and dogs, hydrate, sunscreen, stay for the fireworks, and stand for the anthem.
Goondal@reddit
Root for the Mets
MercTheJerk1@reddit
Sun tan lotion....and stay "hydrated" 🤭
lapsteelguitar@reddit
First of all, it's Mets. With an "S". Official name is "Metropolitans".
Second, have fun. Have a beer. Eat some ballpark food.
Third, be careful which team you root for. Root for the home team.
Fourth, learn the words to the song "Take me out to the ball game". You will be singing it during the 7th inning stretch.
ChampOfTheUniverse@reddit
That’s awesome. I usually recommend bringing in water and peanuts to save $145. Gotta get at least a hotdog. Sing along to “Take me out to the ballgame.” Give high fives. Don’t interact with anyone that is drunk and belligerent.
Complete_Aerie_6908@reddit
“Mets” 😊 and have a beer for me! Enjoy!
eyetracker@reddit
Congrats you're a Mets fan now. It has its ups and downs but it's the better option.
thewNYC@reddit
Go Yankees .
Baseball is a whole different beast when you’re there. The feeling in the stadium, the glory of the green of the field, the shouting and energy of the fans. Just allow yourself to get into it. That’s all that matters. There will be stretches where it seems like nothings happening, and then it will explode into a riot of
Baseball is subtle and nuanced, but you say it’s been your favorite sport so I think you know that already. There’s excitement that baseball fans can see with the arrangement of the players in the small moments, that not fans will miss.
alwayssplitaces@reddit
The game is at Citi field.. go to right field and get a hamburger at shake shack!
HarveyNix@reddit
Learn how to keep score, if you're interested. I learned a lot about the game doing that. Don't get too obsessed, though. I'm assuming they still put a scoring page in the program. And that they still print and give out programs. "Can't tell the players without a program! Get yer program here!" [I probably sound ancient.]
SnooHobbies4790@reddit
Get there as early as possible. It will be sold out - Subway Series is pretty special. Wear sunscreen. Where a hat or cap. Yankees will sit on one side, Mets fans on the other (not a hard or fast rule).
SillyBanana123@reddit
Do the 999 challenge. 9 beers. 9 hot dogs. 9 innings
HauntedOryx@reddit
When everyone around you stands up, you stand up. It's important.
kyrokip@reddit
I hate the Yankees, and the Mets. Boo them both.
Blue387@reddit
What did the Mets do to you? I can understand hating the Yankees, everyone should hate on them. But why my team?
KJHagen@reddit
Get ready to stand up and sing at the 7th inning stretch.
MoronLaoShi@reddit
Sunscreen. Hydrate. Drink plenty of water between the beers and hot dogs.
Cruitire@reddit
You don’t need to know anything other than the very basic fundamentals of the game and what junk you want to eat while you are there.
I hate watching baseball on TV but I love going to games in person. The whole vibe is great.
Just relax and enjoy.
OrneryZombie1983@reddit
Be like Scarlett Johansson and sit next to a Mets fan with a hat from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka The Met).
FlappyClap@reddit
Baseball is my favorite sport. Growing up, we’d always have the game on television. In person, it’s so much more fun. Someone else said beer and hotdogs, it’s been that way for a century, no need to reinvent the wheel
seidinove@reddit
Closest thing we have to a derby, but nowhere near as intense as Liverpool-Everton or ManU-Man City.
When I was a kid I enjoyed buying a scorecard and tracking the game. Something like this.
But that’s me. Feel free to kick back and enjoy the game.
seifd@reddit
It's the 4th of July, so get a hot dog and check if there will be fireworks after the game.
nvkylebrown@reddit
Mets with an s. Yankee fans will laugh, Mets fans might not.
Have fun.
JimBones31@reddit
Are you worried about hooligans or something? Go have fun, try to spend cash so as to not lose track of how much you've spent on beer 😂
Weightmonster@reddit
Cool.
PikesPique@reddit
Wear sunscreen, enjoy a brat and a beer and hang out. Baseball is great because you don’t have to watch the field every second.
Granadafan@reddit
Depending on where you’re sitting, it’s best to pay attention lest you get hit by a foul ball or an errant bat. Was at a game with my company last year and two women were just talking and not paying attention. Sure enough a foul ball came flying towards us and hit one of them in the shoulder.
gdubh@reddit
Sit in shade.
Rogue-Accountant-69@reddit
Get good and drunk. Baseball can get tedious when you don't really get the game and don't really care about the outcome, but alcohol can help with that. Also, remember that most stadiums these days stop selling booze in the 7th inning (baseball has 9 innings). If you're in a state with weed I'd get an edible or two. Weed relieves boredom really effectively and goes well with baseball. Makes it much more interesting.
Yelling shit at the umpire is a time-honored tradition in baseball. When the ump makes a call you like you say "Good call blue." That'll make you sound like you know the game. When you don't like the call you can just yell whatever, like "Oh c'mon blue." or just "Are you fucking kidding me?"
Astute_Primate@reddit
Wear all your best Mets gear
evil_burrito@reddit
They stop serving beer at the seventh inning stretch. Plan accordingly.
my_metrocard@reddit
What you need is a Boston Red Sox baseball cap
Prestigious-Name-323@reddit
Lol
HippieJed@reddit
Watch out for foul balls
uncle-brucie@reddit
In nyc you should be able to get a knish at the park. Add mustard.
Danibear285@reddit
Beer, hot dog, cheer when everyone else cheers, boo when everyone else boos.
Home team crowd chants can be a thing, but usually the jumbotron will put the words up to sing along. You don’t need to have it memorized by heart like UK soccer chants can be.
TopperMadeline@reddit
There are pockets of baseball fans in the UK, I’ve seen. One day, you should locate them out if they’re close enough to you.
Positive-Avocado-881@reddit
Wear sunscreen
Stay hydrated and dress appropriately for warm weather. Especially if you don’t know or your seats are in direct sunlight or not
Have fun
TheBimpo@reddit
For the love of God, wear sunscreen.
Take some time to walk around and explore the ballpark. Our modern baseball stadiums have all kinds of things going on besides the field of play. There will be historical displays, interesting things to eat, all sorts of things.
I would also check the Mets subreddit for a visitor’s guide to the area and ballpark.
Blue387@reddit
The Mets sub is at r/newyorkmets
elqueco14@reddit
Time for the 9 9 9 challenge my friend.
Blue387@reddit
LFGM
bigscottius@reddit
Yes. Don't go, baseball is boring. I'm an American. Can't stand that sport.
cherrycokeicee@reddit
if they like watching baseball on tv, they're going to LOVE it in person.
Argo505@reddit
Good news! You weren’t invited!
Get_Breakfast_Done@reddit
Guy has been watching baseball for two years and loves it, it sounds like he already has made his mind up that he likes it.
SingerFirm1090@reddit
Baseball is essentially a commercialised version of 'rounders' which should be familiar to most Brits.
First references to a simlar game in France date from the 13th century.
In England it was referenced in 1744 in the children's book A Little Pretty Pocket-Book by John Newberry, though he was actually referring to the game "rounders". In the early 1800s "baseball" and a game first mentioned in 1828 as the aforementioned "rounders" may have been the same or very similar.
The first official baseball game with a documented score card took place not in the US, but in Canada in 1838.
Unlike American Football, the bastardised version of rugby, the rules and action of baseball are easy to follow.
Substantial_Ad_2864@reddit
I would argue this isn't true. Try to explain how to play baseball to someone who has no clue in under 2 minutes. Even simple things like strikes.. a foul ball is a strike unless it's the third strike then it's not unless the foul ball was a bunt and then it was.
ITrCool@reddit
Don’t mention the Red Sox or how great they are…..trust me bro. /s
AnotherPint@reddit
You might be surprised at how little attention is paid to the game by many in the stands. It's not like a cricket test where everyone is ultra-focused on every play. The point of being there is the crowd, the stadium, the food, the general vibe, and maybe something interesting will occur four or five times over the span of three hours.
Focus sharpens up in September and October when certain teams are championship contenders, and playoff baseball can be extremely exciting, but in July it's just nice to be there. Have a good time.
DTH1998@reddit
Go back
ZephRyder@reddit
DO NOT attempt to headbutt the officials!!
Hooliganism on the side of the pond is limited to insulting the ump, and clowning with foul balls.
Under no circumstances should you enter the diamond (pitch).
Have fun!
Argo505@reddit
I doubt you had to tell him that.
oodja@reddit
Get the Helmet Nachos- and yes, they're nachos served in a plastic baseball helmet.
Citi Field is a true Queens experience. Also, whoever is responsible for the music and sound effects for the stadium has the attention span of a 12 year old.
GSilky@reddit
Stand up when everyone else stands up, and depending on where you are sitting, pay attention to avoid foul balls to the head. It might feel odd to stand up for the jingoistic nonsense at the beginning, but people take that seriously and aren't afraid of confrontation at the baseball game over it.
IPreferDiamonds@reddit
Hope you have a great time!!!!
mydogisverykool@reddit
Sunscreen for sure, depending on where your seats are you might be baking in the sun.
Ready-Arrival@reddit
The Ricky and Lucy Ricardo Daddy Yanquis vs. The Fred and Ethel Mertz'.
Ok_Sentence_5767@reddit
New York Mets fan here! Get to the stadoum noce and early since it will be a sell out, this is the biggest regular season game since they're cross town rivals. Get ready for the chaos and have fun hating the yankees. Citi Field has the best food in baseball with too many options to pick from. Right outside the main entrance is the big apple from their old stadium, Shea Stadium. The Mets set up plaques in the parking lot where the pitchers mound, homeplate and all the bases used to be at shea stadium. Also we're running on fun and good vibes here in queens. Also check this short video on what this team has been about since last year!
https://youtu.be/R0_itwVkrDQ?si=zepff4Cl4KzZK9ZL
R_Raider86@reddit
Cheer for the Mets. Let's go Mets!
Ready-Arrival@reddit
Mets
Current_Poster@reddit
First of all, welcome to America and NYC, and a Happy 4th to you.
Weather should be great. We had a big heatwave but it seems to have broken up nicely after some thunderstorms. Gametime tonight is 7 PM, temperature should be in the neighborhood of 27C (80F or so). It might feel warmer because of the (reasonable) humidity, but it should cool off as it gets later.
I don't know if you need it (you probably know all this stuff already), but while there's a lot of videos, articles etc explaining Cricket in Baseball terms, there's not a lot going the other direction. I did find this though: https://hughewilliams.com/2012/07/23/explaining-baseball-to-a-cricketer/ . (if you don't need it, maybe someone else can use it.)
Hope you have a great time.
DigitalDash56@reddit
Hot dog, beer. Repeat
waltzthrees@reddit
Don’t forget the sunscreen!! Baseball is as much about the atmosphere as the game. Walk around, hang out and enjoy it. It’s not something where you have to see every second.
Carinyosa99@reddit
Baseball is so much more enjoyable watching in person than on TV. It's an entire experience. Enjoy!
dabeeman@reddit
i would start with spelling the team name correctly.
MrLongWalk@reddit
It’s Mets with an S. Just enjoy the game, don’t spend your time trying to explain to everybody how different it is from things the UK. You’re not the first British tourist to attend an MLB game, you won’t be the last.
PhilTheThrill1808@reddit
Drink beforehand. Obviously you're in New York so everything is more expensive than most places anyway, but stadium prices are outlandish
Peytonhawk@reddit
Just have a good time. Baseball is pretty casual to watch as I’m sure you know since you’ve watched it for 2 years now. Try to get to the game early by an hour or so in order to have time to walk around the stadium and watch Batting Practice. The Subway series is a pretty fun time so I’m sure you’ll get a good crowd.
ktbear716@reddit
it's the mets with an s. have fun