Pick Your Players
Now this is important. While knowing all the players and giving each on a little love is a vital part of Indian fandom, having your guy is what puts YOU in the game. During those pivotal moments of the game you need to have your player that can get you out of a jam.
Bottom of the 8th, 2 outs, down by 2, Runners on 2nd and 3rd, and your boy Roberto Duran steps up to plate and belts one to deep right. Bask in the glory of YOUR player. Remember though…You got to ride the wave and go with the ups and the downs of YOUR player.
Have Your Favorite Seat
So far through 5 games we have probably sat in about 25 different seats at Avista (We tend to wander like lost dogs [Bark in the Park Tonight! More on that Tomorrow]). While I am not condoning sitting in other peoples seats, having that place to sit that helps your enjoy game is essential. Everyone is a little different, so pick wisely. If you like sitting in the sun and baking like a potato for the whole game then the left field bleachers are your spot. You might like to be up close and personal with a chance of catching whiff of Kevin Torres' cologne, hit up the lower box seats. (Torres played Catcher and 1B this weekend so your you have a few options.) You want a HR Ball? Hit up the Pepsi Porch (Garia blasted two there yesterday.) Even The General has his favorite spot to watch his beloved Indians. Point is there are no bad seats at Avista, so have your place that you can get comfortable and get into the game!
Wear Some Gear
This one is easy. We got brand new team store with some sweet stuff. T-Shirts, hats, foam fingers, key chains and even game wore jerseys, so there are no excuses. Wearing team colors instills a sense of pride, and camaraderie with fellow Indians. Plus where else can you get a brand new New Era Hat for $24! Make sure not to go overboard with it though….
Learn Section Leaders and Concessionists Names
If you're like me, I love learning peoples names, because once you learn a couple names and they learn yours, things start to feel like home. There is nothing like the walking around talking to people and feeling like you belong there. Avista has some of the of the best staff. They are friendly, funny and energetic. So make sure as you walk in to get your FREE program from Jared, go see Courtney's Red White and Blue shoes over in Section L, and get your Ice Cold Budweiser from Jacob. If you're looking to get your cheer game on, go see Tommy the Tank over in the Left Field Bleachers, he'll be the one getting the crowd chants rolling. Go…INDIANS!
Rituals & Superstitions
Baseball is built on superstitions and rituals. Most players have very specific routines they perform in belief it will maintain their success on the mound, in the field or at bat. Tap tap the cleats, adjust the cup, spit, three slow swings…Ok now I'm ready. You know the drill. We as fans we need to buy in too…If we score three runs while you were holding a beer in your left hand then you better keep that hand stocked for the rest of the game. The last thing we need is some idiot changing things up and costing us the W. For reference and personal knowledge here is list of some of Baseball's Most Famous Ritual and Superstitions .
Now I'm not saying shout out obscenities at the other team, but you got to mess with them a little. Baseball is a thinking mans game, and we as fans we have duty to help our team by distracting the others. Get your program or bust out the iPhone and look up visiting teams roster. Find out where they are from, look up there stats, critique their unis, whatever you got to do. If they drop a Can o'Corn fly ball out in right field let them know it (Hi Alfredo). Make sure you keep it clean and subtle or you'll be asked to leave by our wonderful Indians Staff.
Know Your Baseball Terms
There is nothing worse than sitting at a game and the dufus behind you keeps yelling "Here we go Indians, 2 out Rally!!!" while we hold a 3 run lead. Or the people that come to a game and ask "What's the K stand for? Do you win something for holding those up?" while you try celebrate Yohander retiring the side. If you don't know many terms and baseballs not your thing, watch and observe there is a lot to learn without asking questions. 2 out rally?!?! Idiot.
Participate In What's Happening at Avista
Being at a baseball game is as much about the atmosphere as the game itself. So when you enter the stadium and reach the end of the tunnel and feast your eyes on the fresh painted lines and perfectly manicured grass, make sure you take in all the other things happening. Make sure you get your recycle on with RecycleMan, give Otto a high five, and straighten Nate's bow tie. Your experience is what you make of it so when that 7th inning stretch comes…Stand up…sing.
Keep The Books
Once in every fans life he/she must at least attempt to "Keep the Books". It is a great way to get to know players names, numbers, and positions and keep you focused on the game. I'll be honest its hard to watch every moment every game, but when you're keeping the books you won't want to take your eyes off the game. The great thing is there is a score card on the back of every SpokesMan Review K Card that gives the directions and symbols to keep things official. This does come with a little responsibility though…Once the people around find out your writing this stuff down you become the game recap every time someone steps to the plate, "What'd this guy do the last time he was up?" If you want to get real fancy like the life long season ticket holders over on the first base side, you can get some really cool apps for the iPad or kindle.
Control Yourself
Have fun, follow all the above, and drink a few brewskis. Just don't go overboard and ruin the game for those around you. Last thing you want is to be the drunk idiot that won't shut up, sit down and enjoy the game.
By the way I also sell ice cold Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Coors Light, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Light, Mike's Hard Lemonade, and Mike's Hard Black Cherry Lemonade for you people that don't drink regular Budweiser!
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