We all know the primary purpose behind Major League Baseball’s spring training: Prepare for the season. Position players are using the time to get in better shape and to go over the basics– from hitting and bunting to practicing relays and cut-offs. Pitchers are building up endurance and working on pick-offs and covering first base. The manager is scrutinizing new players and projecting strategic match-ups for the regular season with different personnel combinations. Everyone is honing relevant skills before the games really count. Even the umpiring crews are taking time to work on fundamentals and any new or altered rules.
So, here’s a suggestion. Why not have fans work on their game too? Seriously.
For instance, there’s an unwritten baseball rule about fan protocol. One that I was reminded of again as I took in a couple of games last week involving the Phillies at Clearwater’s Bright House Field. The rule is this: Be mindful of when you make that concession-stand or restroom run. It matters to those around you. People can’t see through you, even if you’re transparently ignorant.
Of all major sports, baseball is by far the most pedestrian. It’s replete with stoppages. Between innings. Between hitters. Even between pitches. Plus, there are pitching changes and mound conferences as well as the occasional third-base coach/batter signal clarification or a replay review. Opportunities absolutely abound for those aforementioned runs, including using the home half of the seventh inning for something other than a “stretch.”
Timing is a fan–as well as a player–skill. Only the clueless or inconsiderate would arise in the middle of a pitch or a batted ball in play–or not courteously wait in the aisle before returning. “‘Scuse me, ‘scuse me, ‘scuse me–yo, heads up” doesn’t mitigate matters nearly enough.
Put it this way: It’s spring training. If you’re a fan with a thirst and without a catheter, work on your game and be cognizant of those around you–those who are likely there to observe what happens between stoppages.