Take Me Out
The 2008 Major League baseball season got underway in early April. After several away games, the Atlanta Braves had their first of several consecutive home games last night at Turner Field, against California's Oakland Athletic.
Over here, the baseball season runs roughly from April through to September, much like our AFL. Last night's game was the first one I've ever attended, and even though I only roughly know the rules, it was a whole lot of fun to watch - a big thank you to one of my workmates who managed to explain some of the basics to me, and thus gave me a better appreciation of some of the game's tactics. There's plenty of sitting around, drinking and eating, with many a loud neon sign lighting up the field, and lots of "segments" involving the crowd whenever there's a break in play.
I don't know if every baseball team has its own chant, but the thing that seems to be unique to the Braves is the "tomahawk chop". I can't really describe it, but if you go to YouTube and do a search on it, you can see it for yourself. Make sure you have the sound turned way up too.
There's also constant noise, even though the crowd itself seems to stay pretty quiet - apart from big moments like home runs, that gets everyone on their feet. A steady stream of vendors paces up and down the aisles, offering beer, fairy floss or slurpees. Strike-outs, home runs, and meetings-on-the-mound are usually punctuated by brief jingles that sound like they're being played on an old Wurlitzer.
It's spring time over here, but the nights are still pretty chilly. Last night was no exception, but with the temperature and humidity both set to creep up steadily (especially in Atlanta which can get pretty sticky, I arrived at the height of summer last year and didn't know what hit me) - it's easy to picture how electric the atmosphere at a game would be on a balmy summer evening.
Finally, last night's result: Braves 3 - Athletic 2.
Over here, the baseball season runs roughly from April through to September, much like our AFL. Last night's game was the first one I've ever attended, and even though I only roughly know the rules, it was a whole lot of fun to watch - a big thank you to one of my workmates who managed to explain some of the basics to me, and thus gave me a better appreciation of some of the game's tactics. There's plenty of sitting around, drinking and eating, with many a loud neon sign lighting up the field, and lots of "segments" involving the crowd whenever there's a break in play.
I don't know if every baseball team has its own chant, but the thing that seems to be unique to the Braves is the "tomahawk chop". I can't really describe it, but if you go to YouTube and do a search on it, you can see it for yourself. Make sure you have the sound turned way up too.
There's also constant noise, even though the crowd itself seems to stay pretty quiet - apart from big moments like home runs, that gets everyone on their feet. A steady stream of vendors paces up and down the aisles, offering beer, fairy floss or slurpees. Strike-outs, home runs, and meetings-on-the-mound are usually punctuated by brief jingles that sound like they're being played on an old Wurlitzer.
It's spring time over here, but the nights are still pretty chilly. Last night was no exception, but with the temperature and humidity both set to creep up steadily (especially in Atlanta which can get pretty sticky, I arrived at the height of summer last year and didn't know what hit me) - it's easy to picture how electric the atmosphere at a game would be on a balmy summer evening.
Finally, last night's result: Braves 3 - Athletic 2.
posted by yossarian | 11:24 AM
4 Comments:
this looks awesome and very fun! i always love the way the grass is so perfect it looks kinda fake!! :)
hehehe...yeah, i know about the grass - didn't realise how pristine it looked until i was there, nor how small the actual diamond is when compared to the whole field. thanks for dropping by!
Even fireworks! No tobacco chewing? I guess it's a little like their view of cricket - its a bit hard to appreciate without knowing all the rules and tactics.
Sounds like you had a tonne of fun Yoss! I went to my first rugby match with Kaz last week and felt like it was pretty surreal. Also didn't know the rules but she helped clear some things up for me and it was exciting to see fireworks after each try.
The crowd is another thing to watch, having people in the uniform colours, chanting and just having a ball it's a great atmosphere! Did I tell you Joel's a big baseball fan too? On many occasions you'll walk into his office and he'll quickly minimise the baseball stats- apparently a big tihng for stats nuts! :)
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