Loud noise and the scent of Dodger Dogs flooded the air on the afternoon of September 29th. It was a home game for the Dodgers against the Colorado Rockies. Boiling heat and stale wind definitely did not contribute to an easy game to play, let alone watch. Despite the scorching temperature, and less than desirable seats, I realized there was more to the experience. I decided to attend the event to get a broader idea of the baseball culture. As the last time I attended a Dodger game, I could barely tie my shoes, I wanted to now gain a better understanding over all the hype.

Why do people love watching baseball? Why do people sit in the sun for hours to watch games live? Why do people travel to watch their home team play? All of these were questions I wanted answers to. Considering I was never huge on watching sports, other than basketball, I always thought watching baseball was about as boring as watching grass grow. Watching baseball always had the equivalent appeal to me as watching golf; slow paced, long, something I didn’t have the patience for. After attending however my view completely changed, and I broadened my horizons for a sport I never thought I could be interested in before.

I learned many things that Sunday afternoon. Usually a time I spend mindlessly relaxing, I instead spent getting answers to my preconceived notions. I realized why people love watching baseball. Not only is a baseball game something you don’t go to everyday, but it also serves as a gathering and entertainment all in one. Sitting in front of me were multiple families who bought entire rows of seats to accompany everyone. In addition, food is served endlessly and in large quantities making it perfect for a lot of people. Besides the entertainment, food, and social gathering, some people actually do have a strong commitment to their home team. Although most of the stadium was rocking the Dodger blue, there were a good amount of people around wearing Colorado attire. While before I would have questioned what the point is to travel 3 states over just to watch a game, I realized after the Rockies had beat the Dodgers 2-1. Fan support is always an extra help and I believe that some people are very loyal to their home team. Clearly the support helped the Rockies get an edge considering they won on the Dodgers home field. As embarrassing as it was to be a Dodger fan that day, my cultural eye expanded and I got answers to my questions.

Answers to my inquiries were not the only thing I obtained that day. Not only did I learn some new things about the baseball culture, I also learned some things about myself. Undoubtedly I learned that I am much more tolerant to the heat than I thought I was given it was a solid 90 degrees with no breeze whatsoever. I learned that I am much more patient than I thought I could be. Sitting in the same spot for 3 hours never sounded like something I was capable of doing before, however I got so into the game it wasn’t an issue. Lastly, I learned that I needed to put aside my preconceived notions in order to let myself experience something new. If I had never attended the game, I would’ve been left with the little remembrance of the game I went to maybe 10 years ago. I still would have been wondering what the big deal about baseball is. Although now I can confidently say I do.

The experience of attending a Dodger game opened my eyes to a broader cultural significance. Watching baseball isn’t only just about seeing who will win or loose. Watching baseball involves so much more. It is an event that brings people together. Whether that bond is between friends, families, cities, or countries, baseball is a sporting event that many people can relate to. Rankings and statistics are merely just numbers. In any setting there is always going to be a winner and a looser. However, the baseball culture is broader than that. While people are obviously excited when they see their team win, I believe the point of watching baseball, or any sport for that matter is the company it brings you. Being able to experience a common event with other individuals inevitably brings people together. It unifies people because it gives them something to discuss in groups. It lets people talk about opinions, which is something that everyone has. Many people have differing opinions, and that is just how it should be. And like Mark Twain once said, “It is not best that we should all think alike, it is a difference of opinion that makes horse races”.