I want to go to a game but have no idea

Seve OB

So as the title says, I'm a baseball virgin so go ease on me.

Heading to Chicago this May so thought about going to a Baseball game. But looking at the MLB website confuses me. It seems according to the fixture list games go on for 3 days and are back to back against their next games. Now I'm not completely stupid so I know this is not the case so could someone please shed a bit of light and tell me what am I not seeing here?

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=cws#y=2016&m=5&calendar=DEFAULT

Fr Tod Umptious

Games are played in series, you usually have 3 or 4 games in a series.

So the White Sox could be playing Cleveland for example 4 days in a row, and then Boston for example the next 4 days in a row.

Each is an individual game, each team plays a total of 162 games

If you are totally new to baseball I'd advise watching a few games before you go and understanding how the game is played.

I've meet many a person who has left their first baseball game after half an hour cos they haven't a clue what is going on.

jack presley

Also if you're in Chicago, you'll probably get a better experience at a Cubs game. Wrigley Field is one of the iconic stadiums in baseball and it looks great on a nice warm day. Presuming they're not on the road when you're there of course.

Seve OB

Thanks Tod

So i wasnt imaganing things. WOW, that is a mad number if games. So they pretty much play 6 days a week! Thats crazy!

So take the white socks, playing the Red socks? Good games to pick? Im a Liverpool fan so have heard of the Redsocks Fenway connection. Not really heard of the White Socks, but I always thought the Cubs were the big team in Chicago. However am I right in saying they are niw in the lower league?

In the series of 3 games I would presume they must have a huge squad and rotate a lot? Which generally is the best game in the series to go and see?

Seve OB

Thanks Tod

So i wasnt imaganing things. WOW, that is a mad number if games. So they pretty much play 6 days a week! Thats crazy!

So take the white socks, playing the Red socks? Good games to pick? Im a Liverpool fan so have heard of the Redsocks Fenway connection. Not really heard of the White Socks, but I always thought the Cubs were the big team in Chicago. However am I right in saying they are niw in the lower league?

In the series of 3 games I would presume they must have a huge squad and rotate a lot? Which generally is the best game in the series to go and see?

Seve OB

jack presley wrote: »

Also if you're in Chicago, you'll probably get a better experience at a Cubs game. Wrigley Field is one of the iconic stadiums in baseball and it looks great on a nice warm day. Presuming they're not on the road when you're there of course.

They are playing the Nationals......... Whoever they are?

jack presley

Seve OB wrote: »

They are playing the Nationals......... Whoever they are?

Washington Nationals. That would be a good game to watch, both good teams who would be expected to challenge. The Cubs are probably favourites to win it all.

jack presley

Seve OB wrote: »

Thanks Tod

So i wasnt imaganing things. WOW, that is a mad number if games. So they pretty much play 6 days a week! Thats crazy!

So take the white socks, playing the Red socks? Good games to pick? Im a Liverpool fan so have heard of the Redsocks Fenway connection. Not really heard of the White Socks, but I always thought the Cubs were the big team in Chicago. However am I right in saying they are niw in the lower league?

In the series of 3 games I would presume they must have a huge squad and rotate a lot? Which generally is the best game in the series to go and see?

It's hard to pick which game would be the best to go and see this far out. It all depends on the pitching. The starting pitcher changes every day but the rest of the line up (for the most part) stays the same. You might see a player get rested every now and then but a lot of players would play 150 or so of the 162 games.

There are 2 leagues alright with one Chicago team in each but they are of equal standing. The winner of each plays in the World Series.

jack presley

Not that I'm working for the Chicago Cubs tourist board, but the area around Wrigley Field is full of great bars and restaurants and has a good atmosphere around the place on game days (he says having only been there once...!!!). It's pretty much in the heart of the city. The White Sox stadium is much further out and in more of a suburban area (I think).

jack presley

And as Tod says, try and watch a game or two before you go so you'll have a better idea of what's going on. Have a read of this too.

http://www.howbaseballworks.com/TheBasics.htm

First Up

Seve OB wrote:

In the series of 3 games I would presume they must have a huge squad and rotate a lot? Which generally is the best game in the series to go and see?

The only player rotated every game is the pitcher. A "starting" pitcher will usually go for about seven of the nine innings and then "relief" pitchers take over - sometimes facing as few as one batter as they try to get the best match up . Pitching is very demanding and a starter will usually play about every 5 days.

Pitchers are usually the highest paid on the roster (apart from a few superstar hitters) and are the main factor in winning/losing.

The outfield players will play almost every game - sometimes two in the one day as they make up for days lost to rain etc.

It has been said that God must love baseball because he made so many games but the number of games allows the various pitchers to play against almost every team over the season so its a fair test.

Baseball is a wonderful game and a true American experience. I would also recommend Wrigley Field (Cubs) as it is a lovely stadium and in a much nicer part of the city than where the White Sox play.

Seve OB

Learning a lot already. Thanks guys. Was reading on trip advisor lots of people actually saying socks is a better stadium layout, food, access..... But Cubs seems to have the history but actual ground not as nice.

Tickets seem to be quite reasonable also, was looking at stub hub and prices from 10 bucks! That was one of he reasons I thought it might not be a real game and I was looking at things all wrong. Don't think I'll be going all the way to Chicago to be buying a ticket for a tenner though..... Might go 12..... Even 13

Seve OB

Learning a lot already. Thanks guys. Was reading on trip advisor lots of people actually saying socks is a better stadium layout, food, access..... But Cubs seems to have the history but actual ground not as nice.

Tickets seem to be quite reasonable also, was looking at stub hub and prices from 10 bucks! That was one of he reasons I thought it might not be a real game and I was looking at things all wrong. Don't think I'll be going all the way to Chicago to be buying a ticket for a tenner though..... Might go 12..... Even 13

jack presley

Seve OB wrote: »

Learning a lot already. Thanks guys. Was reading on trip advisor lots of people actually saying socks is a better stadium layout, food, access..... But Cubs seems to have the history but actual ground not as nice.

Although Wrigley is full of history and looks great, it is a dump. Well it was, but they've started to do it up the past year or so and parts of it are better than they were but they're doing it in pieces so it'll be a few years before the complete renovation is finished. Pissing in the troughs in the toilets is an experience I'll tell you that!

The White Sox stadium is more modern and has all the fancy new stuff you get in new stadiums these days so it's horses for courses really.

Seve OB

I did read something about some bloke not happy about having his 8 year old kid going to the Jacks.... Lol

Just read through the rules on that link. Pretty straight forward. Kinda knew a lot of the basics, but there are a few curve balls in there that are nice to understand ahead of time.

Right, the league.... God they make that complicated don't they!

Seve OB

I did read something about some bloke not happy about having his 8 year old kid going to the Jacks.... Lol

Just read through the rules on that link. Pretty straight forward. Kinda knew a lot of the basics, but there are a few curve balls in there that are nice to understand ahead of time.

Right, the league.... God they make that complicated don't they!

First Up

I think Wrigley has a lot of charm. Its a bit run down but its one of the few old style ballparks still around. Comiskey (now called Cellular Field ffs) is a lot newer but a bit bland. Definitely in an edgier part of town. Go to whichever schedule works - hell, go to both.
The more you can understand the game the more you will enjoy it. There are so many subtle features. Best way to learn would be to watch a game on TV with someone who can explain what is going on - not just the obvious but the little things.

Fr Tod Umptious

First Up wrote: »

I think Wrigley has a lot of charm. Its a bit run down but its one of the few old style ballparks still around. Comiskey (now called Cellular Field ffs) is a lot newer but a bit bland. Definitely in an edgier part of town. Go to whichever schedule works - hell, go to both.
The more you can understand the game the more you will enjoy it. There are so many subtle features. Best way to learn would be to watch a game on TV with someone who can explain what is going on - not just the obvious but the little things.

That's a good idea.
Watching a game with someone who understands the intricacies and jargon of the game would've very helpful.

Why are they changing pitcher ?
Why are they pinch running ?
Why are they intentionally walking a batter ?
Why is the batter bunting ?
What's a "stand up double" ?
What's a "ground rule double "
What's "scoring position" ?
What's the infield fly rule ?

jack presley

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

That's a good idea.
Watching a game with someone who understands the intricacies and jargon of the game would've very helpful.

Why are they changing pitcher ?
Why are they pinch running ?
Why are they intentionally walking a batter ?
Why is the batter bunting ?
What's a "stand up double" ?
What's a "ground rule double "
What's "scoring position" ?
What's the infield fly rule ?

Why does Lucas Duda keep swinging at those pitches in the dirt?

Seve OB

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

That's a good idea.
Watching a game with someone who understands the intricacies and jargon of the game would've very helpful.

Why are they changing pitcher ?
Why are they pinch running ?
Why are they intentionally walking a batter ?
Why is the batter bunting ?
What's a "stand up double" ?
What's a "ground rule double "
What's "scoring position" ?
What's the infield fly rule ?

Well go on so and explain

I'll pick up a bit to get by I'm sure but I'm also going for the experience so don't need to be an expert by the time I get there. With so many games on offer I guess there are plenty of people like me who just go along to see what its all about, so I wont feel like Ive done a genuine sulporter out of a ticket

Fr Tod Umptious

Seve OB wrote: »

Well go on so and explain

I'll pick up a bit to get by I'm sure but I'm also going for the experience so don't need to be an expert by the time I get there. With so many games on offer I guess there are plenty of people like me who just go along to see what its all about, so I wont feel like Ive done a genuine sulporter out of a ticket

Well knowing what the game is about is a major part of the experience.

As I said I know many who went to games thinking they knew what they were going to but left after 30 mins as they were bored silly, because the game on the field did not interest them.

Don't let that happen to you.

While living in the US it was game 142 into my first baseball season before I went to a game, it took me that long to fully get into it.

Fr Tod Umptious

jack presley wrote: »

Why does Lucas Duda keep swinging at those pitches in the dirt?

Forgot to mention check swings actually

Seve OB

I dont know or understand most of the rules of cricket, but i have enough to get by in that and I love watching that. Im a numbers man, love the stats and all that kinda stuff. Not comparing the 2 games or anything, but what i am trying to say is that a lack of full knowledge of whats going on down there on the field certainly wont have me heading for the hills.

Having said all that, i do intend on watching a bit before i head over to get a handle on tbe game. Broke it to the missus this evening that we are going to a ball game and she is up for it. She even has one up on me cause she has been to see the cubs play in wrigley before........

Seve OB

I dont know or understand most of the rules of cricket, but i have enough to get by in that and I love watching that. Im a numbers man, love the stats and all that kinda stuff. Not comparing the 2 games or anything, but what i am trying to say is that a lack of full knowledge of whats going on down there on the field certainly wont have me heading for the hills.

Having said all that, i do intend on watching a bit before i head over to get a handle on tbe game. Broke it to the missus this evening that we are going to a ball game and she is up for it. She even has one up on me cause she has been to see the cubs play in wrigley before........

Fr Tod Umptious

Seve OB wrote: »

I dont know or understand most of the rules of cricket, but i have enough to get by in that and I love watching that. Im a numbers man, love the stats and all that kinda stuff. Not comparing the 2 games or anything, but what i am trying to say is that a lack of full knowledge of whats going on down there on the field certainly wont have me heading for the hills.

Having said all that, i do intend on watching a bit before i head over to get a handle on tbe game. Broke it to the missus this evening that we are going to a ball game and she is up for it. She even has one up on me cause she has been to see the cubs play in wrigley before........

Well if you can watch and enjoy cricket then you should be in decent shape for baseball.

Its people who would only be familiar with the popular field sports in this country, GAA, soccer, rugby, that seem to struggle with baseball and the pace of the game.

First Up

Seve OB wrote: »

Well go on so and explain

I'll pick up a bit to get by I'm sure but I'm also going for the experience so don't need to be an expert by the time I get there. With so many games on offer I guess there are plenty of people like me who just go along to see what its all about, so I wont feel like Ive done a genuine sulporter out of a ticket

The questions that Tod put up are more about tactics and terminology
than rules. For sure, the more you can follow what's going on the better but don't feel intimidated - its is a simple enough game on the surface at least.

What you will appreciate at a live game is the speed of the pitching (which you can't judge on TV) and the incredible reflexes of the batter to be able to adjust to hit the ball. A ball travelling at 90mph covers 60 feet pretty fast. That, plus the athleticism and throwing skills of the fielders. It can be a slow enough moving game (usually about 2 1/2 hours) but they have plenty of distractions and no shortage of stuff to buy!

Fr Tod Umptious

First Up wrote: »

The questions that Tod put up are more about tactics and terminology
than rules. For sure, the more you can follow what's going on the better but don't feel intimidated - its is a simple enough game on the surface at least.

What you will appreciate at a live game is the speed of the pitching (which you can't judge on TV) and the incredible reflexes of the batter to be able to adjust to hit the ball. A ball travelling at 90mph covers 60 feet pretty fast. That, plus the athleticism and throwing skills of the fielders. It can be a slow enough moving game (usually about 2 1/2 hours) but they have plenty of distractions and no shortage of stuff to buy!

Love the way outfielders can just ping the ball to the infield so quickly and so accurately.
Its quite amazing to see in the flesh.

jack presley

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

Love the way outfielders can just ping the ball to the infield so quickly and so accurately.
Its quite amazing to see in the flesh.

You really can't beat seeing a game live (probably the same for all sports?). The first time I saw a game I was amazed at not only the speed the ball was travelling but the sound it made when it hit the glove. A lot louder than I ever expected.

webpal

To appreciate the skill of a pitcher, go outside, put a biscuit tin cover up against a wall, now turnaround and walk 69.5 feet away. Turnaround again - see if you can hit it, then see if you can hit at 100mph!

First Up

Don't exaggerate. Its 60 feet and six inches.

The other thing is to go to a batting cage in an arcade or such, set the pitch machine to 70mph (the fastest they allow) and try hitting it.

Seve OB

First Up wrote: »

What you will appreciate at a live game is the speed of the pitching (which you can't judge on TV) and the incredible reflexes of the batter to be able to adjust to hit the ball. A ball travelling at 90mph covers 60 feet pretty fast. That, plus the athleticism and throwing skills of the fielders. It can be a slow enough moving game (usually about 2 1/2 hours) but they have plenty of distractions and no shortage of stuff to buy!

This!!!!! wow... speed was unreal, but the accuracy!!!


So we ended up going to see the Cubs at Wrigley last Friday against Washington Nationals. I was impressed with the ease of access, the area is great, they are working on the back of the stadium, looks like there might be a new one coming soon. I loved the fact all the bars and food joints inside are nearly all different unlike when you go to Lansdown and Croker and you get the same thing at every stall. it's not cheap though, paid $25 for a hot dog, chips and lemonade! in fairness though, it was a big ass hot dog with beef instead of ketchup!! they like their peanuts there don't they!

I sat in the wrong seats (on purpose), right row, right seat numbers, but wrong block (the missus was having conniptions). Was there for about 30 mins before we were moved, but it gave me a good opportunity to grill the fella next to me and pick up on a few of the rules and regs. A good job, cause nobody beside me when we went to our own seats till a bird came along and sat on her own waiting for her fella to appear about an hour later! she spent most of the time on her phone with the odd shout when the crowd got going!

I picked up a bit more then as I watched the goings on and the score boards. Quite enjoyed it I have to say. Lovely area, great buzz around. Went to Al Capones local afterwards

Upshot... next time I'm heading to the states, will more than likely try and get to a game again.