"Baseball Is Just A Game"---Not to Baseball Fans!
Welcome to a late-comer to being a rabid baseball fan's thoughts. Who could have told me that I was a baseball fan. I had a friend who was/is a Chicago Cubs fan. She took me to the first baseball game that I saw in a real stadium. We were at a conference in San Diego and we sneaked away one of the afternoons and went to Qualcom Stadium to see San Diego Padres vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers. Living in Nebraska then and living in California now; I remember that first game several years ago and I remember those "bells". I am today a proud and a determined San Diego Padres fan.
(Even though I won't be hearing those Trevor Hoffman bells anymore .)
But overall, I AM A BASEBALL FAN!
Summer means baseballs, hot dogs, peanuts and
THE SONG!
(Even though I won't be hearing those Trevor Hoffman bells anymore .)
But overall, I AM A BASEBALL FAN!
Summer means baseballs, hot dogs, peanuts and
THE SONG!
WHAT IS BASEBALL?
Baseball: "It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone.
- A. Bartlett Giamatti
New Table of Contents
- WHAT IS BASEBALL?
- DAV Day at the Ballpark
- The Stadiums are Ready! The Fans are In Place! PLAY BALL!
- Countdown to Girl Time at a Padre's Game!
- TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME sung by.......
- A Shout Out for a Cubbies Fan!
- "Umpires: Baseball's Judiciary"
- The Origin of FAN
- FANS are FANtastic---when not FANatical!
- Now This Is One Fanatical Fan Who is Also FANTASTIC!
- Baseball Announcers are Baseball Fans as Well!
- New Text module
- Show Off Your Team Spirit!
- Baseball Fans Blogs
- Baseballs Best Moments!
- MLB.com At Bat 2009
- Fans Start in the Cradle
- DREAM! Growing Up Baseball!
- Teach Them About the Baseball SONG!
- Hear the Original Version of the Baseball Song---sung in 1908
- Advice on Being a Fan, Before the Grave!
- Are You A Psycho Fan or a Psychic Fan?
- Important Thing to Remember!
- Baseball on Blogs
- Baseball and Baseball Fans Often Need Humor
- Baseball Humor of George Carlin Will Never Die
- Collectible Items for Every Baseball Fan Can Be found on eBay
- The Latest Version of the Major League Baseball 2K9!
- Baseball News on Google
- Baseball is "Not So Recession-Proof"
- Baseball Fans Shout Out For Your Team and Your Spirit
- Flickr Has Caught Some Baseball Fans on Camera
DAV Day at the Ballpark
Schedule of Events at Ballparks
The DAV Day at the Ballpark outreach program provides Departments, Chapters and members the opportunity to be a part of America's game.
The program continues to grow and evolve, with Departments and Chapters working with their local teams to set up games across the country.
At many events, Departments and Chapters are honored by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. In addition to playing the DAV video, "Heroes Helping Heroes," disabled veterans participating in opening ceremonies are give on-field introductions and honored for their service and sacrifices. Several teams distribute DAV baseball cards, and thousands of DAV members and their invited guests from VA medical centers and nursing homes attend events.
The 2009 season promises to be thrilling as teams line up to order collectible DAV cards for their star players.
The Rest of the Baseball Season Schedule:
*San Francisco Giants Monday, May 25 Braves
Minnesota Twins Friday, July 3 Tigers
Florida Marlins Saturday, July 4 Pirates
*Philadelphia Phillies Saturday, July 4 Mets
Baltimore Orioles Saturday, July 11 Blue Jays
Seattle Mariners Saturday, July 11 Rangers
Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, July 12 Dodgers
San Diego Padres Monday, July 20 Marlins
*Detroit Tigers Tuesday, July 21 Mariners
Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, August 2 Nationals
Washington Nationals Sunday, August 9 D-Backs
*San Diego Padres Sunday, September 13 Rockies
Texas Rangers Sunday, September 20 Angels
*Veterans Appreciation Games - For tickets, please call the team's ticket office and say you are a DAV member.
The Stadiums are Ready! The Fans are In Place! PLAY BALL!
A perfect game is when, on a beautiful sunny day, you get to go to a baseball game with friends, drink a beer and eat hot dogs AND your favorite team WINS! I have it pretty much covered:
* Going to game with the girls
* This is San Diego, the weather will be great
* I WILL have a beer and a hot dog (Special Thursday 2 for 1 day = 1/2 price tickets, plus 2 hot dogs for free
* Now, the last part is up to the Padres!
* Going to game with the girls
* This is San Diego, the weather will be great
* I WILL have a beer and a hot dog (Special Thursday 2 for 1 day = 1/2 price tickets, plus 2 hot dogs for free
* Now, the last part is up to the Padres!
(My next trip to a baseball game is June 18, 2009)
"Take Me Out to the Ballgame.
Can't You Just Hear It?
'Play Ball'!"
A Shout Out for a Cubbies Fan!
A Cubbie's FAN contacted me asking how I could have videos about singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and not feature Harry Caray at Wrigley Field. Classic!
Ya Gotta Love the Fans!
Ya Gotta Love the Fans!
powered by Youtube
"Umpires: Baseball's Judiciary"
As They See 'Em:
A Fan's Travels in the Land of Umpires
Read the entire George Will opinion/review which I discovered in the North County Times-San Diego, CA HERE!
The Origin of FAN
On a recent Used Bookstore Crawl in downtown San Diego we went on, I found a baseball book that has Answers to many Sports questions. For instance I found out "why we are called fans". The book is ESPN the Magazine presents: ANSWER GUY. This is a great book by Brendan O'Conner, Neil Fine, and Gary Belsky. And the answer is: "So I have to go with "fan" as a clipping of 'fanatic'. Why? Because there's hard evidence to back it up. The story comes from sportswriter Ted Sullivan. He claimed that in 1883, Charles Cominsky called an enthusiast who visited the Cardinals clubhouse a 'fanatic' which Sullivan shorted to 'fan'. The term was in widespread use soon after.John Thorn, coeditor, Total Baseball: "Prior to 'fan', enthusiasts were often called 'bugs' or 'kranks'. Both term connote a sickness that infected people with a love of the game. Baseball Fever?"
FANS are FANtastic---when not FANatical!
On that same Used Bookstore Crawl in downtown San Diego, I found another baseball book written in 1974 by Neil Offen titled: God Save the Players--the Funny, Crazy, Sometimes Violent World of Sport Fans.What a great find! Although Mr. Offen covers all sports and their fans, using his book as a reference; I shall focus on stories of baseball fans.
Offen wrote that his book was "a book about fan, which means it's about you and me, your cousin Egbert, my barber Salvatore. It's about the guy that you wouldn't dare call on Monday nights because of the football games and the guy with the air horn who is always sitting behind you, no matter which stadium, what sport. You may even be the guy with the horn."
I have since found some of resources that will help me in dedicating this lens to baseball fans. I realized that there are so many excellent blogs, lenses, and websites about the finer points of baseball. Many with all the stats, rumors and fantasies and that is not my forte. I just love baseball; especially the San Diego Padres. And since Geoff Young does such a great job with his San Diego Padres blog,
Ducksnorts
and his general baseball site,
KnuckleCurve
I will stick to what I know and what I can find out from others -- I'll do the fans, covering them from the fantastic to the fanatical.
Now This Is One Fanatical Fan Who is Also FANTASTIC!
He has great tips for those of you who take your glove to the game....just in case!
Baseball Announcers are Baseball Fans as Well!
For the first time in seven years, the San Diego Padres have a new TV voice in 2009. Matt Vasgersian has been known for his home run tagline..."Santa Maria!". Vasgersian joined the MLB Network as its lead studio host beginning in January of 2009.
New Text module
Geoff Young had a parting post from Matt which appeared in his DuckSnort weekly column:
Parting Thoughts from Matt Vasgersian
Fri, Nov 7, 2008 Ballhype: hype it up!
by Geoff Young
As you know by now, Matt Vasgersian is leaving the Padres after seven years to join the new MLB Network as its first studio host. Since Matt has been such a part of our lives over those seven years, I thought it might be nice to get some parting words from the man himself, and he agreed. Take it away, Matt%u2026
I really hope that the Friar Faithful can survive what looks to be a lean couple of years. The reality of baseball is that all this is cyclical (any Springsteen fans? %u2026 "Everything that dies someday comes back" %u2026 "Atlantic City" from the Nebraska album).
To those who enjoyed the last seven years with me - thanks very much. Ours is an industry where everyone thinks they can do this job and most people have strong opinions, so your support means a lot.
It's been a lot of fun interacting on Ducksnorts the last few years. If nothing else I hope I've conveyed that I know what it's like to be passionate about your team - to more often than not have your heart broken and to occasionally bask in the glow of victory.
To paraphrase to the great John Kruk ...2026 "Lady, I ain't no broadcaster - I'm a fan."
Thanks, Matt. We're all fans, too. Best of luck!
Parting Thoughts from Matt Vasgersian
Fri, Nov 7, 2008 Ballhype: hype it up!
by Geoff Young
As you know by now, Matt Vasgersian is leaving the Padres after seven years to join the new MLB Network as its first studio host. Since Matt has been such a part of our lives over those seven years, I thought it might be nice to get some parting words from the man himself, and he agreed. Take it away, Matt%u2026
I really hope that the Friar Faithful can survive what looks to be a lean couple of years. The reality of baseball is that all this is cyclical (any Springsteen fans? %u2026 "Everything that dies someday comes back" %u2026 "Atlantic City" from the Nebraska album).
To those who enjoyed the last seven years with me - thanks very much. Ours is an industry where everyone thinks they can do this job and most people have strong opinions, so your support means a lot.
It's been a lot of fun interacting on Ducksnorts the last few years. If nothing else I hope I've conveyed that I know what it's like to be passionate about your team - to more often than not have your heart broken and to occasionally bask in the glow of victory.
To paraphrase to the great John Kruk ...2026 "Lady, I ain't no broadcaster - I'm a fan."
Thanks, Matt. We're all fans, too. Best of luck!
From San Diego Union-Tribune
Tom Krasovic, Staff Writer
Thursday, April 16, 2009
After four seven seasons as a Padres play-by-play broadcaster, Matt Vasgersian now works in New Jersey as a studio host for the fledgling MLB Network. He acknowledged Thursday to experiencing acute homesickness.
"I'm Jonesing for Petco Park and San Diego, not play-by-play," said Vasgersian, a native Californian and USC alum. "I love my job, don't get me wrong, but we have three dedicated cameras of Petco Park that we control and that's what I look at in my office - Petco Park.
What I knew of New Jersey before this was 'Sopranos' and Springsteen and what I know of New Jersey now is 'Sopranos,' Springsteen and MLB Network."
From Purplelady:
Matt Vasgersian has missed the San Diego Padres and Petco Park. Still a fan!
Tom Krasovic, Staff Writer
Thursday, April 16, 2009
After four seven seasons as a Padres play-by-play broadcaster, Matt Vasgersian now works in New Jersey as a studio host for the fledgling MLB Network. He acknowledged Thursday to experiencing acute homesickness.
"I'm Jonesing for Petco Park and San Diego, not play-by-play," said Vasgersian, a native Californian and USC alum. "I love my job, don't get me wrong, but we have three dedicated cameras of Petco Park that we control and that's what I look at in my office - Petco Park.
What I knew of New Jersey before this was 'Sopranos' and Springsteen and what I know of New Jersey now is 'Sopranos,' Springsteen and MLB Network."
From Purplelady:
Matt Vasgersian has missed the San Diego Padres and Petco Park. Still a fan!
Show Off Your Team Spirit!
Let Everyone Know You are a FAN!
It is time to start supporting your team and showing off that you are a major fan or married to one. Perhaps the fan in your family would like something "baseball" for a special occasion; such as that first game they are going to see live and in person.Add some CrackerJacks & p-nuts with it. You might also want to look at jewelry with a team's logo on it for your red-hot fan. Shop here to find what your FANtasy desires.
Baseball Fans Blogs
As full of fervor that many fans get about their love of baseball and especially about their favorite team; there has to be many blogs by and about baseball fans.
- When Baseball Started and Activites Fans May Want To Do To Satisfy ...
- Another fun thing for baseball fans to do is to attend a fantasy baseball league camp. This is for the person that is a loyal fan of a particular team and enjoys playing fantasy baseball themselves . This camp is typically geared to the ...
- Jewish Major Leaguers Inc. wants baseball fans to help select its ...
- Jewish Major Leaguers Inc. wants baseball fans to help select its Player of the Decade · Monday Morning Collector: Week 13 · Dave & Adam's launches 12 Days of Christmas deals · Relic Wear lets collectors take their memorabilia ...
- The Great Peter Gammons Leaving ESPN « The Ghost of Moonlight Graham
- Over the last year, he's really only been the only reason to watch ESPN's baseball coverage. I think most baseball fans would agree MLB Network is far superior and would welcome Gammons joining their outstanding coverage. ...
Baseballs Best Moments!
This is just three of Baseballs Best Moments in the archives at MLB.com.Be patient while these audios load; remember some of them happened a long time ago and they are stored away just waiting to be listened to.
Babe Ruth is one of Baseball's Best Moments!
1932 World Series, Game 3 -- Ruth's 'Called Shot'
Ruth's Called Shot"
The team and the fans are parts of the family.
1979 World Series, Game 7 -- We Are Family
We Are Family
Sometimes the fans interfere for the family.
1996 ALCS, Game 1 -- Young Fan Interference
Young Fan's Catch
MLB.com At Bat 2009
Things just keep getting better for baseball fans. Here's hoping our teams will do the same.A sneak peek at what's new with MLB.com At Bat 2009
At Bat 2009
Fans Start in the Cradle
We've all done it! We've purchased those miniature baseball jerseys and socks and outfitted our babies in the hope that they will become fans. We've outfitted them with clothes and their beds and rooms with baseball paraphenalia.
In searching for baseball fans news on the Internet I now find that a movie is being made to made a child into a special kind of fan. As found on Fan IQ, Ben Affleck will narrate Red Sox Baby: Raising Tomorrow's Boston Red Sox Fan Today, the latest from the sports-centered children's DVD series from Team Baby Entertainment, out April 17 ($19.95). The Boston native and father of daughter Violet, 1, will train infants and preschool-age children to become Red Sox fans. The DVD features Red Sox footage, graphics and merchandise to help teach counting, spelling, shape and color recognition, and places emphasis on teamwork and safety.
I believe the thing that makes that baby outfitted in the baby baseball clothes into a REAL FAN is being taken to the ball park and getting caught up in the team spirit shown there from the players and the fans. Teaching them to be the right kind of fan is easier to do up close and personal.
Those baseball babies grow up to buy their own team apparel and to pass on their "fan"dom
DREAM! Growing Up Baseball!
Teach Them About the Baseball SONG!
You have taught your kids to sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame; but have you taught them about the background of the song. Here is a book that Amazon says is for young readers, ages 4-8; however I found it in the library and was thoroughly taken with it and with all I learned about THE song. There are great illustrations to go along with the great story.
Hear the Original Version of the Baseball Song---sung in 1908
Listen to the Baseball Song "Take Me Out To the Ball Game" by Edward Meeker September 1908 recording. Edison Record. The original 1908 lyrics.
An instant hit in 1908, and still running strong after one hundred years. Albert Von Tilzer's song quickly became a classic as America's signature song for baseball.
An instant hit in 1908, and still running strong after one hundred years. Albert Von Tilzer's song quickly became a classic as America's signature song for baseball.
powered by Youtube
Advice on Being a Fan, Before the Grave!
100 Things Mets Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die
Although this book of 100 things fans should know and do before they die was written for the Mets fans, these 100 things can apply to all baseball fans regardless of their team.
As a baseball fan myself, I had no idea about the 100 things I needed to know and do before I died; so I am learning them now.
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. "Professional fan" Hample (How to Snag Major League Baseballs), who falls squarely in the "deeply serious geek" category, has put together an invaluable resource for armchair fans. A former college shortstop, four-time attendee of Bucky Dent's Baseball School and an obsessive baseball collector, Hample covers basics like what to watch for in pitchers, catchers, hitters, fielders and base runners; he also provides answers to such nagging questions as why spectators stretch in the seventh inning and why most ballplayers grab their crotches. He explains the difference between a change-up and a split-finger fastball, breaks down a box score and offers an extensive glossary of baseball slang that defines both a "courtesy trot" and a "dying quail." Other sections address free agency and fair balls, umpires and uniform numbers, stadiums and superstitions.
Are You A Psycho Fan or a Psychic Fan?
Or would that be a Psycho Fanatico or Psychic Fanatic?
Important Thing to Remember!
"Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field?" ~Jim Bouton, 1988
James Alan Bouton (born March 8, 1939 in Newark, New Jersey, United States) is a former Major League Baseball player, and author of the controversial baseball book Ball Four, which was a combination diary of his 1969 season and memoir of his years with the New York Yankees, Seattle Pilots, and Houston Astros.
Baseball on Blogs
Check out to see if there is a blogger posting about your favorite team; if there isn't, perhaps you should take on the job.
- The Baseball Analysts: OK in Arizona?
- Vividseats.com offers Cheap Baseball Tickets, including MLB All Star Game Tickets. Check us out for the best deals on all Yankees MLB Tickets and Cardinals Baseball Tickets and find information for the games schedule of the Boston Red ...
- Construction to start on rubberized baseball field in Scottsdale
- Construction to start on rubberized baseball field in Scottsdale, Construction starts at the end of this month on a new rubberized baseball field for special needs children, helped along by two recent fundraising golf tourneys.
- BaseballAmerica.com: Blog: Baseball America Prospects Blog » Blog ...
- The Home For Baseball Insiders. ... All rights reserved. | Site Map | Frequently Asked Questions/Site Troubleshooting | Privacy Notice | Return/Refund Policy. Baseball America, 4319 South Alston Avenue, Suite 103, Durham, NC 27713.
Baseball and Baseball Fans Often Need Humor
powered by Youtube
Baseball Humor of George Carlin Will Never Die
R.I.P. -- George Carlin
1937-2008
As a teenager, I laughed at
George Carlin because my
parents didn't want me to.
As an adult, I laughed at
George Carlin because he
was funny!
His humor and sense of
timing is missed.
Collectible Items for Every Baseball Fan Can Be found on eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
The Latest Version of the Major League Baseball 2K9!
Pre-order Yours Today. Have It First!
When You Can't Make It To the Ballpark!
This item will be released on March 3, 2009.
Pre-order now!
Pre-order Price Guarantee
Amazon.com's price for not-yet-released items sometimes changes between the time the item is listed for sale and the time it is released and shipped. Whenever you pre-order a book, CD, video, DVD, software, or video game, the price we charge when we ship it to you will be the lowest price offered by Amazon.com between the time you placed your order and the end of the day of the release date. A pre-order price guarantee message will appear on your Order Summary during the checkout process. If you use 1-Click ordering, pre-order price protection will be automatically applied. The order summary in Your Account will reflect the lowest price within 24 hours of the price change.
This item will be released on March 3, 2009.
Pre-order now!
Pre-order Price Guarantee
Amazon.com's price for not-yet-released items sometimes changes between the time the item is listed for sale and the time it is released and shipped. Whenever you pre-order a book, CD, video, DVD, software, or video game, the price we charge when we ship it to you will be the lowest price offered by Amazon.com between the time you placed your order and the end of the day of the release date. A pre-order price guarantee message will appear on your Order Summary during the checkout process. If you use 1-Click ordering, pre-order price protection will be automatically applied. The order summary in Your Account will reflect the lowest price within 24 hours of the price change.
Baseball News on Google
Check back here often to see what news is out there about Spring baseball, the 2009 MLB schedules and the latest about trades and acquisitions.
- Baseball Analyst Gammons Leaving ESPN, Joins MLB
- He was the father of the Sunday baseball column, and was named to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. He was assigned to the Red Sox beat back in 1969, ...
- Man Admits to Fatally Beating Landlord With Baseball Bat
- SOUTH BEND, Ind. ? A South Bend man admitted that he fatally beat his 77-year-old landlord with a baseball bat. Forty-six-year-old Paul Fine pleaded guilty ...
- Baseball execs support Gilbert for Rangers
- If the buzz in the lobby is any indication, many involved in baseball would like to see Gilbert become the Rangers owner. "He cares about the game. ...
Baseball is "Not So Recession-Proof"
Article in USNews.com
Not even baseball provides a home run in this economy. Through the season's first three weeks, attendance slumped 4.4 percent from a year ago (the worst plunge, at 30.4 percent, was by the capital's own Washington Nationals). Even the Red Sox, renowned for the passion of their fans, found themselves in the unusual position of having to launch a late-April ad campaign in an attempt to sell more tickets. And while Major League Baseball team values overall have increased by 1 percent over the past year, a third of teams saw their values decline, according to a Forbes survey. Baseball Fans Shout Out For Your Team and Your Spirit
Just one more chance to show your fan fervor. You can also shout out what you would like to see on this lens committed to baseball fans!
submit
-
Reply
- lefty78 lefty78 May 23, 2009 @ 3:16 am
- Great lens! Check out my group Total Baseball
-
Reply
- fireheart fireheart Feb 25, 2009 @ 9:10 pm
- Ahhh, another Padres baseball fan in mourning over Trevor Hoffman. I will miss Trevor time, but it could not go on forever, we know. Best of luck with the Brewers in Wisconsin Trevor. Since our grandson is a Brewers fan, at least someone is happy! MLB baseball, really NL baseball is my spring time passion. All is fresh, the news is new, and the speculation by every baseball fan, is outta the baseball park. Please, let us still be so excited in August for our San Diego Padres. Super Squidoo Lens and maybe we'll run into each other at Petco Park.
Flickr Has Caught Some Baseball Fans on Camera
Diamondback fans exi...
Entering the Stadium
Twittering, perhaps?
Painted Faces
Diamondback fans exi...
Baseball is LIFE
Ballgame 092508
Cubs fan in green sh...
A lot of Chicago Cub...
automatically generated by Flickr
by purplelady
I had changed my photo from one of James and I to one of FlyGirl. This is my avatar that I have used on many of my multiple personalities; whether I a... (more)
Explore related pages
Sports and Collectibles- The powerfulness of an autograph is really remarkable in the sports collector...
Arizona Diamondbacks Merchandise- Finding baseball merchandise on the internet can be slow and painful so I have d...
Football Jerseys: The Best Memorabilia Ever- On the prowl for baseball, basketball, football or hockey memorabilia is a never...
Sports Shop: Sports Collectibles, Apparel, Outdoor & Fitness Equipment & more- Sports Shop is an online sports fans' dream come true. Featuring resources for a...
Rani Mukherjee , Bollywood's Cutest Actress- Fan's Guide to European Football (Soccer)
