Baseball Stadium Etiquette - Standing During Game To Talk? (3 Viewers)

[Joe Bryant]

First thing - I'm not bothered at all by this. It was mainly a discussion I had with friends.

We have a new minor league baseball stadium in Knoxville, where I live. It's fantastic. The Knoxville Smokies are the AA affiliate for the Cubs and they were here for many years but 25 years ago left as the city and owners couldn't figure out a stadium. They finally got it together and built a nice stadium downtown. It's fantastic.

Was at the game today and had nice seats. Row 15 behind home plate on the aisle. During play in an inning, some people were walking up the aisle and knew the people a few rows in front of us. They stopped to say hello and stood there talking for at least 5 minutes. I didn't really care as baseball moves pretty slow and my view was blocked for maybe a batter or two. Not a big deal.

My friend that was with me grew up in Dallas and said, "When we'd go to Rangers games as a kid, they'd boo people for standing in the aisle like that and just chatting."

I didn't really care, but thought it was interesting.

It for sure is sort of a "world revolves around me" to not realize you're blocking the view of several people. But again, not a huge deal.

Mostly wondered what others thought.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

If it's during live play, it's rude. I get that it's not high-stakes in the overall scheme of things, but it's still folks being oblivious of those around them.

 

[Joe Bryant]

If it's during live play, it's rude. I get that it's not high-stakes in the overall scheme of things, but it's still folks being oblivious of those around them.

Thanks. It was during live play. And it did sort of seem like that - just oblivious to others around them.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

It's definitely rude and inconsiderate of others

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Say "hi" to your friends between innings or during pitching changes.

 

[belljr]

A quick 30 sec no big deal. Even sitting on steps for the 5 is fine

Down in front would have been said

Then probably batteries thrown

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Yes to all of the above. Get yer head out of your you know what.

 

[BrutalPenguin]

Every bit as bad as standing up at your seat, phone clenched to your ear, waving frantically and screaming "I can see you, can you see me?"

 

[Drunken knight]

A quick 30 sec no big deal. Even sitting on steps for the 5 is fine

Down in front would have been said

Then probably batteries thrown

i didn't know you lived in philly

 

[belljr]

A quick 30 sec no big deal. Even sitting on steps for the 5 is fine

Down in front would have been said

Then probably batteries thrown

i didn't know you lived in philly

Actually Jersey, 20 from Philly

 

[General Malaise]

I went to tons of Rangers' games growing up. I don't remember any other fans there.

The old Arlington Stadium was a DUMP. We could get tickets in the OF for $2.

The polite move is to kneel down if you stop to talk. Just common courtesy.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Just common courtesy.

I realize grumpy old guys have said this for 100 years. But it does feel accurate

 

[UncleZen]

It's rude.

 

[El Floppo]

I GOTTA TALK WITH MY FRIENDS. DEAL WITH IT, LOSERS.

 

[snellman]

I don't know about many other ballparks, but at target field, especially in the lower sections, ushers will prevent people from going up and down the steps during live action.

 

[El Floppo]

Am literally on my way home from my nieces law school graduation. Loooong. Looking mostly at video screen. Lots of sitting in very uncomfortable folding chairs.

So why oh why did that family decide to stand and talk to block our view when it was final my nieces turn.

Same as those chuckleheads at the ball game: some combination of thoughtless, oblivious, selfish and stupid.

 

[zamboni]

I’m in the “be considerate and stop being entitled” camp. Maybe it can be less of a big deal at minor league games, but if you’re spending big bucks at certain MLB stadiums and you’re a passionate fan, it can really grate on many fans.

 

[Gr00vus]

Not cool.

 

[ChiefD]

DOWN IN FRONT takes care of this.

I’ve said this 20 times over the years. Have never had the offending party say anything back once they have been called out because they know they are wrong.

They feel shame.

 

[General Malaise]

As an aside, is there anything better in professional sports than the names of minor league teams? Knoxville Smokies? Terrific!

Our local team is the Hillsboro Hops.....perfect! Even have a giant hop for a macot.

 

[General Malaise]

I’m in the “be considerate and stop being entitled” camp. Maybe it can be less of a big deal at minor league games, but if you’re spending big bucks at certain MLB stadiums and you’re a passionate fan, it can really grate on many fans.

Fenway fans will murder you for this.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

is there anything better in professional sports than the names of minor league teams?

I agree. Some great names out there but I'm not sure if you can beat the Rocket City Trash Pandas or Amarillo Sod Poodles. If only Memphis would bring back the Fever Germs.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

Should put people on the big screen so the whole stadium can boo them

 

[zamboni]

I’m in the “be considerate and stop being entitled” camp. Maybe it can be less of a big deal at minor league games, but if you’re spending big bucks at certain MLB stadiums and you’re a passionate fan, it can really grate on many fans.

Fenway fans will murder you for this.

And that’s just the elderly ladies.

 

[Galileo]

Inconsiderate. Others paid good $$$ to watch the game. They don't need to be blocked from seeing the action for any appreciable time. I don't even like it when people walk past let alone stand there. I always try to get aisle seats on the right end of the row on 1st base side or left end of the row on 3rd base side so there aren't people continually passing through my line of site every few moments.

 

[Joe Bryant]

is there anything better in professional sports than the names of minor league teams?

I agree. Some great names out there but I'm not sure if you can beat the Rocket City Trash Pandas or Amarillo Sod Poodles. If only Memphis would bring back the Fever Germs.

The Knoxville Smokies play the Trash Pandas. Super fun. And I grew up in Amarillo. They did a similar thing like a lot of medium sized towns did and built a new stadium downtown. We went to a Sod Poodles game last summer.

I love that it's pro sports but scaled down to be accessible.

Our seats last night 15 rows behind home plate were $18 face value.

22 ounce Wicked Weed Pernicious IPA for $6 in the official Smokies mug. ($19 for the first one and then $6 refills for the season after)

Minor league baseball is one of the best things about sports.

 

[ChicoCat]

The South is a nicer place than Philadelphia.

 

[ChicoCat]

The South is a nicer place than Philadelphia.

That being said, those people were wrong.

 

[BassNBrew]

The South is a nicer place than Philadelphia.

Not so sure about that. Went to Hillman Brewing in Old Fort NC Saturday night. Was waiting in a huge parking lot for a spot to open up. A group of people with three vehicles came out, got in their trucks, then got out to lean on the hoods and smoke cigarettes.

 

[urbanhack]

Not acceptable

Walk out to the concourse and have your chat and get a beer.

 

[urbanhack]

These are they same type of people who are oblivious, lack awareness, and think it's their world.

Shopping cart in the middle of aisle, etc.

 

[Desert_Power]

These are they same type of people who are oblivious, lack awareness, and think it's their world.

Shopping cart in the middle of aisle, etc.

And they never face consequences for it.

 

[Desert_Power]

The South is a nicer place than Philadelphia.

Not so sure about that. Went to Hillman Brewing in Old Fort NC Saturday night. Was waiting in a huge parking lot for a spot to open up. A group of people with three vehicles came out, got in their trucks, then got out to lean on the hoods and smoke cigarettes.

A few people got hollered at for standing at the start of the Charlotte FC match by some Karens who wanted to stay seated. That's one way to support your team.

 

[Goldminer1]

"Wait for the whistle" is the standard at a local minor league hockey team that I frequent. It is enforced by ushers and fans alike, and if you don't abide by the rule, you'll hear about it from other fans - whether it's leaving your seat during play, returning to it, or just standing up and being in the way of others. You wait for the whistle in all instances.

It's just common courtesy. There are plenty of breaks in any sport when you can chat with a friend and not bother other people. Intermission/Halftime/Between innings etc. If you want to have a longer convo, go grab a snack on the concourse. Easy.

*Edit to add - if the action is exciting enough that the arena is standing in support of the team - that is a completely different story. I'd also say, if you are the only guy standing because it's "so exciting" - you sit down, this is a collective decision. When the crowd rises as one - stand up -and if you choose not to stand - don't complain that the person in front of you has now stood up.

 

[El Floppo]

The South is a nicer place than Philadelphia.

Not so sure about that. Went to Hillman Brewing in Old Fort NC Saturday night. Was waiting in a huge parking lot for a spot to open up. A group of people with three vehicles came out, got in their trucks, then got out to lean on the hoods and smoke cigarettes.

A few people got hollered at for standing at the start of the Charlotte FC match by some Karens who wanted to stay seated. That's one way to support your team.

Soccer is more a standing and watching sport though. Or were these people just standing around talking, not paying attention to the game?

 

[AAABatteries]

I think @Craig_MiamiFL is trolling us.

 

[zamboni]

"Wait for the whistle" is the standard at a local minor league hockey team that I frequent. It is enforced by ushers and fans alike, and if you don't abide by the rule, you'll hear about it from other fans - whether it's leaving your seat during play, returning to it, or just standing up and being in the way of others. You wait for the whistle in all instances.

Totally agree with this, but unfortunately ushers don't always enforce preventing fans from entering during play - which compounds the situation.

 

[FiredMartz]

I had it happen twice at the Dodger game yesterday....was sitting loge down the third base line and they totally blocked my vision to home plate....had to yell DOWN IN FRONT....they turned and gave me the dirty dog and went back up the stairs....

 

[zamboni]

I had it happen twice at the Dodger game yesterday....was sitting loge down the third base line and they totally blocked my vision to home plate....had to yell DOWN IN FRONT....they turned and gave me the dirty dog and went back up the stairs....

That was a nice gesture - those Dodger Dogs aren't cheap.

 

[kupcho1]

They stopped to say hello and stood there

Crouching down, down?

 

[Desert_Power]

The South is a nicer place than Philadelphia.

Not so sure about that. Went to Hillman Brewing in Old Fort NC Saturday night. Was waiting in a huge parking lot for a spot to open up. A group of people with three vehicles came out, got in their trucks, then got out to lean on the hoods and smoke cigarettes.

A few people got hollered at for standing at the start of the Charlotte FC match by some Karens who wanted to stay seated. That's one way to support your team.

Soccer is more a standing and watching sport though. Or were these people just standing around talking, not paying attention to the game?

No, they were just standing to watch from the pregame stuff. I thought it was poor form to tell them to sit but they were in the first row of the section though.

 

[Joe Bryant]

The South is a nicer place than Philadelphia.

Not so sure about that. Went to Hillman Brewing in Old Fort NC Saturday night. Was waiting in a huge parking lot for a spot to open up. A group of people with three vehicles came out, got in their trucks, then got out to lean on the hoods and smoke cigarettes.

A few people got hollered at for standing at the start of the Charlotte FC match by some Karens who wanted to stay seated. That's one way to support your team.

Yeah. That's different. Standing for a great play or firing up the team or starting a game is a different thing than this.

 

[General Malaise]

is there anything better in professional sports than the names of minor league teams?

I agree. Some great names out there but I'm not sure if you can beat the Rocket City Trash Pandas or Amarillo Sod Poodles. If only Memphis would bring back the Fever Germs.

These are fantastic.

 

[Joe Bryant]

is there anything better in professional sports than the names of minor league teams?

I agree. Some great names out there but I'm not sure if you can beat the Rocket City Trash Pandas or Amarillo Sod Poodles. If only Memphis would bring back the Fever Germs.

These are fantastic.

Hats:

Trash Pandas

Sod Poodles

 

[Zow]

A quick 30 sec no big deal. Even sitting on steps for the 5 is fine

Down in front would have been said

Then probably batteries thrown

i didn't know you lived in philly

Actually Jersey, 20 from Philly

So Philly.

 

[Zow]

is there anything better in professional sports than the names of minor league teams?

I agree. Some great names out there but I'm not sure if you can beat the Rocket City Trash Pandas or Amarillo Sod Poodles. If only Memphis would bring back the Fever Germs.

These are fantastic.

John Oliver from a couple of weeks back did a rundown on the best names.

 

[General Malaise]

is there anything better in professional sports than the names of minor league teams?

I agree. Some great names out there but I'm not sure if you can beat the Rocket City Trash Pandas or Amarillo Sod Poodles. If only Memphis would bring back the Fever Germs.

The Knoxville Smokies play the Trash Pandas. Super fun. And I grew up in Amarillo. They did a similar thing like a lot of medium sized towns did and built a new stadium downtown. We went to a Sod Poodles game last summer.

I love that it's pro sports but scaled down to be accessible.

Our seats last night 15 rows behind home plate were $18 face value.

22 ounce Wicked Weed Pernicious IPA for $6 in the official Smokies mug. ($19 for the first one and then $6 refills for the season after)

Minor league baseball is one of the best things about sports.

So, did you ever go watch the Amarillo Gold Sox? My boss played on the 1976 team that won the championship for AA ball. He recently sat down with an author who is writing a book on the minor leagues and one of the subjects is this '76 Gold Sox team.

Small world.

 

[General Malaise]

is there anything better in professional sports than the names of minor league teams?

I agree. Some great names out there but I'm not sure if you can beat the Rocket City Trash Pandas or Amarillo Sod Poodles. If only Memphis would bring back the Fever Germs.

These are fantastic.

Hats:

Trash Pandas

Sod Poodles

Nice! It's a good thing my wife puts me on a fixed income for I would be buying all these hats.

Hillsboro Hops

 

[Joe Bryant]

is there anything better in professional sports than the names of minor league teams?

I agree. Some great names out there but I'm not sure if you can beat the Rocket City Trash Pandas or Amarillo Sod Poodles. If only Memphis would bring back the Fever Germs.

The Knoxville Smokies play the Trash Pandas. Super fun. And I grew up in Amarillo. They did a similar thing like a lot of medium sized towns did and built a new stadium downtown. We went to a Sod Poodles game last summer.

I love that it's pro sports but scaled down to be accessible.

Our seats last night 15 rows behind home plate were $18 face value.

22 ounce Wicked Weed Pernicious IPA for $6 in the official Smokies mug. ($19 for the first one and then $6 refills for the season after)

Minor league baseball is one of the best things about sports.

So, did you ever go watch the Amarillo Gold Sox? My boss played on the 1976 team that won the championship for AA ball. He recently sat down with an author who is writing a book on the minor leagues and one of the subjects is this '76 Gold Sox team.

Small world.

Wow! Yes! I lived in Amarillo from 1979-1982 and would have gone to plenty of games then.

Small world indeed!

 

[Joe Bryant]

is there anything better in professional sports than the names of minor league teams?

I agree. Some great names out there but I'm not sure if you can beat the Rocket City Trash Pandas or Amarillo Sod Poodles. If only Memphis would bring back the Fever Germs.

These are fantastic.

Hats:

Trash Pandas

Sod Poodles

Nice! It's a good thing my wife puts me on a fixed income for I would be buying all these hats.

Hillsboro Hops

Yes. I have my eye on that Hops hat!

There are a ton of great ones.

My friend has client who plays for the Frisco Roughriders and brought me back this hat celebrating corndogs and the Texas State Fair. https://x.com/Football_Guys/status/1827004802842124741