Nationals Ballgame

The last time I saw a baseball game was on a stop over in Houston, maybe it was the jet-lag, the beer or the fact that it was late at night, but I didn't warm to it, so I figured it was time to give this much beloved American game another try and the free tickets provided by Brian (thanks for the invite!) created the perfect opportunity to do so: Nationals vs. Angels here I come (right to left in the picture - Mike, Brian, Jennifer, Me).

We arrived at National stadium at the bottom of the first and were just entering the gates when fireworks started to explode all round the stadium - a signal that we had missed a home run.

The stadium is awesome opening up towards the ramp that leads out of the metro so that you almost feel like you're inside before you enter the gates. All round the outside are various stands serving food and drink and the stands provide an unobstructed view from every seat. Before finding our seats (which were excellent, maybe 10 rows back from the pitch) we stopped for some liquid refreshment (it had been a long and frustrating day) and as we queued at one of the stands I was horrified by the prices: $7.50 for a beer - that's what I'd expect to pay for a pint in the centre of London!!!

Grumbling about sales practices when a retailer has a captive audience. I sat down to enjoy the game. If I'd been surprised by the number of people arriving late with us on the metro I was further confused by the number of people constantly getting up from their seats and wandering about the stands and watching groups around us holding deep conversations and only occasionally looking towards the pitch when the crack of bat on ball rang out.



I've come to the conclusion that though the games are nothing alike, Baseball resembles Cricket: Lots of time with very little happening and a few moments of excitement and basically an excuse to hang out with friends and have a few beers.

As if to underline these points the game finished 5-4 in favour of the Nationals and was won in the bottom of the ninth - for my English readers, this is as late as you can leave it to win a game - and although there was a big cheer and some excitement there was no real sense that I'd just watched a nail-biting finish.

Don't get me wrong, it helps to have some understanding of the rules (which I now do) for those moments when you are actually watching the game or spot the scoreboard, but in reality you can enjoy a day at a game just as much without it. With that thought in mind I have decided I like Baseball and will happily attend any future games - but next time we'll figure out how we're getting home and where the cab stands are before we leave with several thousand other fans all of whom are looking for one too.