We go to Tribe games for different reasons. Some of us want to have a nice family outing with the little ones. Others want to let loose and throw back a few brews with friends. And some of us — gasp — actually love the sport of baseball. Whatever your reason for going to see the Tribe play this year, let’s all just agree to some common courtesies that will benefit everybody.
Wear some Tribe gear, or at least one of the team’s colors. You got to look the part, people.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceDon’t open a damn umbrella to shield yourself from the sun or a little bit of rain. Things like sunglasses, hats and rain jackets should work just as well.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceKeep your stupid “Keep the Chief” shirt at home. If you’re a grown man or woman and you’re so attached to a cartoon character, then, well, maybe you’re not a grown man or woman.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceDon’t arrive late if you have decent seats, thereby tempting somebody else to commandeer your decent seats and setting up an awkward situation.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceDon’t be an idiot during the national anthem. Put your hand over your heart or take a knee or whatever you want to do, but don’t be that guy who is just yapping the whole time.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceDon’t ever get up out of your seat while the Indians are batting. This is YOUR team.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceHell, don’t get up while the other team is batting either, unless it’s between batters. Because, rude.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceRefrain from disrespecting America’s pastime by yelling out inappropriate (or evil and racist) insults at the other team’s players. Creative insults are fine; other types are just rude. And what you think is some hilarious insult is usually just hilariously dumb.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceForget about the wave. Don’t try to start the wave. Don’t have anything to do with the wave. Especially if it’s a close game. There’s nothing worse than not being able to focus on and see a big moment of the game because someone in front is throwing their hands in the air.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceTry not to be so reactionary. No, Corey Kluber doesn’t suck because he had a bad outing. No, they shouldn’t bench Carlos Santana because his average is low (check his OBP.) There are 162 games. Just because a guy had a bad day or two doesn’t mean they entirely suck (well, except for Tyler Naquin).
Photo by Emanuel WallaceDon’t play your radio loudly during the game. If you want the play-by-play, use headphones. This one goes for all aspects of life, actually. No one else in public wants to hear what you’re listening to.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceDon’t complain about the beer prices. They’re just like gas prices — you’re going to pay them anyway.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceDo not drink too many baseball beers and then drunk drive yourself home. It should go without saying, but let’s face it: we need to say this over and over again.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceIn fact, don’t have too many beers if you can’t control yourself. There’s nothing wrong with letting loose and enjoying a few cold ones at a game. But don’t be obnoxious and incoherent. (And that goes for opening day, too).
Photo by Emanuel WallaceDon’t be the person standing up, on your cell phone, waving to the camera, hoping that your significant other, whom you see every freaking day, can see you on TV. Literally, no one else cares.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceDon’t be a Negative Nancy. If you’re a pessimist, that’s fine, just keep that shit to yourselves. Not everyone around you wants to hear you complaining after every play that doesn’t go well for the Indians. We all would’ve liked the Tribe to have a better offseason. But we’re in the midst of probably the second best era of Tribe baseball. Maybe things aren’t so bad?
Photo by Emanuel WallaceWhile baseball is a wonderful family-friendly sport, don’t let your kids do things kick the chairs in front of them. Teach them proper baseball etiquette early.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceDon’t spend the whole game playing with your phone. You can do that at home. We get it, it’s a long game. But can you at least wait until it’s between batters or innings to look at your phone?
Photo by Emanuel WallaceTry not to leave a game early. We don’t care what time it is, or how much “traffic” you think you have to beat, if you want to support the team, stay and cheer them on until the bitter end.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceDon’t be pushy to get out the door after the game. We’re all gonna get home eventually.
Photo by Emanuel Wallace
