Baseball

Alexandra Emerson

English 1A

10/6/12

Definition Essay

Baseball

There is no game in the world like baseball. It is one of America’s most memorable and beloved pastimes. It is also the only time when spitting seeds, stuffing your face with nachos and buying a beer for nine dollars is socially acceptable. The passion for the game is exuded from both the crowd in the stands to the players and coaches in the dugout. Baseball is an amazing sport because of its inspirational history, exciting atmosphere, and the memories created between friends and families experiencing the game together. Baseball is outstanding because even as time proceeds and advances are made in the equipment, stadium size, ticket sales and player salaries, the foundations of the game itself remain the same.

Every time I go to a baseball game it’s an exhilarating experience. I love the loud music and cheering that surrounds me. With two older brothers and a boyfriend who are utterly obsessed with Baseball, I often find myself spending quite a bit of time at a Baseball diamond. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s professional, recreational or little league baseball games I always find myself excited and enjoying the game. Baseball gives me a time and a place to put my busy life on hold and bond with my friends and family while cheering for our team. The last game I attended was a recreational playoff game. It was the final game and the atmosphere was filled with nervous exhilaration. I laughed, ate a hot dog and screamed at the umpire. All of those experiences reassured me that I had a satisfactory time at the game. Every time I think of my memories attending a baseball game I smile. It reminds me that any experience I encounter in my life that can make me smile years later, is one I should continue to experience. That is how I feel about a baseball game, and I am certain I will continue to attend them for years to come.

Baseballs history is a major reason for the sport’s popularity and diversity today. The past has helped evolved the way Baseball is played today, but more importantly who plays today. Baseball just like society back in the 1950’s had racial barriers and segregation. There was both Negro and White baseball teams and they played in separate leagues. When segregation ended, players like Jackie Robinson had not only helped break down racial barriers in baseball but he helped break racial barriers down in society. After that baseball would be an integrated sport that incorporated every player’s skill together regardless of their race. Today the race does not determine the skill or placement of a player. Race isn’t a factor at all in baseball and that is one of the reasons this game is more amazing today because everyone can equally be involved playing or watching the game.  The breaking of these negative historical obstacles has overtime reformed and redefined Baseball into a unified sport enjoyed by all different kinds of people.

The atmosphere alone is another reason for the exhilarating and memorable experience of baseball. The cliché music is easy to identify and sing along with so a person can feel involved. The stadium is loud, adrenaline is pumping and people are emerged in excitement of watching this sport. Announcers are giving play by plays and keeping fans aware of what is occurring in the game. Another big part of the atmosphere is the food served. Hot dogs and hamburgers are considered to be the ultimate American meal. Since baseball is considered America’s favorite past time, it would see a perfect match for the two to be combined. People find such pleasure in the simple luxury of grabbing a hot dog, a Pepsi and sitting to watch an all American sport. Emotion is a big factor when it comes to a baseball game. Loyalties are made to teams and fans become very emotionally attached to the progress and performance of that team. This adds even more to the atmosphere when people are excited to see their team play and are nervous at the same time. The atmosphere has also a way of unifying people into a fan base without them even realizing it. These fans are all sharing a common love for baseball and are all sharing the memories of the games they attend.

Memories are a key component of what makes baseball so important and amazing. People will continue to talk about particular games and players for decades when something monumental happens. Memories are the reminders for retired players of the amazing sport they contributed too. Yet, memories are even special in a simpler manner when it comes to a baseball game. A child can gain an appreciation for baseball from the memories they obtain while attending a game. When they reminisce about the laughter and excitement they encountered with their family or friends it will encourage them to want to experience it again and again.

Baseball is an incredible sport for not only what it means to Americans, but it is also incredible for what it is not. Thankfully Baseball is not a boring sport, the only time a person may find themselves dreading a game is if their team is losing. It is never played in silence and it is never predictable. Not knowing the outcome of a game is what keeps people intrigued. Baseball does not segregate people or demand a person to meet certain criteria’s to be a fan. The sport does not demand that a person chose a certain team or like a certain player. The sport is all about personal choice and people love to make their own selection. Baseball doesn’t have an age requirement to attend, or require a person to have a basic knowledge of how the game is played.

Baseball is an incredible sport for many reasons. They are not just limited to the inspiring history, amazing atmosphere and unforgettable memories. Baseball forms a common interest for many people. Its gives families a place and event to spend time with their loved ones and makes memories to last a lifetime. Although baseball has hit ups and downs in its history as a sport, it has continued to inspire people to have an unconditional love for the game. That love of baseball will continue to radiate from the dugout to the field and to the stands. Amazing players will continue to inspire people to follow their dreams and be the best they can. Baseball will continue to help America progress positively towards the future and smile more as they do so.