Fan etiquette vital in sports

By Mike Feld
Western Herald

This past week, baseball fans were treated to one of the ultimate rarities in sports, as Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game. What received much less attention, however, is that Tigers hurler Armando Galarraga threatened to do the same feat.

Ultimately, Galarraga gave up a single in the bottom of the fifth to break up the attempt. It was the only hit he would give up in the eventual Tiger loss, but it was the difference between history and a solid start.

There are many factors that could go into Galarraga giving up that hit. It’s tough to retire that many batters consecutively. Maybe fatigue was setting in. Or, there’s the chance that he’s not good enough for a no‑hitter.

Personally, I blame a fan that was sitting in section 105 that evening.
While in attendance for the contest, I watched Galarraga retire batter after batter. I sat silently, struggling to stay silent throughout. But I managed to do it, mainly because of proper sports etiquette.

But suddenly, two fans shuffled into the two empty seats next to me. Obviously not baseball fans, the mid‑aged couple had to be filled in on what had occurred in the previous four and a half innings they had missed.

And then, that one fan didn’t hesitate to let them know.

“You’ve missed a great game,” he said. “Galarraga’s got a no‑hitter going!”

I nearly fell out of my seat. Why did he say that? Every fan knows that it’s an unwritten rule NOT to mention a no‑hitter in progress. Baseball is a superstitious game. This is one thing fans hold close to them.

The number of expletives that went through my head at this point would make a sailor blush. I didn’t look or talk to anyone at this point, but I knew my chance at witnessing history was about to end.

One batter later, the no‑hitter was over.

While it does sound ridiculous to blame one fan’s comment for a bad pitch, that guy will forever be a scapegoat for my frustration until I witness a no‑hitter in person.

To be a diehard sports junkie, it takes years of fandom in general. I’ve spent my entire life trying to digest rules, stats and fun facts. But proper etiquette is something taught at a young age. Some are well known; never cheer for an injury, be respectful of opponents, sportsmanship is key, just to name a few.

There’s plenty of these unwritten rules in life as well. It is distracting and disrespectful to go to a play late. It is considered rude to talk during a movie. Wearing sweatpants to church might make the Big Guy a little unhappy.

These are cardinal rules that everyone knows. Why are sporting events so different? Doesn’t anyone realize how frustrating it is when everyone has to stand up and screen paying fans when some jerk shows up in the middle of a contest?
And don’t fans realize what is appropriate to say and not say?

Although it may not always seem like it, there’s a proper way to be a fan. The great thing about sports is that anyone could go to a game and pick up on the actions. But if one goes through the trouble of paying for tickets, driving to the stadium and spending time at the park, it is only responsible to be a fan the right way.

Mike Feld, a Western Herald sports writer, is a senior majoring in journalism, and be reached via e-mail at michael.j.feld@wmich.edu.

Short URL: http://www.westernherald.com/?p=6856

Posted by heraldstaff on Jul 26 2009. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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