Shifting Lenses

All professional sports games are unique in their own way, but baseball in the U.S. definitely has a different atmosphere than football, hockey, basketball, or soccer. That’s mostly because baseball games just feel less intense. Even though an average nine-inning Major League Baseball game is about three hours long, like an NFL game, most people perceive baseball as longer. There’s more waiting and a slower pace. You’ll also see extra entertainment from the stadium staff. Plus, you don’t really fear missing much if you grab some nachos mid-inning.

While the game might not be as action-packed as other sports, the fans are just as passionate. People still yell at the refs, boo on occasion, and cheer loudly when their team scores. The Mets are my favorite MLB team, but I don’t spend as much time on the edge of my seat at a game at Citi Field as I do watching my favorite soccer, NBA, or NFL teams. I think that this makes the baseball culture and experience much more relaxed and unique, while also maintaining the same level of passion from the fans. This often leads to a “love it or hate it” feeling about baseball for many people, but I love it. Go Mets!