This meme collection is for the second group of people, the passionate fans, but also for anyone who believes a hot dog with ketchup tastes better when eaten within sight of the outfield.
Being a fan comes with contradictions. Well, humans are contradictory in general. But fans are the most contradictory human beings. How can you spend three hours at a place and not feel even a bit bothered? Three hours in any other setting would test a person's patience. But at the ballpark, those same three hours disappear between pitches, snacks, conversations, and clapping hands every 43 seconds.
Going to a game to see your favorite team is a ritual. The final score isn't the only thing that matters. The view, the company, and whatever you order from the concession stand also shape your game-day experience. Anyway, we can't deny we all want to win. So, no matter the circumstances that shape your game day, if your favorite team wins, you'll feel noticeably happier afterward. But having good company always makes it better.
I wonder how many first dates baseball fields have hosted. Probably more than we can imagine. You might arrive hoping to see a home run, debate which player you like best, or just use the game to break the ice and get to know each other. And by the way, baseball is an effective conversation starter because there is always something happening, and there is also time between pitches to talk.
I'm convinced that the game provides the setting, but it's the small rituals surrounding it that make fans remember a good game day. The score also matters. I'm not saying it doesn't. It just isn't the only reason everyone keeps coming back. It is sharing an experience with a loved one, eating something you like, and spending your free time in a special way at a special event.