OUTDOOR Adventures

By Brian G. Schommer

Another National Football League season has come to an end and the proud and faithful fans of the team from Minnesota that wears purple were treated to a great season that ended up once again without a sniff of the Lombardi Trophy. The end of the NFL season not only illustrates for many that Spring is right around the comer, but incase you were not aware, as we speak… or I mean, as you read… pitchers and catchers are currently reporting in both Arizona and Florida. Baseball season is upon us, and I am not one bit excited. The fact is, I am all bits excited and I have a feeling the upcoming baseball season is going to be packed with a lot of fantastic experiences.

Even if one is not into the intricacies of the game, there is so much more added value at a ballpark with benefits that you just might not realize. Allow me to pontificate and elaborate as I am officially, at least for now, self-appointing myself to be the official baseball guru of “Outdoor Adventures.” I guess it is not much of a stretch considering I am the only one who writes this column so no matter what topic I choose, I get to be a guru… so I got that going for me. As a few have told me in the past, I am a legend in my own mind. I know a lot of folks that fit this description.

If you are a fan of the game, you already know the strategies, in’s and out’s, and “little things” that make the game one of the most popular spectator sports in America, so I don’t need to explain any of that. It is the intangibles of going to the ballpark that truly makes the baseball experience incredible. The first benefit should be obvious but if you have not had your coffee yet, I will give you a clue. The sun. Okay, that was more than a clue, it was the answer. I told you it was obvious. One of the best sources of Vitamin D is the sun and for a lot of baseball games, the sun shines bright enough to warrant sunscreen.

Going to a ballgame can be healthy.

The next benefit of going to a ballgame is socialization. It is hard to argue that our society has become far less social over the years due to a mix of things including, but not limited to the pandemic and technology. Nobody talks to each other anymore, they text. Nobody goes to the store anymore; they order off various websites online. Finally, it is starting to look like people are getting the gumption to get out more now… so why not at a ballgame. You run into all sorts of characters at a ballpark.

There is no need to pay any attention to the game on the field if you have no interest in it… heck, I often question if the umpire crews are paying any attention to it. The ballpark brings people together and to me, this is a huge benefit that society has been missing out on. If you are a people watcher with no desire to interact, a ballpark is a great place for this activity also.

Food. Now I know many are going to say “expensive food” is more like it and yes, if you go to a Major League or AAA affiliate Twins or Saints game, the baseball fare will be a bit spendy. You will also have a lot more options and more opportunities for socialization and people watching as the crowds are bigger. When it comes to food at a ballgame, it is not just the cuisine, but the delivery system that makes the experience. What would a ballgame be without hearing the call of “Cold Beer, Flere… Get Your Cold Beer” and other chants from the vendors? If you want to know, go to a Flastings High School or Hawks game this year. There are no barkers (other than an occasional dog that someone brought along) or for that matter, cold beers sold at the game. There is a lot of variety when it comes to ballpark experiences which is again, another benefit that baseball provides. It is never the same… and variety is the spice of life. Could we deduce then that indeed, Baseball is Life? Well, this guru says yes… at least for the content of this week’s column.

There is going to be a lot of great baseball right around the corner and I get it, with over a foot of snow as a base yet, it is hard to imagine. Pitchers and Catchers are currently reporting to their teams locations in the southern United States. It is coming friends. From tee-ball to townball and everything in between, there are plenty of opportunities to get out, catch some sun, chat with friends, meet some new people, have a few beverages and cheer on the local nine, no matter if it is at any of local ballparks, CHS Field or at a Twins game at Target Field. Even if you don’t like baseball, it marks the end of winter is near.

I know there are people that LOVE the sound of that. Now, Get Out and Enjoy the Great Outdoors.