One of my SB Nation colleagues over at the new and improved AZSnakepit.com came up with a topic recently that I thought would be interesting to discuss here on AN. It was a discussion about the better experience in terms of watching a baseball game, whether to be at the game in person or to watch it on television in your home.
I know, I know your first reaction is, "Blez, what have you been smoking?? Of COURSE it's better to watch a game live at the Coliseum." But I think it's something that actually merits a discussion especially with the very real possibility that the A's will be playing in a new and rather expensive stadium in the future.
For me, I think both have merits and downsides. I love attending a game in person, but coming from Sacramento, it can be a headache to deal with the Gong Show that's 80. Not only that, but in August and September, the temperatures at the Coliseum can get way up there and slathering on sunscreen isn't my idea of fun. Especially if you miss an area. Ouch! The parking can also be a complete nightmare. I usually try and park a ways away from the Coliseum so I can escape rather quickly. Of course it's about a mile or so walk from the stadium to my car. But when I watch people basically trying to get out of the lot and walk by the stationary cars I know I made the right choice. Also, seeing a game live when the team gets blasted can feel like a punch in the stomach, especially when dealing with the traffic, parking and the chaotic mass of humanity you have to deal with to get there. You also have to stand in monstrous lines to get any kind of food and heaven help you if you want a Saag's sausage or one of those $9 Coronas because you're going to miss at least one inning and possibly two. Then there's the adventure of the restroom and urinating in a giant trough while being a tad too close to the dudes next to you. On top of that, apparently the Coliseum doesn't believe in pumping in hot water to wash your hands. No matter how hot it is outside or how cold it is, you can count on the water at the Coliseum being cold enough to make your fingers a bit numb. You can also consider yourself lucky if you can actually find soap in one of the dispensers.
At the same time, I have memories from attending games live that will last my lifetime. I mentioned them earlier this offseason. The hassle of getting there is worth it when you get to jump around and scream like an idiot after Milton Bradley hits an improbable walk off. There isn't anything they sell at my local grocery store that tastes like that Saag's sausage. And there certainly isn't anything at home that's like watching the game live with friends or family. I'll never forget the general good will and camaraderie when walking to my car after the walk off bunt game. There was hugging and high fives all around and the feeling of a true "community" was better than I'd ever felt at any live experience. There's always the chance to say, "I was there when...". You also get to see the entire field at all times. So you can see how Chavez moves back when Vlad steps to the plate as opposed to him moving in expecting a possible bunt when Figgins steps up. And one of my favorite things is to watch the routes and jumps that Mark Kotsay gets on balls. People can say that he's lost it all they want, I don't buy it. Regardless, that's off point. I just think that you miss the whole experience by watching on TV instead of the live experience. You don't get to hear the Zi-to, Zi-to chant start or the drummers in left field being their vociferous selves.
As for watching the game on TV (which is novel in Sacramento because we only get about 70 or so games on television thanks to the nonpresence of KICU in our market), it can get pretty close to being at the game with the quality of the television picture these days with HD and whatnot. You also get to see close plays multiple times whereas in the ballpark you're left wondering if the ump blew that call or not. If you're watching on a DVR you can just rewind and watch it in slow motion yourself. Heck, you can record the game and start watching 40 minutes after it started and avoid watching the commercials. You can go through an entire six pack of soda or beer for about the price of one drink at the ballpark, not that you'd want to, but you could supply all your friends with drinks. You also don't have to spend money on 3/4 of a tank of gas getting there and coming home or paying the toll.
And one last thing that's specific to parents...I don't know who decided on the ideal schedule for baseball, but my daughter goes down for a nap around 12:30 or so. She also goes down for the night around 8:30 or so. That means that basically 1 p.m. starts are nearly impossible for us unless we want to deal with a very grumpy girl. And obviously 7 p.m. starts are nearly impossible as well. Some maverick owner is going to realize that a 3 or 4 p.m. start would be great for families who want their kids to experience baseball without having their kids go ballistic from missing a nap or being overtired. It makes it really hard for a guy who wants to share some baseball with his young child.
But ultimately, even given all the positives and negatives of both, I would say that nothing in the world can replace the experience of attending a game live, even if it's a hassle to get there, hot water or no hot water. What do you think? Comfort of your own home or the thrill of being in the crowd?