(Chapter 5) "The Old Ball Game"

          Being a baseball fan myself, I found the section of our textbook written by, Douglas Harper, titled, "The Old Ball Game" particularly interesting.  Previous to reading the article, I had called my dad in Wisconsin to let him know that I had gotten tickets for us to go to the Twins vs. Brewers game this Friday at Target Field.  This conversation went on to us discussing how much baseball has changed recently into more of a business than a pastime. 

Milwaukee County Stadium

          Growing up in Wisconsin, my dad used to take my sister and I to Brewer games at County Stadium all the time.  When it was replaced by Miller Park in 2001, however, the prices of tickets, parking, food, and everything else increased, and we couldn't go as often. (I must say that Miller Park is a wonderful stadium though.)  The same thing just happened here in Minnesota with the new Target Field being built.  Ticket prices are absolutely insane for games that they know a lot of people want to attend (especially Twins vs. Brewers games on Father's Day weekend).  

Miller Park

          Furthermore, knowing where Target Field is located, my dad asked me if there was even room for tailgating before games anymore.  Every time I've ever gone down there I haven't seen anything but parking ramps, however, and don't think tailgating is possible.  Being a big part of going to baseball games with my dad, I was surprised when I couldn't find anything on the Twins website even mentioning tailgating.  It's almost like the corporations have found a way to cut that part out of baseball game experience because they receive no direct profit from it.  We decided that most Wisconsinites coming over for the game will probably do it anyway, though, because that's what you do in Wisconsin, regardless of the rules. 
          After having this conversation with my dad, it was super interesting to find "The Old Ball Game" section in our textbook.  In it the author talks about the macrolevel, structural view of baseball which is exactly what my father and I were just discussing.  Corporate sponsorship and advertising really has taken control over the whole experience of the game, including who can afford to attend games.  Furthermore, the meager attempts of the macrolevel institutions to make games "more like they used to be" by building brand-new outdoor stadiums is inadequate, and almost pitiful to me.  I was at the first game of Target Field in which it rained (dressed thinking it was going to be a wonderful day), and it was cold and miserable.  My friend and I spent the whole game crowding under platforms and pretending to look at stuff in the gift shops while watching the game on the TVs.  It wouldn't have been so bad if we were paying about $8 a ticket like they used to be, but with the prices that we paid I would have much rather watched the game on a TV at home for free.  I don't understand why they would possibly build a brand-new million dollar stadium that wouldn't at least have a retractable roof.  In my opinion, instead of selling people $35 tickets to sit in the rain, they should have dedicated an area where tailgating was at least allowed, even if they charged more to park there. (Or if they do have such an area they should at least mention it on their website.)  Nonetheless, I'm still very excited for the game on Friday!  
          Truly, I found it very interesting to find this article and read about all the other sociological connections to baseball.  It really demonstrated some key sociological concepts in a way that I could clearly visualize and directly relate to my life.  I'm sure I'll be noticing these concepts at future baseball games from now on.


P.S. If anybody has any information regarding tailgating at or around Target Field, I would very much appreciate if you would share with me.  Thanks!