Baseball is FANtastic

Here are the essentials every baseball fan should take with them to a ballgame:

1. a towel: this serves two purposes (1) to wipe the seat if very dirty or wet and (2) to use as a neck wrap--soak in cold water and wrap around your neck during very hot days
2. a scorebook: the best way I know to learn the game is to learn how to keep score; this also helps you stay focused on the game and can keep you calm if your child is playing
3. camera: get a camera that will take both video and still pictures or take both
4. sunglasses: a must! if it is a day game
   
5. sunscreen: another must! for those day games; there are very few stadiums/ball fields that have shade
   
6. pen/sharpie: you need something to write with to keep score, most use a pencil but pencil will fade more quickly over time; the sharpie is for you to get autographs
   
7. emergency poncho: you never know when a summer shower will appear so always be prepared (besides, they don't take up much room)
8. fan: definite must for the hot/humid/muggy summer days; water spritzer is optional (don't forget extra batteries!)
9. hat: another definite for day games where there is no shade
10. bag: you have to have something to carry it all in (baseball theme is optional)
11. blanket: high school/college baseball begins in late February/first of March so a blanket will be needed--sometimes a couple of sleeping bags are necessary; for those professional games in some areas of the country you will need a blanket well into the month of June (like Seattle--I'm talking from experience)

Optional: a good summer do that will make you look presentable even though you melted for 2 hours

just take the hat off and fluff with your fingers