Because so much of the good stuff is more than the 9 innings on the field
Cheers to the Fans
by Carole Ann Hausman
Cheers to the fans who know the game starts
Well before the first pitch.
The game starts before
"Oh say can you see..."
Taking in a ballgame
Includes the full experience of watching the grounds crew
Water the infield
And chalk the baselines.
Cheers to the fans who are arriving
While the beer man is callin’
And they’re hoping to get a selfie with Billy the Marlin
As he makes his way into their section.
Cheers to the fans who are with their pals from the sandlot
Trying to get a ball or an autograph
From Miggy Ro.
They have their little league gloves
And they’re wearing their team jerseys
Dreaming that one day they will play
Under this miraculous retractable roof.
Cheers to the fans who have a light lunch
So they can indulge that night
In every ballpark delight
Pizza and pretzels
Arepas and empanadas
Hot dogs and popcorn
And soft serve ice cream in a small souvenir helmet.
Cheers to the fans who do all the claps
When the organ plays “Put me in Coach”
They learn the beer man’s first name
Because they’ll need another cold one by the 4th inning.
They high five everybody in the row behind them
Whenever the Fish score a run.
Cheers to the fans who roll in late
When the home team is hitting
And watch from the Budweiser Bar in the landing
Because they can’t be confined to standard seating
OH
And once they saw a guy out there
Get a homerun ball
Hit by Giancarlo Stanton.
Cheers to the fans with a diaper bag
And a Ziploc of Cheerios
Taking their baby girl to her first Marlins game
In a fresh new Marlins onesie.
One day she will bring her daughter to a game.
Cheers to the fans who just got engaged
WILL YOU MARRY ME
On the jumbotron
She said yes and spilled her beer
Everyone cheers.