Maybe it's just me, but summer never seems to come until I make my first baseball game. Technically speaking, I know that I have a while until summer. Heck, I still have around two weeks until Memorial Day, which marks the unofficial start to summer around here. Getting to a game just seems like such a natural part of things and I think I'm getting a little antsy.

Baseball is still a great game for the radio. Summer nights passed with a six pack, a game on the radio and maybe a nice bonfire going are probably some of the best. Not to mention they beat the hell out of having to pay for parking, tickets, and $9 for a beer. (I can't even find the guys selling peanuts like I used to be able to. At Tigers Stadium, you could find guys outside of the park selling home made boiled, salted, or even cajun peanuts. I wonder if the city cracked down on that?) 

Of course, I have Rod Allen to make things interesting on Fox Sports Detroit. He's one of those local guys that you just can't help but find yourself picking up some of his sayings. He's gotten big enough to spawn his own drinking game, which was a huge hit at my fraternity. 

Still, the game just takes on a whole new meaning in person. It involves so much more of you. The true fans have a lot more aspects of the game to see and can watch what they want to watch. You can spy on the bullpen or watch the outfielders prep for a lazy fly. Folks who are less inclined can always people watch. Heck, I've even noticed the wave making a comeback.

Of course, there are draw backs. Ticket prices have become ridiculous in a lot of areas. For a non-premium here in Detroit, you've got about 6 spots where you can sit for under $20. Still, that number is going to inflate if you have kids. They'll want souvenirs and food. A lot of parks also put in rides or other attractions for kids, which are rarely free. The best thing I've noticed is if you have anyone with a military ID, Comerica will give you some seats at half price. It's always something to consider asking about.

What I have never understood about a lot of ball parks is why they've become so strict about seating. I remember the old unwritten rule being that if the game had gone into the third inning and you could find better seats, then you could move down. I've followed that rule. A lot. I always sneak down as close as I can. Lately, though, it's been getting harder. These parks post ushers at every gate. I really don't know what gives. I get that you want to protect revenue, but if you have someone who isn't coming (and if they aren't there by the third, they're not coming) you might as well try to fill the lower seats to put on a better show for the cameras. With nearly every game televised now, do you really want your park looking like the Trop in Tampa? 

I've also never tried standing room only. I don't think I've ever wanted to see a game that bad. If I know downtown is going to be a zoo, I'm just as happy saving myself time and money by watching or listening to the game at home. Admission should cover a seat and I imagine any game offering standing room only spots is going to have tight security and few empty seats. Do any of you think you'd ever pay for standing room spots?

Sticking with baseball, the MLB has decided to give restless fans and hitters a reprieve. Next season, faking to third and throwing to first, a staple pick off move for many pitchers, will be considered a balk. It's no secret that the move is unpopular with fans. Most of the time a pitcher gets booed, it's for trying just that pick-off. Of course, the move has always been impossible for leftys, so no left handers have opposed the rule. 

Still, this just seems like another try at generating more offense. I don't know if it will really. I wonder if it will cause catchers to have to attempt more snap throws. I love watching a good play at second, but I'm not sure if I like taking a move away from JV or any other righty on staff.

I have to wonder, what is going on in Ohio? Beeze, clue me in. How bored are people in Ohio? They have two baseball teams that are doing well. Joey Votto himself has been terrorizing NL pitchers as of late. Still, a guy near Akron, OH was bored enough to try for the world record in consecutive hours spent fist pumping. Inspired by the generation-decemating fad from Jersey Shore, this 34-year-old man pump for 17 hours straight. I know it's a slow news day in Detroit if I see this on the news, but I was a bit more depressed to see it online. I'm glad the tourism commercials make Ohio seem so appealing, only to foster stories like this from locals.

Well, that's it for me this week. Thanks for stopping in to read what I have to offer and thanks for any comments you leave. I'm looking forward to a warm weekend and hoping to get to The Avengers this weekend. The last Marvel movie I got to see was the new Ghost Rider (at the cheap shows for $2) and I gotta say Nick Cage can act crazy with the best of them. Unfortunately, it just made those scenes more laughable than anything. I've neevr seen The Wickerman, but the following clip really makes me want to see it. I leave you with some Cage movie madness and your word of the week.

yellow carded, verb