Spectator Sports

MILLIONS OF US across the country love to watch our favorite teams compete on the court or on the athletic field. While hundreds of thousands cheer from the comfort of their family room recliner as they view the action on television, there is nothing that can replace the feeling of being in the stands. Many fans even purchase authentic replica team clothing and become so-called "bleacher bums." Baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer, volleyball, softball - all these and other sports teams have their loyal followers.

Spectators themselves come in all sizes and at all ages - from children, youth, young adults, middle-aged adults, and all the way to grandmas and grandpas. And, these spectators observe players and teams who compete at all levels of play - from instructional leagues all the way to the professional leagues, and everything in-between. In addition to team sports, individual and dual sports are also enjoyed by spectators.

What would life be like in the United States without Friday night high school football in thousands of small towns and cities? What about Little League, or major league baseball, or college football, or bowl games? What about life without the NFL, the NBA, or the WNBA? Wouldn't life be strange with no tennis, golf, or bowling at any level? Thankfully, we have all of these - and more!

Sports are good! They are good for the players, the coaches, and the managers. Generally speaking, sports are good for our society. Sports are good for spectators - and spectators are good for sports.

Being a spectator at a sports event is a great way to spend leisure hours. However, watching others participate in a sport should not replace our own participation in sports, games, recreation, and other leisure activities. We need a balance between being in our easy chairs or in the bleachers as a spectator, and being involved in the action ourselves!
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Perhaps minor league baseball is one of the best spectator sports across the nation. The photo above is of Hammons Field, home of the Springfield (Mo.) Cardinals, the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.