Tigers Minor League Baseball Blog

Rarely is it that I am ever inspired while keeping the pitching chart in the dugout during the game. And even more rare was that the inspiration came from a rather inebriated fan. No, this was no inspiration to want to better myself or do more good in the world but instead lay down a set of guidelines and suggestions to you, the fans, regarding the time honored tradition of heckling. As long as people have been attending sporting events, there has always been those who feel the need to make their voice heard in an attempt to somehow affect the outcome of the game. I have been around the game for long enough to where I have heard and, well dished out, my fair share of comments. Certain places are better than others, usually due the experience of the fans and knowing what works, what is appropriate, and what gets the player’s interest (whether that player appreciates or not). Back to what sparked my interest in this specific topic, todays game. We are currently in Brevard County playing the Brewers affiliate, the Manatees. For this point on I am going to make an example of one particular fan for the sake of proper heckling etiquette (we’ll just call him Bob). Was this person good at it? No. He was terrible, I will explain why as I go on. But did he do his job in taking at least part of our minds off the game and get under our skin. Yes. With that here is a player’s perspective on the rules of heckling.
-One: Be original, the “you suck” line is old and doesn’t do anything to annoy us. We know we don’t suck and generally chuckle at fact that you, the fan, paid to come watch us do what you wish you could and then think that telling us we suck will somehow even the playing field. Look at stat lines, biographies, and funny quirks with names or appearances to use in your arsenal.
-Two: Quality not quantity. For example, Bob seemed to be doing play by play out loud, very loud. “That was a ball pitcher” or “You swung and missed that one, I saw it.” Yes everyone in the stands knows what just happened, WE ARE ALL THERE. Simply looking for things to say just to keep being “that guy” doesn’t make you a good heckler…It just means you’re annoying. Stick to a few good one liners at the appropriate times, not just yelling out something thinking it’s gold every pitch.
-Three: Know your surroundings. Remember, if you are a heckler, you are not the only person at the game, even though you may think that. Bob was very loud and very obnoxious and when asked to simmer down a little, he snapped back and said, and I quote “Bring it on.” When your own fellow fans are telling you to calm down, that’s usually a sign your heckling has started to go downhill, or you’ve had one too many beverages. Also on this note, if there are only a hundred people in attendance there is no need to scream like you are in the line of fire. Bob didn’t seem to get this, and at times he screamed like we had just kidnapped a loved one. A simple raised voice will do, maybe some funny pitch bends for added effect.
-Four: No swearing. And no families. Swearing is a cop out, and it’s also disrespectful to other fans. And I guarantee the players hear much worse in the clubhouse and the dugout amongst themselves. Usually this is also a sign you have had one too many. And as for saying something about family members, well unless we know you personally, you know nothing about my family so I just assume you are completely stupid.
-Five: This one I never understand. Never under any circumstance, heckle your own team. As a heckler, you need to pick a side and stick with it. Just because your team isn’t doing better because of your vocal prowess, doesn’t give you the right to switch mid-game. Losing is part of the game, learn to deal with it.
-Six: Never under any circumstance provoke us to go outside of the lines, or you come on the field. Think of it like swimming in the ocean. Once you go in, you enter the sharks’ world, you are at their mercy. Same with us, and all other sports teams. If you think for any reason you want to play tough guy, think about what we players are willing to do to other elite athletes should a brawl ensue, let alone one person (if there is any grey area here refer to rules three and four regarding “too many”).
That’s all I have for now and I hope that this has given all you fans out there an idea of proper heckling technique. I personally love it, it fuels the fire so to speak and gives me added incentive to do well. If done well, heckling is always welcomed, but learn the rules first and do it the right way. Keep it fun, clever and original and you can’t go wrong. Remember the point is to get under our skin, and we are professional athletes and have pretty thick skin so choose your words wisely. Don’t be like Bob, or you may just wind up being the subject of another minor league player’s blog about what not to do.