It’s springtime in America, which means baseball season is underway – and MLB® fans across America are enjoying every minute of the action. As the players are polishing their skills on the diamond, it’s a perfect time to flex your fan muscles. Whether you’re new to baseball or a long-time devotee, here are 6 ways to make being a baseball fan more rewarding than ever:

1.Know Your History. Sure, you know your team’s current line-up like the back of your hand, but if you want to take your fan game to the next level, you’d better know your history. The more you know about the legends who paved the way for today’s sluggers and rocket arms, the deeper your appreciation for America’s game will be. Plus, you’ll totally impress your friends on sports trivia night.

Pro Tip: Salute one of baseball’s most storied heroes with our MICKEY MANTLE Commemorative Cold-Cast Bronze Sculpture. Complete with career highlights, it’s a handsome and impressive way to show off your knowledge.

2.Respect the Champions. Every year, there can only be one champion. Nothing compares to the thrill of watching your team win it all, especially when you’ve been there for every game cheering them on. On the other hand, there’s nothing quite as heartbreaking as watching another team win. But no matter how heated the rivalry, you have to hand it to the team that fights their way to the top. After all, there’s always next year. So win or lose, keep in mind that bragging rights only last until Opening Day. Enjoy the sweet taste of victory while you can, or grin and bear it while you wait for another season — and another chance at payback!

Pro Tip: Raise a toast to the 2014 World Series Champions™ with our San Francisco Giants™ 2014 World Series® Stein — and savor the memory of your team’s triumph for years to come!

3.Make Time for Watching Baseball. Baseball season lasts about six months. Each team plays 162 games. That adds up to a whole lot of opportunities to watch your team play — and zero excuses to miss out on the action. Check your team’s schedule, add a few games to your calendar, then smile — because you just made some random workweek evenings and lazy weekend afternoons more exciting!

Pro Tip: Countdown the hours until the next first pitch with our MLB Cuckoo Clocks.

4.Visit the Old Ball Park. There’s something magical about seeing a ball game live and in person. Maybe it’s the crispness of the crack of the bat making contact, or the thrill of being in the same arena as your heroes, or the palpable energy in the stands when your team hits a homerun. Maybe it’s the history, and the sense of awe you feel when you think about all the legendary players who have rounded the very same bases you see before you. Even hot dogs taste better at a baseball stadium. If you’ve never been to a game, this should be number one on your list of things to do. You don’t even need to be a diehard baseball fan to appreciate a day at the ball park.

Pro Tip: Show off a stirring tribute to the centennial anniversary of a truly legendary stadium when you hang this Wrigley Field™ 100-Year Anniversary Masterpiece Collector Plate in your home.

5.Make Game Day a Family Affair. A day at the ballpark is unbeatable, but watching the game on TV can be just as fun — especially when you’ve got your sweetie by your side. Night games are a perfect excuse to have a date night. Pop some popcorn, put on your fan gear and cozy up in your “couch-side” seats to the big game. And those weekend afternoon games? Perfect for spending some quality family time. Sharing your passion for baseball with the people you love is a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories together. No matter the score of the game, that’s an outcome worth cheering about!

Pro Tip: Celebrate the fact that every day is a home run when you’ve got your favorite fan by your side with our Precious Moments® MLB fan figurines.

6.Catch the Baseball Bug. Baseball fandom is like a fever — once you’ve caught the bug, it’s hard not to share it with the people around you. Luckily for your friends and family, this is one bug they’ll actually want to catch. Because above all, being a baseball fan is a lot of fun. And who doesn’t want more of that?

Pro Tip: Spread baseball fever with our MLB Love Bug Music Boxes. Available in 8 MLB teams, these charming collectibles will have you and your loved ones humming the same tune — “Take Me Out to the Ball Game!”

Thanks so much for stopping by! If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends, family, and fellow fans. If there’s a different topic you’d like me to cover, you can always share it with me in the comments. Meanwhile, you can find all the baseball tributes featured here, along with an incredible selection of MLB collectibles, including fine jewelry, licensed apparel and winning home decor, on our site. Until next time, go team!