Baseball Style

Don’t kid yourself about the Braves sweeping the Marlins last weekend.  We are ‘rebuilding’.  Still, there isn’t much better than going down to see a baseball game.  It makes for a great date with wife/girlfriend, and there is a slight chance that the Braves could score more than two runs.  Maybe.  Style at a baseball game isn’t brain surgery, but there are a couple tricks that could make your trip more enjoyable.

For a weeknight/date, up your style a bit with a polo and a nice belt.  For the Sunday game with the guys, relax a little and pay homage to a retired great.  Either way, there’s always time for a tailgate before first pitch.  Here are some details on doing it right:

From Top Left:

1. Braves Stillwater Hat:  For me, hats are optional.  They aren’t as go-to as they used to be, especially if I’m wearing sunglasses.  In situations like a 3-4 hour baseball game, a hat is a must.  I like going with something vintage, like this early 80’s Braves model.  Extra points for a minor league hat.
2. Patagonia R1 Pullover:  Night game?  Got a date?  It’s not a bad idea to have a pullover handy.  Leave it in the car if the temperature doesn’t get below 70.
3. Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses:  Whether you are going for the business look or the weekend look, you’ve got to have a good pair of shades for the game.  You can’t go wrong with Wayfarers.  Tortoise is where it’s at.
4. Vintage Dale Murphy T-shirt:  T-shirts are very prevalent at games these days, and while it’s not my first choice, I do approve of a  retired players’ number.  Show that you know what’s up.
5. Ball and Buck Hunter’s Polo:  At this point in my life, I rarely leave the house without a collar.  Polos are getting more and more play as a t-shirt replacement, and a game down at The Ted is ground zero.  I really dig these Hunter polos from Ball and Buck – the shoulder detailing is cool, and the logo is as good as it gets.
6. Ex Officio Bandana:  Fold this up and keep it in your back pocket.  There are NEVER enough napkins.
7. Onward Reserve Piedmont Shorts:  Appropriate inseam required.  Ketchup stains don’t show up as well on darker colors.
8. Smathers & Branson Belt:  While Smathers & Branson offer MLB belts, I’m not big on wearing them to the game.  It’s like wearing a shirt of the band you are going to see.  Instead, opt for a lifestyle belt or a belt from your golf club.
9. Polar Bear Soft 24-Pack Cooler:  Since a baseball tailgate doesn’t require keeping ice for a month (nor to 99% of other cooler-friendly events), opt for the Polar Bear soft cooler.  Yetis are great, but I’ve been using my Polar Bear for the past couple years and am extremely happy…not only for a day+ of cold drinks, but the relatively low hit on the wallet.
10. Southern Proper PC Shorts:  Back to the Sunday game.  Relax a little.
11. New Balance 990s:  If you have to walk a mile (or so), it might be a good idea to plan accordingly.
12. Koozies:  Camo + Nascar + Neoprene.  I shouldn’t have to justify this.
13. Hari Mari Scouts Flip Flops:  If you are a flip flop guy, do it right.  Don’t forget suntan lotion.