Baseball — it’s America’s pastime. It’s hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jacks and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

And each and every one of these can be found at Bob Wren Stadium while enjoying an Ohio baseball game.

However, not many have come out to take pleasure in these common joys that make attending a baseball game a worthwhile event. Therefore, I have compiled a short list of reasons to come out to the next Bobcat baseball game.

Admission is free for students and a mere $4 for adults, so fans can come and easily get their money’s worth.

Most importantly, Ohio baseball is exciting, and that alone should draw more fans to the ballpark. This is the program that produced Michael Jack Schmidt, the game’s best third baseman. This season the Bobcats are led by 2004 All-American Anthony Gressick, as well as Willie Walker and Derek Witt, as the team hopes to make its first conference tournament appearance since 2003.

It’s also been warm and rather dry so there’s no excuse of sitting on cold, metal bleachers wearing a poncho while getting soaked in a downpour. Fans can even bring a blanket and their SPF of choice and pick out a spot to tan on the grassy hills down the outfield lines.

Walking to the ballpark is not that far. Sure, it’s not as close as it used to be, but I think the West Green population could at least make an occasional appearance to support the team.

Game times are convenient for students as well. First pitch for most games is 6 p.m. and 1 p.m. on Sundays. Students can get dinner before the game or head to Grab ‘n’ Go and bring it to the park. Games average three hours in length, so there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the “nightlife” of Athens.

Lastly, there’s always Joe Carbone. There’s nothing better than watching Ohio’s head baseball coach in action as he argues balls and strikes. Even on a night with a good crowd, every word of Carbone’s rants echo in the stadium as the crowd hushes to hear Ohio’s field general defend his troops.

With all these reasons, there are no more excuses to skip Ohio’s next baseball game. So come join the regulars and bring a friend to enjoy a bit of America’s pastime here in Athens.