12 ways to make sure you're as excited and hyped as possible for the World Series
It's here! It's finally here! The thing that every baseball fan and player dreaming of starts tonight: It's the World Series! And before the Dodgers and Red Sox square off for Game 1 at 8:09 p.m. ET on FOX, we understand that you'll want to get yourself into the mood.
Follow these easy tips and you'll be in peak baseball fan form in time for first pitch.
Eat only hot dogs and cracker jacks
Yes, we mean only hot dogs and cracker jacks. The players sacrificed their bodies for 162 regular-season games, so you can do the same.
Put on your baseball finest
Maybe it's your trusty, sweat-stained ballcap. Maybe it's a shirsey of your favorite cult hero. Maybe it's the full, authentic uniform complete with stirrup socks. Whatever it is, it's time to put it on and walk out your door to face the day.
Watch about three hours of World Series highlights
I'm partial to this one:
Go to the top of the nearest building and scream "It's the World Series!"
It's really cathartic. Plus, maybe you'll reach someone that wasn't aware it was World Series time.
Fire up the video game machine and play out your own version of Dodgers - Red Sox
Then, when the most unlikely player -- like, say, Sandy León or Austin Barnes -- picks up the game-winning hit just like your game, you can say it was destiny.
Write a pro-con list of who you want to root for
Not a Red Sox or Dodgers fan? That's fine -- you'll still want a rooting interest though. Like, for example, how it's a pro that the Red Sox are named after clothing, but it's a con that the Green Monster isn't an actual giant green monster hellbent on destruction. Or, for the Dodgers, it's a pro that their uniforms look so sharp, but it's a con that Vin Scully isn't in the dugout wearing it every game.
Draw a picture of your favorite player
Whether you're an artist or someone who struggles to make a stick figure, the World Series is a great time to get in touch with your creative side.
Watch bloopers
Yes, these two teams made it to the World Series because they're the best in baseball. But that doesn't mean there weren't some hilarious oopsies during the year.
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Make an incredibly bold prediction and share it publicly
Don't just say "Red Sox in five" or "Dodgers in six." Say, "I, INSERT NAME HERE, do declare that Chris Taylor will go 3-for-4 with three home runs in the clinching Game 6. When he's given the MVP Award, he shall shout, 'this was for all the Whos in Whoville.'" Go big or go home.
Reflect on last year's World Series
Last year was a seven-game barnburner between the Dodgers and Astros! Before you hand your brain space over to a new one, spend five minutes thinking of that one. The upside is that last year's should only make you more excited for this one.
Listen to the anthems
Sure, the Red Sox play "Sweet Caroline" every game and "Dirty Water" after every win, but wouldn't you agree that "I'm Shipping up to Boston" has actually become the Boston anthem?
Meanwhile, just because the Dodgers play Randy Newman's "I Love LA" after wins doesn't mean that "The Baseball Boogie" isn't the best way to get excited for the game.
Fill out a scorecard
Get started once the lineups are announced this afternoon. And then keep up with the action, whether you're on your couch or at the park.
How do you get hyped up? Let us know @Cut4.