Springtime is here and my favorite sport is back! I love the artistry of baseball. And watching it is one of the joys of my life. We are what you might call a “baseball family” at my house.

So what do you think of when you think about baseball?

Warm, sunny days, perhaps? The crack of the bat? Childhood memories? Connecting with Dad? Cracker Jacks? Baseball caps? Crowded stadiums? Summer?

So many wonderful things come to mind. The competition of the athletes dedicated to the game is fun to watch. We can’t discount that. But like in all experiences in life, ya gotta give special props to the food. Food makes EVERY experience better. Especially if you’re a spectator. You have to have something to do while you’re watching. And baseball fans really know their food – and they really know what they like.

It’s not JUST about peanuts and popcorn. Although those are important.

The baseball fan expects all-beef hot dogs, for sure. That one is a must. It’s on the top of the baseball fan favorites list. In a stadium, in a parking lot or in your backyard – hot dogs are a perfect fit. They’re so easy to grill up anywhere.

But when you’re baseball tailgating at home (or even tailgating in a parking lot), steaks have to be on the menu. The fans at my house demand them. The smell of the grill going adds excitement to any get-together. You’re in your own home so anything goes. The menu possibilities are endless!

For example, you don’t have to be a Royals fan (but, hey, it helps!) to insist upon Kansas City BBQ. It’s a crowd favorite. And we want to please our crowd. Baseball fans get hungry and they must be fed good food!

What are some baseball fan favorites that come to mind for you? Tell me all about it! (I’m drooling in anticipation.)

Let’s say you were forced to create a “Top 3 List of Best Baseball Tailgating Cities.” What locations would you pick?

Well, so much is all in the interpretation. And personal biases happen to get in the way. I know some pretty rabid fans who are passionate about their cities and their teams.

It’s like asking someone to choose the best cut of steak. Everybody has their own ideas of what makes steaks great. And, really, no one is wrong.

So this is a tough task. A lot of thought and preparation went into this (okay, I MAY have gleefully tailgated in these locations before – among others – so I’ve got first-hand experience to draw from). But here are MY picks for the best baseball tailgating cities. You tell me yours!

1. HAS to be Kansas City. I mean, the Royals. Kauffman Stadium. World Series. Kansas City BBQ. Enough said, really. Great baseball, great location, great food. What other ingredients do we need for an amazing tailgating experience? Can’t think of one.
2. Gorgeous scenery. Laid-back, friendly atmosphere. Mountains. Beer! You have to include the Mile High City on your checklist. The stadium is right in the middle of beautiful downtown. And it’s all so walkable. Yeah, Denver is a fabulous place to tailgate.
3. Arlington, Texas. The Rangers seem to give everybody a run for their money lately so the baseball is exciting. And Texans know their beef so you know the grilling is going to be top-notch and the weather is great – even at the beginning of baseball season when the rest of the country is thawing out. Plus, this is a must-see ballpark.

Okay, so those are my top three. I KNOW I will have some naysayers. So, tell me, what are YOUR top three best baseball tailgating cities and why?

Remember, there are NO wrong answers.

It’s tailgating time! That all-important warm weather tailgating season is upon us. Thank goodness! No more parkas in the parking lot. The boys of summer are back!

So, are you watching some Major League baseball on TV? Have you been to a game yet? Do you plan to? It’s time to play ball!

Well, whether you’re going to a game or enjoying it in the comfort of your own domain, we all can enjoy those baseball games a lot more if we’re well fed. And to me, that’s the most enjoyable part. Yeah, I like the sport part. The game is a blast. But isn’t tailgating a sport all unto itself?

I think so. And as a sport, it’s got some rules – just like baseball!

Now, to be a winner at tailgating we’ve got to be prepared. So let’s go over a tailgating checklist so we do this thing right.

1. Have the right tools. Literally, that can mean spatulas and steak knives. But it also can mean having the right steak recipes in hand. Nothing too elaborate. But definitely high on flavor.

2. Bring your A game. If necessary, get some individual coaching. Like some grilling steak tips from a pro. Watch videos. Read articles. Ask a chef.

3. Choose the right steaks. Quality is important. A high quality steak is the first ingredient in a great tailgating party.

4. Make sure everyone is covered. Have enough food for everyone – but also the right food for everyone. Know your audience.

5. Have fun! That’s what it’s really all about!

With this checklist in mind, you can plan out a fantastic tailgating party. Baseball season is in full swing so let’s have some fun!

This tailgating thing is serious business so let’s give it the preparation it deserves! Your stomach will thank you!