A new baseball season has begun in Cincinnati. And with that out come the "fans" at the game that don't understand what to wear when at a game. Look, this post isn't coming from TLC or WE or the Oxygen channel, its coming from a guy that attends Reds' games pretty regularly each season. Its coming from a guy that knows the history of this team along with the the history of baseball in general. I've followed the sport for many years now, I know a fair-weather fan when I see them. I know what the casual fan looks like. I also know what an "out-of-the-loop" fan looks like as well. How do I know? By what they choose to wear to a game, particularly the biggest game of the season, Opening Day.

I was at Opening Day this past Monday and I couldn't help but people watch. At Sully's bar before the game I remember constantly pointing out what various people were wearing to the crew I was with. Most of the people at the bar that day were up to date on their Reds' gear. If they didn't have a jersey on, they had a shirt on that had some sort of Reds logo on it. But then there were those that appeared they hadn't bought a new jersey or gear since the mid-90s. With that observation smacking me in the brain, I decided at that point that I was going to write up this post about what to and what not to wear when attending a Reds' game, or any other sporting event for that matter. But for the sake of perspective and relevance, I'll just work with the Reds' apparel. Listed below you'll find what I feel is right and wrong to wear when attending a game. Think of this as your fashion etiquette lesson for the season.

WHAT TO WEAR

• A jersey that is up to date with a current Reds player on it, ie. Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr., Brandon Phillips, Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Edwin Encarnacion, etc.
• Griffey's old #30 jersey is acceptable as well
• A jersey of a former player that meant a great deal to this team or had a major impact in the history of the Reds, ie. Pete Rose, Joe Nuxhall, Barry Larkin, Jose Rijo, Chris Sabo, Tom Browning, Rob Dibble, Mario Soto, Johnny Bench, etc.
• Obviously a plain jersey with no number on it, just a Reds' logo is all good
• Any other Reds' paraphernalia that is just simple, no numbers or names on it, unless its of a current player
• Any normal Reds' hat with the Reds' logo on it or a design of Mr. Red or whatever along those lines
• Jerseys or anything else if you're there for the opposing team is fine as well, just as long as it meets the above guidelines too
• If you don't have any Reds' gear to wear, either wear a red polo or shirt, or just come comfortable in something neutral

WHAT NOT TO WEAR

• A jersey with a former Reds' player that wasn't a part of a World Series team or had a big impact on the team at some point, ie. Sean Casey, Austin Kearns, Dimitri Young, etc...I even saw one person wearing a Pokey Reese jersey....come on!
• Anything associated with another team that's not playing on the field! For the love of Pete if I see one more Cubs fan wearing a Cubs jersey to a Reds game against a team other than the Cubs I think I'm going to insane. The same thing goes for those that want to wear their Red Sox gear to any and every game...I actually saw a guy decked from head to toe in Red Sox gear at Opening Day...apparently he didn't realize he was at a REDS game, not a RED SOX game!
• Those fishing hats with the Reds' logo on it...seriously, don't get me started on this one...just leave them at home in your closet. Wearing one is just asking to be mocked and ridiculed.
• Leave your Bengals, Bearcats and Buckeyes jerseys, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats at home. Not only would you not be wearing anything representing the Reds, you're not even representing the right sporting event you're attending by wearing anything associated with these teams.
• Unless you're sitting in a luxury box or in the Diamond Seats, leave the suits and dresses at home!
• This one is just for the ladies...I hope! DO NOT WEAR HEELS TO A GAME!!! You're just asking to trip up or down the steps, especially after tipping back a few. If you do trip and fall, everyone around you is granted the right to laugh and point at you for at least 30 seconds. There's no need to come to a game all hoochied up. Guys are attracted to a girl that can come to a game and represent their team wearing gear just like they are. In my opinion you're better off leaving the stilettos at home and putting on your Nikes or flip-flops and some Reds' gear...following the above referenced "What to Wear" section of course

I think that covers everything. When you head out to your next Reds' game, think about what's been discussed here. Trust me when I say this, I'm not the only one that notices those that are wearing articles of clothing in the "What Not to Wear" category. And believe me when I tell you this as well, if you do fall into that category, we are laughing at or blasting on you every time you walk by.

For those of you that disagree with me, I'd love to hear why. I'd love to hear an argument against me here. For those that agree with me, if I missed anything, please feel free to comment and add to this post.

Just For Fun, MLB reds, clothing, opening day