MLB traditions every baseball fan should experience at least once

Few sports lean into tradition quite like Major League Baseball. From iconic pre-game rituals to seventh-inning singalongs and mascot antics, every ballpark has its own personality. These traditions turn a simple baseball game into a full-blown experience—something fans look forward to just as much as the action on the field.

Across the league, teams have developed unforgettable customs that bring crowds together and help define their identity. Here are 10 MLB fan traditions that help make going to a game unforgettable.

Unique MLB traditions that make going to a game special

Baseball is built on tradition, and every ballpark has its own way of bringing fans into the experience. From crowd singalongs to mascot races and signature celebrations, these rituals are part of what makes going to an MLB game feel so memorable.

Singing “Sweet Caroline” at Fenway Park

One of baseball’s most beloved singalongs happens at home games for the Boston Red Sox. Just before the bottom of the eighth inning at Fenway Park, the stadium blasts "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond and the entire crowd belts out the chorus together.

What began as a simple music break in the late 1990s has turned into a Fenway tradition that fans anticipate every game. The iconic “BA BA BAA” chant echoes throughout the historic ballpark and is now a defining part of the Red Sox game-day atmosphere.

Roll call with the New York Yankees

Fans of the New York Yankees kick off games with a unique ritual led by the famous Bleacher Creatures. Early in the top of the first inning at Yankee Stadium, the group chants each defensive player’s name until they acknowledge the crowd with a wave or salute.

The roll call tradition started in the 1990s and has become a signature moment that energizes the stadium before the game really gets underway.

Chicago Cubs' iconic songs and chants

Heading to Wrigley Field to see the Chicago Cubs? Attendees should warm up their vocal cords before the game since Cubs fans are expected to bring their loudest ballpark vocals.

The seventh-inning stretch is a league-wide tradition, but the Chicago Cubs take it to another level at Wrigley Field. A celebrity guest leads the crowd in singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", a ritual that gained national fame thanks to longtime broadcaster Harry Caray. From actors to musicians to athletes, guest conductors bring their own flair to the performance while thousands of fans sing along.

Winning at Wrigley Field ends with one more singalong. After every Chicago Cubs victory, the stadium plays "Go Cubs Go" while fans celebrate and wave their arms in rhythm. It’s a joyful way to cap off a win and a tradition Cubs fans love sticking around for.

Bernie Brewer’s signature slide with the Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers celebrate home runs in unforgettable fashion thanks to their mascot. Whenever the Brewers go deep, Bernie Brewer slides down a giant yellow slide into a giant mug of beer at American Family Field.

The tradition dates back to the team’s early years and remains one of the most fun home-run celebrations in the league.

The “Home Run Apple” at Citi Field

When the New York Mets hit a home run at Citi Field, a massive apple rises from beyond the outfield wall. The “Home Run Apple” dates back to the Mets’ days at Shea Stadium and has become one of the most recognizable ballpark celebrations in baseball.

Mascot races around MLB

Some of baseball’s most entertaining traditions happen between innings. Across the league, races like the Washington Nationals’ Presidents Race, the Milwaukee Brewers’ Famous Racing Sausages, and the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Pierogi Race give fans a chance to cheer for something completely different from the action on the field. These lighthearted contests have become beloved parts of the ballpark experience.

The Orioles’ anthem “O!” at Camden Yards

Baltimore Orioles fans put their own spin on the national anthem by loudly emphasizing the “O!” in “Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave.” The moment has become one of the most recognizable crowd traditions in baseball and a signature part of the atmosphere at Camden Yards.

“It’s Time for Dodger Baseball” at Dodger Stadium

Few pregame calls are more recognizable in baseball than “It’s Time for Dodger Baseball.” The phrase has become part of the identity of a night at Dodger Stadium thanks to legendary announcer Vin Scully, helping set the tone before first pitch and instantly signaling to fans that the game-day experience has officially begun.

The home run train at Daikin Park

When the Houston Astros hit a home run at Daikin Park, the ballpark’s signature train comes to life above the outfield. It’s one of the most recognizable home run celebrations in baseball and a tradition that adds even more energy to big moments in Houston.

Rally monkey madness with the Angels

Few mascots have created playoff magic like the rally monkey for the Los Angeles Angels.

During tense moments at Angel Stadium, the video board shows a monkey jumping around while fans wave rally towels and cheer wildly. The tradition gained fame during the Angels’ 2002 World Series run and remains a fan favorite.

How to get MLB tickets on SeatGeek

Ready to experience these MLB traditions for yourself? Finding tickets on SeatGeek is simple.

1. Visit SeatGeek or head to the app and search for your favorite MLB team or upcoming game.

2. Use filters to compare ticket prices, seating sections and views from different seats.

3. Look for SeatGeek’s Deal Score to quickly find the best value tickets.

4. Select your seats and check out securely in just a few clicks.

From eighth-inning singalongs to mascot celebrations and signature ballpark rituals, MLB traditions come to life because of the fans who keep them going. Grab your MLB tickets on SeatGeek and be there to sing louder, cheer harder and take part in the ballpark rituals that make every game unforgettable.