Can't find the American sports thread

So starting a new one.

I've been roped into going to watch the baseball at West Ham's ground this weekend.

Anyone here who can give me some knowledge? Outside of hit the ball and run around the pitch, most run arounds win, I know very little about the sport.
Any rules I should be aware of?

Playing is St Louis v Chicago, who should I support? I'm thinking Chicago, as St Louis sounds like it may be in the more racist part of the country.

Any star players I should look out for?

I think I went last year. Or maybe 2 years ago. It was the Red Socks v. someone. Boiling hot day. Had corporate tickets so some free beers before and given a commemorative baseball and cap each. The game was quite boring and lasted too long. I left before the end and struggled to give a shit. I asked our host a few questions about the rules while watching to feign interest. That's all I've got.

Baseball's good fun but although I've been to games in SF and NY, I can't remember the rules. Sorry. However, I can advise that most fans are so enthralled by the action that they spend most of the game on the concourse drinking beer and eating chilli dogs. Football it ain't.

It’s the Cubs. They are my team and yes way less racist than the Cardinals.

If you know the rules or Rounders then Baseball is very similar. Just three out for an inning.

It’s fun with a few beers and good conversation. I like Baseball but it took a while as I didn’t understand the culture. It may not translate but the British seem like wannabe Yanks nowadays which is very very sad. It’s good to enjoy other cultures but you should definitely figure out some football songs to piss off the St Louis team because they are wankers.

Chicago: Being Helpful.

That part sounds OK

The most important physical trait appears to be an oversized arse.

Chicago has been shut down for a massive NASCAR street race. NASCAR for those not familiar is like formula 3 but shit. They also have weird rules and any sign of rain and thunder they shut down the race for half an hour. Soft southern hillbillies. Also they play adverts every five minutes as the race is going on and it’s very distracting. Also, like Monaco the streets are too narrow and no-one can pass. Boring!!!!!

Traffic is terrible at the best of times: Now it’s just impossible.

Chicago: Currently actually living in Chicago.

Godawful “sport”. Everyone gets points and it lasts forever. It’s always amazed me how a country that shits it’s pants at the mere mention of socialism enjoys sports that on the face of it have deeply socialist principles: everyone gets points, the least successful teams get the pick of the best players for the next season, the people pick up the tab for new stadia, etc. The one team that is owned by the fans is held up as a paragon of sports ownership.
But “fuck you, I ain’t payin’ fer yer health care! That’s communist!”

And that basically says it all..

Well done.

Chicago: It total agreement.

So Aaron Rodgers last 4 plays into his Jets career… you can only hope Russ was in his seat before it was over…

All American motorsport is boring because of the communism. Motorsport should be partly about the driver but also the team and the tech, which it isn't and nor will F1 be by the time the interfering American bastards have finished with it. That said I still watch the Indycars because, well, it's on on a Sunday night.

I was. I then enjoyed watching our backup QB, our awesome running backs and possibly the best defense in the NFL beat a leading Super Bowl contender and our boggest division rival.

It's not all doom and gloom.

I don’t know how anyone sits through Nascar.

As an aside I find it perfect Poetic justice that Rogers was laughing at a Giants Player being knocked out by a blindside hit and then blowing out his achilles in the next game. I would like to think Jihad Ward of the GIants who took exception to his behaviour sent him laughing emojis or a thank you to the Buffalo defence.

The Jets in one foul swoop just became more likeable.

Chicago: Enjoying the karma.