Yahoo Movies It’s MLB Opening Day! Here are 13 things you need to kick off baseball season
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The 2023 season of Major League Baseball has officially begun! Whether you’re staying at home or traveling to the ballpark to catch a game, there are many ways to celebrate Opening Day and prepare for the season ahead. From decking yourself out in your favorite team’s apparel to getting the best TV to watch upcoming games, here’s what you need to enjoy the rest of baseball season.
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When is Opening Day 2023?
The opening day for Major League Baseball’s 2023 season is today, March 30th. It’ll be filled with new uniforms, new rules and all 30 teams in action.
►MLB Opening Day 2023 live updates: New season, new rules. What to know before first pitch.
Things you need for the 2023 MLB season
1. MLB apparel
Whether you’re attending a game or watching from the couch, you'll want to dress up in team apparel to show off your spirit. For those lucky enough to be at the ballpark, we're sure the players will appreciate it. Plus, you never know when you'll be on the jumbotron. From Yankees jerseys to Cubs caps, the MLB Shop has a variety of apparel to show your love for your favorite baseball team.
2. A clear bag
As far as bringing a bag to the game goes, make sure you're adhering to the MLB's bag policy. Guests are permitted to bring clear, plastic, PVC or vinyl bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”. This popular bag from Amazon fits the dimensions perfectly and has over 14,300 five-star reviews, with buyers loving the bag's sturdiness.
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3. A rain jacket
With a quality jacket, you don't have to let the weather rain on your parade if you're heading to the ballpark. Columbia's rain jackets have thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon. Buyers of these jackets love them for their light and waterproof material.
4. Sunglasses
If the sun is shining, you should bring a pair of polarized sunglasses, both to protect your eyes and so you can watch the game with clarity. The best pair you can buy is the Ray-Ban RB3025 Classic Aviator Sunglasses, which offer 100% UV protection and many style options.
5. Binoculars
It doesn’t matter if you’re all the way back in the nosebleed seats; using a pair of binoculars will ensure that you can still get a good look at all the action. The Nikon Aculon A211 10-22x50 is one of the best pairs of binoculars you can buy, with excellent magnification and field-of-view. A more budget-friendly option is the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars, which are compact and waterproof.
6. Hand sanitizer
Whether you're snacking on peanuts or Cracker Jacks, if you're eating at the ball game, it's probably a good idea to pack some quality hand sanitizer to keep germs away. Washing up before you eat will make sure that no stomach bug cuts your game day short.
7. Sunscreen
Having the sun beat down on you for an extended period can cause damage to your skin, so we recommend using quality sunscreen. The best mineral sunscreen we've tested is the Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50 Sunscreen, which has a pleasant smell and doesn't leave a white sheen when applied.
8. A TV
When watching games at home, you'll want a television that can capture all of the great moments in high definition. If you want the best-of-the-best, grab the LG C2, which we love for its amazing picture quality and thin design. If you're more budget-minded, our value pick for the best television is the Hisense U8H which features great contrast and is easy to use.
9. A streaming device
A streaming device will make watching the games on your TV easier. Of all the streaming devices we've tested, our favorite is the Roku Ultra. It can be controlled with your voice via the Voice Remote Pro, it's fast and it supports both 4K and Dolby Vision, making for visually impressive games.
10. An ESPN+ subscription
ESPN+ is one of the streaming services that will be airing the 2023 MLB season, so it's a must-have for anyone looking to catch the games from the comfort of home. You can purchase a standalone ESPN+ subscription or pair it with a Hulu and Disney+ subscription to get more bang for your buck.
11. A popcorn popper
Looking for a simple, tasty and relatively healthy snack while you watch the game at home? Look no further than air-popped popcorn. The best popper we've tested is the Cuisinart Pop And Serve Popcorn Maker. It's affordable, easy to use, even easier to store and it makes popcorn quickly.
12. Coasters
Planning on having a watch party? Nothing goes with baseball quite like an ice-cold beer. Keep your table clean by using coasters. Lifver's drink coasters are the best-rated ones on Amazon, with over 9,000 five-star reviews. Reviewers love them for their stylish aesthetic and quality materials.
13. Sneakers
There are many ways to celebrate Opening Day, including playing a game of baseball yourself. If you’re looking to take to the field, grab a pair of quality sneakers to play with confidence. New Balance offers a variety of sneakers made to withstand strenuous activity, including 608v5 and WX608V5 SR, which offer soft cushioning and a breathable build.
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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Baseball Opening Day 2023: Things you need for MLB season
