Growing up, the chosen pastime of many young kids is sports. If the kids are decent at their sport of choice, they more than likely play in countless tournaments. After spending my fair share of time at soccer tournaments, and now baseball tournaments, I've learned a thing or two about the fans that go to them. There are various different types of fans that watch these sporting events. Each has their own special role and their own different tell tale signs that puts them in a certain category. Here's just ten of the types of fans you'll find at Little League games:

1. The TOO Involved Mom

This is the mom who is ALWAYS yelling. She's the mom who tries to pump up the kids when they're up, yells at the ump or ref if they don't agree with their call, and/or hollers at the kids to cheer on their team when they're down. In all honesty, she means well but on occasion she takes her antics too far. To onlookers, she seems like the type to be the mom with the cowbell or annoying cheer. Off the field or court she may be the nicest person ever, but once the first pitch is thrown the claws come out.


2. The Yeller

You may not always see them, but without a doubt you can hear them. They thrive off of arguing umpire or referee calls and making sure the "right" call is made. They're also notorious for "strongly encouraging" kids when they make an error or turn the ball over. They mean well to some extent, but they're the kind that want to be heard and don't care if they end up being ejected. Loud and proud is their mantra, and they're gonna let you know it.

3. The Team Mom

This is the mom who packs the cooler full of Gatorades, waters, sandwiches and anything else you could possibly think of in case of emergency. She also comes prepared with a first aid kit and is always on top of just about everything. The team mom knows every single kid on the team and encourages each of them. While she may not be at every single game, when she is there, her presence is known and appreciated.


4. The One Who Has No Clue What's Going On

We all know that one person who comes to a sporting event without any clue what's going on in the sport they're watching. They're the person that goes to a baseball game and asks how many touchdowns have been scored or go to a basketball game and asks how many outs there are. They may be there because a relative or significant other is playing, but they definitely have no clue what's going on. Don't worry, just watch and learn...or just cheer when the people around you are cheering. It's all gonna be alright. 


5. The Kid Who Just Wants to Play at the Playground

Once again, this is one of those people who is more than likely only there because a sibling is playing. They're the kid who runs around acting like a chicken with their head cut off until their parent gets annoyed enough to allow them to go off and play. These kids spend most of the game either on the playground or at the concession stand. They stay out of their parents' hair just long enough for a six inning game to be played.


6. The Paparazzi Grandma

You know the older woman with the expensive looking camera with the lens a mile long? That's the paparazzi grandma. She means well, wanting to capture every single moment of their grandchild's life in picture form. Mostly, it's so when they look back in 20 years they have a reminder of that time they almost hit a homer, but ended up fouling the ball off and hitting themselves upside the head. She's the woman at the very edge of the field or, sometimes, the one getting right up in the dugout to capture the best picture possible. Give her some slack, she's making memories come to life.


7. The "Spectator"

Now you may be wondering, isn't every fan a spectator? That's true, but the "spectator" is a special kind of fan. They're the ones that really have no affiliation to either of the teams playing, they're just out there for the love of the game. They sit in the stands near the back and don't really say much. If they do say something, it's a minor comment here or there about a call. They mean no harm, and won't cause any damage, they're just there for the love of the game


8. The "LaVar Ball" Dad

This is the dad who thinks his kid is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Now, sometimes he could be correct in his judgement, but a lot of times they aren't. They're the parent who wants their kid to start at one particular position and when they don't, they throw a temper tantrum like a child. The unconditional support for their kid is admirable, but occasionally annoying. We get it dude, you think your kid is the next Michael Jordan or Derek Jeter. News flash though, they probably aren't.


9. The Wannabe Coach

This is the parent who wants so badly to be the coach because they think they know what's best. On occasion, they may come up with a good point that is actually useful, but majority of the time they're just talking to hear themselves talk. They typically hang out around where the coaches are during and after games in order to get their thoughts heard. It's OK buddy, even you are an important member of the team. Even if you are told to go back to the bleachers on numerous occasions.


10. The Know-It-All That Knows Nothing 


Ah, one of my personal favorites. This is the person who finds themselves constantly in arguments with other people over minor details of the sport. They'll defend their opinion to the grave if needed while still swearing they "aren't trying to argue." I mean, no one expects you to know every little detail about the sport you're watching, but please do not act like you do. FIY: not every team in the MLB has the home dugout on the first base line, go to a Yankees or Cubs game you'll be sadly disappointed. Sorry to sound harsh, we love ya, but stop acting like a know-it-all when you most definitely don't know it all.