Cards Against Humanity at the Ballpark: An Unlikely but Entertaining Pastime

While Cards Against Humanity is generally known as an raunchy party game best kept to private homes and basements, in recent years the controversial card game has found an unlikely but enthusiastic following among fans at major league baseball games. What started as a joke among friends has grown into a small but dedicated community that looks to bring the shock humor of CAH to unsuspecting spectators at America’s favorite pastime. Their activities have also received criticism and raised questions about what is and isn’t appropriate family entertainment at the ballpark.

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when and where the first public game of CAH at a baseball stadium took place. Some trace it back to 2015 when a group of rowdy Milwaukee Brewers fans began loudly playing and reading cards aloud during lulls in the action on the field. Their antics drew both cheers and jeers from surrounding fans but mostly went unnoticed by staff. Word of their activities soon spread on baseball and CAH enthusiast message boards, sparking copycats in other cities to try the same.

Since then, organized CAH games in the stands have become something of an internet phenomenon. Fans document their public games on social media with hashtags like #CAHAtTheBallpark and #NSFWBaseball. Some of the biggest documented public gatherings have included over 50 participants at Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals games. Organizers arrive early to reserve a block of seats together and encourage others to join in throughout the game. Participation tends to peak during pitching changes, delays, and less competitive games as fans look for additional entertainment.

While the majority of participants are adults looking primarily for laughs among like-minded company, the public nature of the games in a family setting has received criticism. Opponents argue that the raunchy, often offensive humor of CAH is inappropriate for all audiences and detracts from the experience of families and more casual fans. They point to instances where cards read aloud within earshot of children have drawn complaints. Stadium and team staff have also had to intervene in rare cases of games getting too rowdy or offensive.

Supporters counter that CAH games only last for brief moments compared to the multi-hour experience of a full baseball game. They see it as comparable to any other adult conversation that may occur and is easily avoidable. Most organizers are also cognizant of surroundings and aim to keep the most vulgar readings private. The underground following argues it adds levity and community to what is traditionally a more passive spectator experience. As long as it does not disrupt play on the field or consistently disturb others, they believe CAH has as much right to exist at the ballpark as any other fan tradition.

A gray area remains around what is an acceptable level of raunchiness versus outright obscenity in a public setting. Ballpark CAH players tend to avoid cards involving graphic violence, slurs, or explicit sex acts which could reasonably offend others or run afoul of stadium conduct policies. Jokes playing on race, religion, politics or bodily functions are still common, if delivered discreetly. In the end, most games continue with a level of self-policing around sensitivities of the immediate surroundings.

Major league teams have generally taken a hands-off approach unless complaints are made directly to staff. No teams outright ban the game, seeing it as a free speech issue, but most reserve the right to intervene on a case-by-case basis. Some have unofficially acknowledged it as long as players are respectful of others. A few teams in cities with large CAH communities like Chicago, Denver and San Diego have even gone so far as to sponsor themed game nights with promotional cards and prizes. This also risks further normalizing the activity for families who may not be receptive.

As the underground pastime of CAH at baseball games continues growing slowly in popularity, the debate around what constitutes appropriate stadium conduct will likely persist. Both players and critics have fair points to make around expectations of common decency versus personal liberties. In the end, a reasonable balance respecting all perspectives is ideal but challenging to define. As long as games remain discreet, non-disruptive affairs bringing private amusement to consenting adults, they will probably continue to co-exist alongside more traditional fan activities. But organizers must also be sensitive to surroundings and avoid potential issues that could draw unwanted scrutiny. Only time will tell if ballpark CAH can maintain that balance as its following increases.