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Finding the perfect seat in your favorite ballpark is not an easy task. It takes patience, shrewd judgment and, depending on your geographical location, some deep pockets to find the perfect vantage point for America’s Pastime.

Personally, thanks to sites like SeatGeek, I’ve been able to try out multiple seats in multiple sections at Citi Field over the last half-decade. In fact, my wife and I prefer this method of seeing games. It’s the same players, the same stadium, but a completely different experience depending on your seat.

Since we’re all mentally planning our first baseball game of the year, I thought what a perfect time to talk about “the best seats in the house.”

Behind Home Plate

This one is obvious. This one is also prohibitively expensive. I have sat behind home plate twice and both times were as the guest of a wealthy benefactor. The view is truly spectacular and you feel like the world is at your fingertips. It’s… odd.

While the view is incredible, for sure, for myself it’s just a good view. The experience feels sanitized. It doesn’t feel of the people. Sitting behind home plate is the equivalent of sitting in a box at the Opera in the 1880s. You’re there to be seen.

But still… that view.

Outfield Grandstand

This is my favorite. It’s grungy, but you’re close to the action. You can heckle players, and they’re far enough away that they might even reply back. It’s fun out there. I find that outfield is full of people trying to get as close to the action as possible, without breaking the bank. Not a bad compromise.

Plus, there’s the home run ball possibility. We’ve all dreamed of catching a foul ball, because we’re human. But catching a home run ball is something else entirely. And there’s always the chance that a round-tripper is heading your way. Bring a glove. Just do it.

On Top of the Flagpole

This is where my dad would threaten to buy my ticket the next time we came to a game if I didn’t stop crying over the mustard I got on my foam finger because I insisted on eating my hotdog without taking it off, which in hindsight was a mistake but really was it, like do you think you could do it? #FoamFingerChallenge

Behind the Home Dugout

In regards to seeing plays develop, this is the best vantage point. You can track a flyball, while also keeping an eye on the fielder’s route. Infield depth is tangibly perceptible here, and you might even catch a ball tossed into the stands by a member of the home team.

There’s also the Booster Club feeling to these seats.

Being so close to the hometown squad allows you to really let them know that you are, quite literally, right behind them. When a pitcher gets taken out of the game and you want to show your respect, guess who is walking right towards you.

For an “I’m the Number 1 Fan” experience, these are the seats. Plus a lot of the player’s friends and family sit in these sections, so you’re essentially related to your favorite player.

Directly Behind the Pitcher’s Mound

This seems to be where every loud fan in the ballpark wants to be sitting. Surely the pitcher wouldn’t have walked that guy if you had been coaching him from inches away. I’m sure the ump wouldn’t have blown that call at second were you to have swiveled around to show him where the tag landed.

Hell, you could even hold the rosin bag! What’s a rosin bag? You’ll find out in these seats!

And think about the advantage you’d give your team by heckling the opposing pitcher who is just trying to do his job. This seat is unavailable in most ballparks, which kinda sucks, but that’s the world we live in.

Infield Nosebleeds

These tickets are cheap and they’re great for groups. I say that because that’s where the ticket people sit big groups. However, there’s something nice about being with people who care the same single dollar amount about this game as you do.

Also, for specific ballparks, this is the view you want. I’ve sat in the second row, third base side at Oracle Park and I’ve sat in the upper level behind home plate, and the latter is superior and it’s not even close. If you love all aspects of going to a baseball game, this is the seat for you.

Your House

Pretty self-explanatory. Cheapest seat there is. You own it. Classic. Food you like. You get to control the volume. Most importantly, you can turn off the game and you’re already home! Nice!

That’s it. That’s the list. Petty good list if you ask me.