Curtain Call Etiquette

So after game two of the NLCS, we thought it would be helpful to provide the St. Louis Cardinals with an outline on “curtain call” etiquette.

Rule number one, a home run in itself does not merit an automatic curtain call, especially in the middle of the game. The baseball gods do not appreciate such self-loathing and will put that in the old memory bank. Rule number two – if you’re going to take a curtain call, both your feet must be completely out of the dugout and on the field, don’t go half-ass by taking a few steps up the dugout. Rule number three – don’t be pressured by the fans to take a curtain call, be a pro.

When to take a curtain call

The curtain call in large part only happens after a dramatic or historic home run. For example, Reggie Jackson’s three home runs against the Dodgers in game six of the 1977 World Series; Brian Johnson’s walk-off home run against the Dodgers in 1997; Barry Bonds after reaching career home run milestone records; Pablo Sandoval’s three home runs in game one of the 2012 World Series; a future hall of famer’s last game as a professional Major Leaguer (i.e. Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, Mariano Rivera, et al).

You get the picture … the curtain call is reserved only for the special and spectacular achievement. We can’t cheapen it with a solo home run in the sixth inning. This isn’t a Little League or AYSO game, this is the big leagues, and only the special moments deserve a curtain call.

Reggie Jackson - 1977 World Series

Brian Johnson - 1997 Beat LA

Pablo Sandoval - 2012 World Series