As the batter steps to the plate, the clamor crescendoes — a rhyming, thumping chant, often tailored to his name. Cheerleaders prance atop the dugout, accompanied by blaring recorded music or even live drums and brass instruments. Fans wield all manner of noise makers — clappers, pairs of plastic bats, small vuvuzelas — pretty much nonstop for nine innings. Read more here.