By Mike Tenant
Sheep Submission

We’ve all been there, stuck in a meeting or crunching on a document at work, but unable to concentrate at all. Why? Because the game was on.

It’s especially difficult this time of year, with baseball day games galore that you just have to follow. But since you’re typically stuck at work all day long, opportunities to actually enjoy them are few and far between. True, you might have a boss that’s as big a fan as you are, but for the most part, you have to be careful to not attract too much attention. As much as you’d rather be at the game, you’d rather not have to sacrifice your job in order to get there. In a similar vein, it is important to make sure that you still get your work done when employing the tactics below, as nobody likes getting fired.

Here are a few simple rules for enjoying the game in your office without being busted.

Actually watch the game

That’s the whole point here, right? Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, all you need is a computer or phone with Internet access to watch a game these days. And if you don’t have either in your office (although I don’t know why you wouldn’t), there’s even a portable TV made with you in mind.

Essentials:

• MLB.tv: Possibly the greatest advancement for sports fans since the Internet. Through MLB TV you can watch any and all out-of-market games live on your computer. MLB even offers HD streams of games that are clear enough to make you forget you’re stuck in the office until well past 5.
• Flo TV: MLB.tv is great, but if you’re without Internet access, FLO TV is your new best friend. This portable TV has some of the best available mobile channels, including ESPN, ensuring that you’ll never have to excuse yourself from the conference room again just to check the score. Made essentially with the office worker in mind, the screen is large enough to catch the details, but small enough to hide in your desk drawer when needed.

Always Look Busy

One of the trickiest things about watching the game in the office is looking like you’re actually working hard on your current assignment. This is essential, because as long as you look busy (and continue to get your work done on time), no one will bother you.

Essentials:

• Messy workspace: A messy desk can help create the illusion that you’re working furiously on your current project. Full notepads and highlighted printouts are an excellent tool to employ on game days. This also applies to your computer. Having several of your work-related applications can also add to the illusion that you’re furiously working away.
• Stay alert: This is the most essential part of catching the game while in the office. You always have to be ready to switch on your work switch if the boss happens to stop in to say hello. Listen for footsteps down the hall or watch for shadows to alert you to potential visitors.

Minimize outside interaction

Ever been to a ball game and not have something to drink? Us neither, but constant trips to the office kitchen can catch your boss’s attention, especially if you’re running down the hall to make sure you don’t miss the next pitch.

Essentials:

• Mini Fridge: Perhaps the very best option, if you can pull it off in your office. With the different sizes and colors available, there are plenty of options to help hide the appliance somewhere in an office.
• Portable Ice Maker: Easier to get away with than a mini fridge, a portable ice maker can sit quietly in your office ensuring that your drinks will remain cool without wasting a ton of your time or energy. Running back and forth to the refrigerator can be a pain, and would probably attract a bit of attention. These portable ice machines can make up to 35 pounds of ice per day – more than you’ll ever need.

Play ball.

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